Lost City Marathon 2025
8 Days 7 Nights Package:17-24 February 2025
Monday 17th February, 2025: Arrival in Mexico City
Fly in to Mexico City on the most suitable flight for you. From the airport you can make your way to the hotel in the city center with metro, metrobus, shuttle bus or taxi. Note that taxi fares are fixed between the airport and the city center. Our hotel is located in the historic center not far from the Zócalo.
Please bear in mind that check-in is not guaranteed before 15:00. However, the hotel offers the convenience of storing your luggage if you arrive early, allowing you to freely explore the city center.
Meals: No meals included this day.
Tuesday 18th February, 2025: Mexico City - guided Tour
We will take a closer look of Mexico City on today's guided tour. Although the city is massive and impossible to see in one day, we'll still get a feel for most of it on this tour.
The National Museum of Anthropology not only showcase the most impressive artifacts from Mesoamerican civilisations through time, it is also the perfect place to go to get an understanding of Mexico and how this fascinating nation has been shaped over time. Even if you're not a keen museum-visitor the adjoining park will provide a pleasant stop away from the bustling masses of the city.
We make our way south to the borough of Xochimilco - known for its canals and waterways that have been declared a World Heritage Site. Experience the vibrant culture and natural beauty of Mexico City as we set out on an enchanting canal boat ride on the famous "floating gardens" - Trajineras.
Back at our hotel there's time to explore the Zócalo and the pedestrian area surrounding our hotel.
Meals: Breakfast & lunch
Wednesday 19th February, 2025: Mexico City - tour to Teotihuacan
After breakfast we start our excursion to Teotihuacan - the famous Sun and Moon pyramids located about an hour's drive from the city center.
During its peak between 1AD to 500AD Teotihuacan is believed to have been one of the largest cities in the world with up to 125,000 inhabitants. It is still not clear to this day who the etnical inhabitants of the city was giving the entire complex an even more mystified touch. Our knowledagble local guide will walk us through the impressive architectural feats, and the mysterious Avenue of the Dead giving us a fascinating glimpse into one of the world's most remarkable archaeological treasures.
Meals: Breakfast & lunch
Thursday 20th February, 2025: Domestic flight to Palenque
After breakfast a transfer is arranged from the hotel to the airport to board the domestic flight to Villahermosa. Depending on the final number of participants we'll use one or two departures, one at 10:30 am and one at 12:35 pm. Flying time is roughly 1:40. It is possible to request the early or the later departure, but we cannot guarantee your request is met as it depends on the number of participants, the time of your booking etc.
Villahermosa is the capital of Tabasco state and from there we have about 2½ hours drive to Palenque where we'll check in at our hotel and can use the rest of the day and evening to settle in and relax.
Nestled just 8km from the mesmerizing Maya ruins of Palenque, Palenque town is a small and relaxing place to stay. This small and relaxing enclave boasts a lively central square and a collection of excellent restaurants. Upon checking into our hotel, you can immerse yourself in the evening ambiance of the town, setting the perfect stage to transition into "race weekend" mode.
Meals: Breakfast
Friday 21st February, 2025: Explore the Maya ruins of Palenque - Race briefing
The day before the race, we will journey to the captivating Maya ruins of Palenque, the starting point for the upcoming adventure.
Once a thriving Maya city-state, Palenque endured for nearly a millennium, meeting its demise on the cusp of the 9th century. Despite its medium size on the grand scale of Maya cities, Palenque held immense significance, serving as a vital hub situated between the expansive Yucatan plains and the towering mountains. This unique positioning made it a central point of connection for various city-states, resulting in Palenque boasting some of the most exquisite Maya architecture.
Remarkably, only around 10% of the structures have been unearthed, leaving the remainder of the city shrouded in the embrace of the jungle.
Following a guided tour, you'll have the opportunity to explore this historic site at your own pace before the bus departs. The adventure continues as all participants convene at the Chan-Kah Jungle Resort for a hearty lunch and a comprehensive race briefing led by race officials. Here, you'll receive your race packs, the most important details about tomorrow's race will be explained and questions can be asked to the officials and medical team, addressing any queries or concerns.
Upon returning to your hotel, the remainder of the afternoon is yours to unwind in the comfort of the hotel or take a leisurely stroll through the charming town of Palenque.
In the evening, we will indulge in a carb-loaded pasta buffet dinner served at the hotel, setting the stage for a night of excitement before the much-anticipated race day.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & pasta dinner
Saturday 22nd February, 2025: Race Day
Today is the big day! You will enjoy an early breakfast at your hotel before we take the bus to the start at 06:00 am.
Upon arrival at the Palenque Archeological Zone's parking lot, all runners will have the opportunity to drop off bags and items for the finish line, with conveniently accessible toilets at your disposal. The race unfolds in waves, commencing with marathon runners leading the charge in the initial waves, followed by half marathon runners in the latter waves.
Ten minutes before each wave kicks off, participants will be granted entry into the Archeological Zone, where they can line up at the start. It's essential to note that only items actively used during the race may be taken inside.
The race officially launches with the first wave setting off at 7:00 am.
The finish line is located by the Chiapaneca restaurant where a post-race meal is included. Convenient shuttle buses will be on standby, ready to transport runners back to their hotels.
Meals: Breakfast & lunch in the Finish Area
Sunday 23rd February, 2025: Optional excursion and celebration dinner
Following yesterday's exhilarating run, there are various options for unwinding today. For those seeking relaxation, it's the perfect day to relax by the pool, while others may opt for an exploration of the Palenque ruins.
For a more adventurous turn, consider booking an excursion with our knowledgeable Adventure guides to the breathtaking waterfalls of Agua Azul, promising a day filled with awe-inspiring natural beauty.
In the evening, buses will be waiting and ensuring everyone reaches the festive celebration dinner. We will rejoice in each others accomplishments and indulge in excellent food and drinks late into the evening.
Meals: Breakfast & celebration dinner (if the excursion to Agua Azul is booked, lunch is also included)
Monday 24th February, 2025: Return to MEX or extension
Our Palenque race adventure has come to an end. Transportation back to Villahermosa is arranged for the flight back to Mexico City. Again - depending on the final number of participants - we will have one or two flights back. One leaving at 09:00 am and one at 11:00 am. Requests can be made, but we cannot guarantee a specific departure as it depends on several factors. Hence you should not book your international flight out of Mexico City airport earlier than 5:00 pm this day.
If necessary it's possible to book a post night at the airport.
If you are not done with adventures in Mexico you can also book our Yucatan extension trip filled with colonial cities, 7 world wonder Chichen Itza and tranquil beach relaxation!
Meals: Breakfast
*Activities subject to change.
