Meaningful Travel & Real Connection for Gay Men
Small group cultural and adventure tours focused on friendship, belonging, and shared discovery.
Our Founding Journey:
Rio de Janiero, Brazil
Includes Round-trip Airfare, Lodging, All Meals, Excursions, Security, Photography
Limited to 35 participants
October 3–11, 2026
$5,395 (Shared Room) · $6,395 (Private Room)
Our first small group journey brings thoughtful gay men together in Rio de Janeiro for meaningful adventure, cultural immersion, and real friendship. This founding experience sets the tone for everything CAKO stands for.
Explore Rio’s beaches, neighborhoods, and cultural landmarks together
Experience local food, music, and traditions with expert guides
Share meaningful conversations and unforgettable moments
Build friendships that extend far beyond this journey
Why Thoughtful Gay Men Choose CAKO?
CAKO Tours & Retreats was created for gay men who want more than a vacation. Our journeys are designed for those who value depth, curiosity, cultural immersion, and genuine connection — with themselves, with others, and with the places they explore. As a founding community, our early travelers help shape the culture and spirit of what CAKO becomes.
Small Groups, Real Connection
We intentionally keep our groups small so everyone feels seen, supported, and included. This creates space for meaningful conversations, shared experiences, and the possibility of lasting friendships.
Curated Cultural & Adventure Experiences
Each journey is thoughtfully designed to blend cultural immersion, meaningful adventure, and relaxed pacing. Our goal is to go beyond tourist checklists and create experiences that feel engaging, enriching, and deeply human.
A Community in the Making
CAKO is in its founding phase, and our early travelers are part of building something meaningful together. We’re creating space for connection, mutual support, and relationships that can continue well beyond any single journey.
Integrity, Care, and Attention
From planning to departure, we approach every detail with care and transparency. Your safety, comfort, and peace of mind are central to how we design and lead each experience. Our journeys are hosted from start to finish, with experienced leadership and professional on-site support.
CAKO was founded from a belief that travel can be a powerful way for gay men to connect — not just with new places, but with themselves and with one another.
Travel That Brings People Together
We believe some of life’s most meaningful moments happen when people feel safe enough to be themselves and open enough to connect. Through small group travel experiences, our journeys bring together gay men from diverse backgrounds in a spirit of curiosity, respect, and shared discovery.
There is never pressure to participate in everything. Whether you’re outgoing or more reserved, traveling solo or with friends, you’re invited to engage at your own pace — building connection and community in ways that feel natural and authentic.
Airfare
Round-trip airfare from U.S. departure cities, including standard airline baggage allowance
Lodging
Premium, centrally located accommodations selected for comfort, safety, and community
What’s Included in Your Journey?
Your program fee is designed to be transparent, comprehensive, and easy to understand.
Meals
All scheduled group meals and gratuities, designed to encourage connection and shared experience
Excursions
Curated cultural experiences and outdoor activities, thoughtfully designed for shared discovery
View full list of inclusions →
[POP UP] The tour price includes:
Round-trip airfare from U.S. departure cities, including standard checked baggage
Premium accommodations in well-appointed, centrally located hotels
All scheduled group meals and gratuities, plus water and snacks during excursions
Curated cultural, sightseeing, and nature-based excursions
Local transportation and airport transfers
Comprehensive travel insurance
Hosted group activities and community-building experiences
Professional security and on-site support throughout the tour
Complimentary access to on-site self-service laundry facilities
Professional photography during key excursions, with high-quality digital images available to participants
With transparent pricing and no hidden fees, this is truly stress-free, all-inclusive gay group travel.
Support & Security
Professional on-site leadership, local partnerships, and attentive group support throughout the journey
Photography
Professional photography during key excursions to help preserve meaningful shared moments
View exclusions →
[POP UP] What’s Not Included
While this tour is all-inclusive, a few personal and optional expenses are not covered:
Alcoholic beverages
Non-alcoholic beverages beyond the two included per restaurant meal
Travel visa and passport-related fees (if applicable)
Airline baggage fees for luggage beyond the airline’s standard allowance, including any overweight or oversized items
Personal shopping and souvenirs
Optional activities or services for personal enjoyment or comfort
Charges billed directly to your hotel room (such as spa services and room service)
Snacks and refreshments between scheduled meals, beyond what is included
Beach chairs and umbrellas at public beaches outside the resort
These items vary by individual preference and are left to each guest’s discretion.
Need clarification?
We’re happy to answer any questions before you book.
How It Works
1. Explore the Experience
Learn about our featured destination, small group itinerary, and what’s included in your journey.
2. Reserve Your Spot
Secure your place with a simple registration and transparent, all-inclusive pricing.
3. We Handle the Details
From round-trip airfare and lodging to meals and curated excursions, we coordinate every aspect of your journey.
4. Travel in Community
Arrive with confidence and enjoy a thoughtfully hosted small group experience focused on connection, culture, and meaningful adventure.
Guided by Experience and Care
CAKO journeys are led by David Matheson and Cris Ruy, who bring together relational insight, international travel experience, and a shared commitment to thoughtful, community-centered, small group travel.
With backgrounds in personal growth, group facilitation, and cross-cultural leadership, they create environments where participants feel supported, respected, and genuinely at ease — allowing each journey to unfold with intention, warmth, and meaningful connection.
Expanding Global Experiences
CAKO is currently featuring our founding Rio de Janeiro journey, with additional international destinations thoughtfully in development.
As our global community grows, we look forward to offering carefully curated small group travel experiences in other culturally rich and LGBTQ+-friendly destinations around the world — always guided by the same commitment to connection, care, and quality.
Stories from Our Community
We look forward to sharing reflections and experiences from our founding journeys as CAKO grows.
Over time, this space will feature real stories from travelers who have explored the world with us through small group travel — in community, with intention, and with care.
Ready to Join Us in Rio?
Travel has the power to open doors — to new places, new perspectives, and new friendships.
Our founding CAKO small group journey to Rio de Janeiro offers a rare opportunity to experience one of the world’s most vibrant cities while building meaningful connections with other gay men in a thoughtfully curated, all-inclusive setting.
With boutique-scale group sizes, intentional community-building, and transparent, airfare-included pricing, this experience is designed for travelers who value adventure, culture, and genuine connection.
If you’re looking for more than a vacation — and more than a typical tour group — we invite you to join us.
$5,395 (Shared Room) · $6,395 (Private Room) — Airfare Included