Join us for a run back in time following in the footsteps of the Mayans for the awe-inspiring Lost City Marathon. Located close to the ancient city of Palenque, Mexico, this event, which also features a half marathon, has a breath-taking course along jungle trails, past majestic rivers, picturesque ranches and small villages. It's a challenging multi-terrain race with a few steep hills on the course. The Maya city of Palenque is nestled in the dense rainforests of the Chiapas region on Mexico'…
Join us for a run back in time following in the footsteps of the Mayans for the awe-inspiring Lost City Marathon. Located close to the ancient city of Palenque, Mexico, this event, which also features a half marathon, has a breath-taking course along jungle trails, past majestic rivers, picturesque ranches and small villages. It's a challenging multi-terrain race with a few steep hills on the course.
The Maya city of Palenque is nestled in the dense rainforests of the Chiapas region on Mexico's Yucatan peninsula and is surrounded by lush vegetation and breathtaking beauty.
The run and the five or eight-day trip provides a fascinating glimpse into the religious and cultural practices of the Mayan people who thrived in this once vibrant and powerful city. The area is famous for the well preserved and impressive architecture of the Maya civilization and it has now been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Only 10% of this magnificent city has been fully discovered, so much of it is still lost.
8 DAY/7 NIGHT PACKAGE
17 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 centre with Metro, Metrobus, shuttle bus or taxi. Note that taxi fares are fixed between the airport and the city centre. Our hotel is located in the historic centre 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 centre.
Meals: No meals included today.
18 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 for a better 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.
A full day to relax by the beach and enjoy Playa del Carmen.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
19 February 2025 - 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 centre.
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 inhabitants of the city were, 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 and lunch
20 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
21 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 & dinner
22 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
23 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)
24 February 2025 - Return to Mexico City 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
Inclusions
Note: If choosing the Deluxe package the stay in Playa del Carmen is all inclusive (some food and alcoholic beverages at a fee)
Exclusions
Excursion option:
23 February 2025 - Misol-Ha & Agua Azul waterfalls - £65
If you are a fan of waterfalls you will not want to miss this excellent excursion to two of Mexico's best - the Misol-Ha and the Agua Azul.
The Misol-Ha is a single drop 35 metre high waterfall that plunges into a circular crystal-clear pool surrounded by lush vegetation. A boardwalk will bring you safely behind the waterfalls, giving you a spectacular and awe-inspiring view.
Agua Azul, meaning "Blue Water" consists of several smaller falls and pools. The water is famous for its very clear and turqouise blue colour.
Lunch is included in the excursion.
We recommend that you bring good footwear (no flip flops) as it can be a little muddy around the falls.
5-DAY/4-NIGHT PACKAGE
20 February 2025 - Weclome to Villahermosa and Palenque, Mexico
Today is arrival day. The easiest way to reach Palenque is by flying in to Villahermosa in the state of Tabasco. There's no international flights landing in Villahermosa, but 7 daily flights coming in from Mexico City.
Event representatives will be ready in Villahermosa airport for each flight arrival today. In Villahermosa airport busses will be waiting to bring you down to Palenque, which is a 2½ hours drive.
Domestic flights are not included in the package, so we kindly ask you to inform us of the flight number and time you are arriving to ensure enough space on the bus.
If you plan to arrive in Palenque by a different means of transportation, check in to your hotel is guaranteed from 15:00.
Meals: No meals included this day
21 February 2025 - Explore the Maya ruins of Palenque - race briefing
The day before race day we drive to the Maya ruins of Palenque where the race will kick off.
The Palenque ruins used to be a Maya city state, but perished on the brink of the 9th century after more or less 1000 years of existence. It was a medium-sized city on a Maya scale, but none-the-less a very important site. Due to its location right between the flat Yucatan and the mountains Palenque become a connecting center for several city states and has some of the finest architecture of all the Maya cities.
It is estimated that only about 10% of the constructions have been excavated with the rest of the city still being lost to the jungle...
