Monday, April 13, 2009

Great Places for Gay Vacations, Yucatan Cenotes and Caves

By Ricardo d Argence

When you are looking for interesting destinations for gay travel, there are a multitude of locations you can select from. For those that enjoy spending time on the beach and enjoying the water, Mexico's rich coasts present many engaging opportunities.

But, there is more than just the ocean if you're looking for water fun in Mexico. Many visitors enjoy the interesting and unique experience of a Yucatan Cenote vacation.

A Cenote is a natural sinkhole that is part of an intricate network of beautiful, age old rivers and caves that exist about 60 feet beneath the surface. They are carved from a subterranean landscape, and are one of the most striking features of the natural world.

Cenotes were formed in a process that took many thousands of years as caves and caverns collapsed to create sinkholes that become receptacles for water runoff. This provided a source of fresh water for the ancient Maya people in places with limited supplies of fresh water.

In antiquity, Cenotes played an important role surrounding spiritual rituals and the afterlife. They were considered the gateway to life after death, and were fastidiously maintained, allowing them to survive nearly unscathed in modern times.

Some people may hear words like "subterranean" and "underground" and conjure an image of a dark and foreboding place that's hardly suitable for a vacation. But, the exact opposite is true.

Cenote vacation areas have plenty of incredible adventures to offer. There are thousands of these Cenotes in the Yucatan region, and these caverns are some of the most attractive and unique destinations for the avid world traveler.

There are a number of reasons you should consider a visit to a Yucatan Cenote. The clear waters of the caves are some of the most beautiful to see and experience in all of Mexico.

These waters are completely free of currents making them quite relaxing and placid. The temperatures of the waters reach and average of 75 degrees making them significantly enjoyable to bask in. Such benefits are next to impossible to find in lakes and waters on the surface world and that makes a trip to a Cenote an original vacation concept.

Before you head off to a Yucatan Cenote, a little research is in order. Remember that there are many Cenotes in the region, and you'll want to choose the right destination for your vacation needs.

Also, when you do visit a Cenote, you want to be prepared for the trek down below the surface. When you trek down the spiraling walkways, enjoy the experience from a historical perspective. Some of the walkways are hundreds of years old and the rock formations in the caves are upwards of thousands of years old. So, do not rush past them. Stop and enjoy them for a second!

You might consider joining a tour group with a guided tour of the Cenote to take full advantage of this captivating experience. You're sure to enjoy yourself and bring home many wonderful memories.

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