Lost City Marathon

22 Feb 2025

Lost City Marathon 2024: 9-Day Package

Start your visit to Mexico by the beach in Playa del Carmen, visit Chichén Itzá and experience the vibrant cities of Campeche and Mérida.
19-27 Feb
9 days
1 490 USD

Registration is now closed. We expect 2025 details ready in April.

The 9-day package is an excellent opportunity to experience the Yucatan peninsula and its unique cenotes, world class beaches, colorful cities and of course the Chichén Itzá - one of the 7 modern wonders of the world.

Leaving Playa del Carmen behind, we embark on a journey, exploring the path towards Palenque while preparing ourselves for the big race day! 

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Itinerary

The itinerary is detailed below. This is what you'll be doing during your stay!

19 FEB 2024Arrival in Cancún - Transfer to Playa del Carmen

Arrival in Cancún

This exciting journey starts in Cancún airport. Upon your arrival, we'll be there to greet you and transport you to your selected hotel in Playa del Carmen, tailored to your arrival time.

The scenic drive to Playa del Carmen spans 45-60 minutes, and upon arrival you can effortlessly unwind and immerse yourself in the charm of the town.

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 or bask in the sun on the nearby beach.

For those yearning for additional exploration time, consider booking pre-nights to delve deeper into the enchanting surroundings.

Meals: No meals included on Standard package. Deluxe has all inclusive from the time of your check in.

20 FEB 2024Playa del Carmen

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.

Meals: Breakfast for standard package. Deluxe package has all inclusive.

21 FEB 2024Chichén Itza, cenote and Campeche

After breakfast it is time to wave goodbye to the beach as 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.

After our guided tour in Chichén Itzá we continue our journey west, and make a refreshing stop on our journey at a cenote for a swim. Cenotes are sinkholes where the limestone bedrock has collapsed and exposed groundwater. The Maya used these as a source of fresh water while today they are more popular as natural swimming pools. 

In the evening we reach the coastal city of Campeche - an often overlooked gem of the Yucatan peninsula - where we stay the night. The city's center boasts impeccably preserved Baroque colonial buildings and a walled historical district.

Meals: Breakfast

22 FEB 2024Campeche Sightseeing & Palenque

Independence Plaza in the Old Town of San Francisco de Campeche

We start the day with a small sightseeing in Campeche before heading west to Palenque, which we reach in the late afternoon.

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 

23 FEB 2024Explore 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 

24 FEB 2024Race 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, excluding drinks, food, bags, and extra clothing not worn for at least the initial 3 kilometers.

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

25 FEB 2024Optional 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 and Misol-ha, 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)

26 FEB 2024Mérida

Our Palenque race adventure has come to an end and 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, brace yourself for the allure of colonial architecture, the vibrant energy of local markets, and the heartwarming hospitality of its residents. 

Meals: Breakfast

27 FEB 2024Back to Cancún airport and goodbye Mexico

After an early breakfast our bus will bring us from Mérida to the airport in Cancún. Expected arrival is at 12:00pm, so keep this in mind when booking your flight home.

It is also possible to book a post-night in the airport if your return flight doesn't match the bus arrival time to the airport.

Happy travels!

Meals: Breakfast

Excursions

Misol-Ha & Agua Azul waterfalls

25 Feb | 5.5 hours | 85 USD
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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 meter 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" consist of several smaller falls and pools. The water is famous for its very clear and turqouise blue color.

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.

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Price information

Prices

All prices are per person in USD.

Standard
Shared double room: 1490 USD
Single room supplement: 450 USD

Deluxe
Shared double room: 1990 USD - SOLD OUT
Single room supplement: 690 USD - SOLD OUT

See more details under Accommodation.

Inclusions

  • 2 nights accommodation at chosen hotel in Playa del Carmen
  • 4 nights accomodation at chosen hotel in Palenque
  • 1 night accommodation in Campeche + 1 night in Mérida
  • Transfer from and to Cancún airport on 19th and 27th February 2024
  • Bus transportation as described in the program
  • Daily breakfast
  • Snack lunch and one beer or soft drink at the finish area day 6
  • Lunch day 4
  • Celebration dinner Day 7
  • Guided tour to Palenque ruins incl. entry ticket
  • Guided tour to Chichén Itzá ruins incl. entry ticket
  • English speaking tour leader

Note: If choosing the Deluxe package the stay in Playa del Carmen is all inclusive (some food and alcoholic beverages at a fee)

Exclusions

  • Race entry
  • Optional excursions
  • Travel and health insurance 
  • Meals not stated in the itinerary 
  • Beverages
  • Personal expenses
  • Anything not mentioned under 'Inclusions'

Race Entry

Marathon or Half-Marathon:

250 USD

Race entry includes: 

  • English-speaking race officials
  • English-speaking medical team from Denmark
  • Timing and results
  • Medal
  • Craft Runners T-shirt
  • Manned water and energy drink stations along the route 
  • Collapsible cup for hydration 
  • Transportation to start area and from finish area

Pre-night in Playa del Carmen. Post-night in Cancún airport.

It is possible to add one or two extra nights in Playa del carmen before the 9-day itinerary. Extra nights will be at the same hotel as chosen for the tour package.
Prices pr. person pr. night in USD:

Standard package: Hacienda Paradise Hotel
Shared doble room: 85 USD
Single room supplement: 85 USD

Deluxe package: Viva Wyndham Azteca
Shared doble room: 225 USD
Single room supplement: 100 USD

If finding a flight out of Cancún after 2:00pm is not possible on the last day of the tour it is possible to book a post-night at an airport hotel.

Cancún Airport hotel
Shared doble room: 100 USD
Single room supplement: 100 USD

Booking and Payment

The booking of a trip is binding for both customer and travel agency once the deposit (25% of the total trip price) has been paid at the time of booking on the booking.albatros-adventure.com website. The remaining amount must be paid 75 days prior to departure. A payment link will be sent 7 days before due date. If the deadline for the remaining payment is exceeded, there is no guarantee against otherwise unnecessary changes. Bookings made later than 75 days prior will require full payment immediately.

The email sent to the customer upon booking a trip acts as the booking confirmation. It is therefore of vital importance that the customer provides a valid email address.

Refer to our Terms & Conditions for further information.

Important Info

Questions about Palenque or Mexico?

For information on visas, currency, electricity, and more, please check our Destination Guide page.

For information on weather and clothing, please check the our Climate & Weather page. 

If you're curious about the destinations that we'll be visiting or other background information on Mexico, you can read all about it on our Travel Destination page. 

Registration is now closed. We expect 2025 details ready in April.