After the guided tour there will be time to explore the area on your own before the bus leaves. On the way back all runners meet at the Chan-Kah Jungle Resort for lunch and a race briefing by the race offials. At this time your race packs are handed out, the most important details about tomorrow's race will be explained and questions can be asked to the officials and medical team.
Back at your hotel the rest of the afternoon can be used to relax at the hotel or take a stroll through cosy Palenque town.
In the evening a pasta buffet dinner is served at your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
22 February 2025 - Race Day
Today is the big day! You will enjoy an early breakfast at your hotel before we take the 6am bus to the start.
All runners will be dropped off at the parking lot outside the Palenque Archeological Zone. Here bags and items for the finish line can be dropped and toilets will be available.
The race will be started in waves, with marathon runners in the first waves and half marathon runners in the latter waves.
Ten minutes before the start of each wave the runners in that wave will be allowed to enter the Archeological Zone and line up at the start. No items that are not being used during the race can be taken inside. This includes food and drinks of any kind, bags and extra clothing that you are not planning to wear for at least the first 3K of the race.
The first wave starts at 07:00 am.
The finish line is located by the Chiapaneca restaurant where a post-race meal is provided. Shuttle busses will be ready to bring runners back to their hotels from here.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch in the Finish Area & Dinner
23 February 2025 - Optional excursion and celebration dinner
After yesterday's run some of you may want to relax at the hotel pool or take another visit to the Palenque ruins on your own.
You could als book an excursion today to the stunning waterfalls of Agua Azul and Misol-ha with one of our Adventure guides.
In the evening buses will bring everybody to the festive celebration dinner.
Meals: Breakfast & celebration dinner (if the excursion to Agua Azul is booked, lunch is also included)
24 February 2025 - Goodbye Palenque
Our time in Palenque has come to an end. Transfers will be going to Villahermosa airport throughout the day according to the flight times you have informed us about.
If you arrived by Palenque by a different means of transportation, the hotel check out is at 10:00 am.
Meals: Breakfast
Inclusions
Exclusions
Excursion option:
25 February 2024 - Misol-Ha & Agua Azul waterfalls - £65
If you are a fan of waterfalls you should not miss this excellent excursion to two of Mexico's best - the Misol-Ha and the Agua Azul.
The Misol-Ha is a single drop 35 metre high waterfall that plunges into a circular crystal-clear pool surrounded by lush vegetation. A boardwalk will bring you safely behind the waterfalls, giving you a spectacular and awe-inspiring view.
Agua Azul, meaning "Blue Water" consists of several smaller falls and pools. The water is famous for its very clear and turqouise blue colour.
Lunch is included in the excursion.
We recommend that you bring good footwear (no flip flops) as it can be a little muddy around the falls.
Excursion option - Yucatan Highlights (6 Days/5 Nights)
24 FEB 2025: Campeche
After breakfast we set out towards Campeche. Along the way we stop in the cosy beach town Champotón to stretch legs and find lunch (not included). In the late afternoon we reach the coastal city of Campeche - an often overlooked gem of the Yucatan peninsula - where we stay the night near the waterfront with the city centre just a few minutes walk away. The city's center boasts impeccably preserved Baroque colonial buildings and a walled historical district.The actual time driving this day is expected to be around 6 hours.
Breakfast included.
25 FEB 2025: Mérida
There will be time for a stroll or a run along the waterfront just across the street from our hotel this morning. Our tour leader and local guide will also conduct a guided tour of Campeche before we're revving up for the next chapter —Mérida! Proudly holding the title of Yucatan's capital, Mérida unfolds as a captivating city, weaving a cultural tapestry blending Maya and Spanish influences. Beyond its historical significance, Mérida stands tall as the safest city in all of Mexico.
As we roll into Mérida after roughly 3 hours drive, we are met directly by the colonial architecture, the vibrant energy of local markets, and the heartwarming hospitality of its residents. Our rooms are most likely not ready at the time we arrive, so our tour leader will take us on a guided walk through the city center pointing out good places to go for lunch and dinner later on.
Breakfast included.
26 FEB 2025: Chichén Itzá & Playa del Carmen
After breakfast we head inland for the amazing Chichén Itzá. Crowned as one of the 7 Modern Wonders of the World in 2007, this iconic Maya city holds a paramount position in the civilization's history. The renowned pyramid, El Castillo, stands as a geometric, astronomical, and architectural marvel at the heart of the archaeological zone, surrounded by meticulously excavated and reconstructed structures, including an exceptional ball court from the Maya era.
We will start with a guided tour after which we'll be given time to explore the place at our own pace. As we leave Chichén Itzá we continue East to the famous Riviera Maya and Playa del Carmen. As we are now entering the state of Quintana Roo we must change our clocks 1 hour forward, as Quintana Roo operates with Eastern Standard Time and not Central Standard Time. In Playa del Carmen we check in to our hotel with All Inclusive and can now kick back and enjoy the real Mexican holiday atmosphere.
Breakfast & dinner included.
27 FEB 2025: Playa del Carmen
Experience a full day in Playa del Carmen, where the sun-kissed shores invite relaxation and exploration. Unwind on the beach or dive into the turquoise waters for a refreshing swim in this stunning coastal paradise.
If you want more action you can stroll the vibrant streets and immerse yourself in the local culture at the bustling markets.As the sun sets, the city comes alive with the beats of lively bars and the aroma of delectable Mexican cuisine wafting through the air.
All Inclusive!
28 FEB 2025: Playa del Carmen
Another day to relax in Playa del Carmen. There's plenty of activities to book if you want to go snorkelling, swim in a cenote or visit more Maya ruins. The hotel and your tour leader will advise you where to find the local tour operators offering various excursions and activities.
All Inclusive!
01 MAR 2025: End of tour
Our time in Mexico is over and it's time to head home. latest check out time at the hotel is 12:00 pm. Transfer to Cancun Airport is included in the price and will be arranged to match your flight out of Cancun this day. It is possible to request extra nights if you want to extend your stay, but extra nights and price are subject to availability.
Breakfast included.
Inclusions
Exclusions
All prices are PER PERSON.
IF YOU ARE TRAVELLING ALONE THEN THE SINGLE PRICE APPLIES
Packages
5-day/4-night package
All prices are per person in pounds (£)
Standard
Twin / Double room: £869
Single room supplement: £120
Deluxe
Twin / Double room: £1099
Single room supplement: £280
8-day/7-night package
All prices are per person in pounds (£)
Standard
Twin / Double room: £1429
Single room supplement: £320
Deluxe
Twin / Double room: £1669
Single room supplement: £480
Pre-night in Mexico City: NH Centro Historico
Standard - £96 per person in a twin or double room. Single room supplement - £76
Post night Mexcico City Airport: Camino Real Airport Hotel
£128 per person in a twin or double room. Single room supplement - £116
Non-refundable deposits (payable at the time of booking)
£400 - Runner deposit
£200 - Supporter deposit
Race Entry
Marathon or Half-Marathon: £235
Race entry includes:
Excursion
Misol-Ha & Agua Azul waterfalls: £65
EXCURSION - YUCATAN HIGHTLIGHTS
Twin/Double Room £1195 (per person, two people sharing a room)
Single supplement £400 (one person occupying the room)
WE STRONGLY ADVISE YOU TO TAKE OUT TRAVEL INSURANCE. TRAVEL INSURANCE SHOULD PROTECT YOUR DEPOSIT OR ANY OTHER PAYMENTS IF YOU CANCEL THE TRIP DUE TO INJURY, ILLNESS OR UNFORSEEN CIRCUMSTANCES. WE DO NOT REFUND DEPOSITS AND WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE IF YOU DECIDE TO CANCEL YOUR TRIP AFTER IT IS CONFIRMED.
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