Lost City Marathon

22 Feb 2025

Lost City Marathon 2025: 5-Day Package

Enjoy a long weekend in lush and exotic Palenque with ample time to relax or explore the area.
20-24 Feb
5 days
1 090 USD

The Lost City Marathon takes place in Palenque in the state of Chiapas in Mexico. While the Maya ruin city remains the most renowned attraction, the area also captivates visitors with its lush jungle, waterfalls, rich fauna and delicious food. What's not to like?

English

Itinerary

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

20 February 2025Welcome to Villahermosa and Palenque, México

Palenque, Mexico

Today is arrival day. For a seamless journey, the optimal route is to fly into Villahermosa in the enchanting state of Tabasco. While international flights don't land directly in Villahermosa, worry not—there are seven daily flights from the bustling hub of Mexico City.

Meet n greet staff will be on standby to welcome you and your fellow runners at Villahermosa airport. Vehicles await at the airport, ready to whisk you away on a picturesque 2½-hour drive to your hotel in Palenque.

Please note that domestic flights are not included in your package. To ensure a spot on the bus, kindly share your flight details including arrival time with us.

For those opting for alternative modes of transportation to Palenque, take note that check-in at your chosen hotel is guaranteed from 15:00.

Meals: No meals included this day

21 February 2025Explore 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 

22 February 2025Race 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.

Ten minutes before the start, 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 starts at 7:00 am.

The finish line is located by the Chiapaneca restaurant where a post-race meal is included. Shuttle buses will be on standby, ready to transport runners back to their hotels.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch in the Finish Area

23 February 2025Optional 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 another 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 2025Goodbye Palenque

Our time in Palenque has come to an end. Transfers to Villahermosa airport will be arranged throughout the day, tailored to accommodate the flight times you've shared with us.

Please note that hotel check-out is scheduled for 10:00 am, but it is of course possible to use the public facilities of the hotel if you have a later departure.

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

Excursions

Agua Azul waterfalls

23 Feb | 6 hours | 80 USD
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If you are a fan of waterfalls you should not miss this excellent excursion to one of Mexico's best - the Agua Azul.

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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Extensions

Yucatán Highlights

24-1 Mar | 6 days | 1 490 USD
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  • 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 is subject to availability.

    Breakfast included.

  • Price information

    Shared double room: USD 1490
    Single room supplement: USD 500

  • Inclusions

    5 nights' accommodation according to itinerary
    Bus transportation according to itinerary
    Meals according to itinerary
    Entry ticket and local guide in Chichén Itzá
    English & Spanish speaking tour leader

  • Exclusions

    Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
    Personal expenses
    Beverages (except for what's included in the All Inclusive package in Playa del Carmen)
    Travel and Health Insurance
    Anything not mentioned under "Inclusions"

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Price information

Prices

All prices are per person in USD.

Standard
Shared double room: USD 1090
Single room supplement: USD 150

Deluxe
Shared double room: USD 1390
Single room supplement: USD 350

See more details under Accommodation.

Inclusions

  • 4 nights accommodation at your chosen hotel
  • Transfer from and to Villahermosa airport on 20th and 24th February 2025
  • Guided tour to Palenque ruins incl. entry ticket
  • Daily breakfast
  • Lunch and dinner Day 2
  • Celebration Dinner Day 4
  • Snack lunch at the finish line
  • English & Spanish speaking tour leader

Exclusions

  • Race entry
  • Flights
  • Optional excursions
  • Travel and health insurance 
  • Meals not stated in the itinerary
  • Gratuities for local guides and drivers
  • Beverages
  • Personal expenses
  • Anything not mentioned under 'Inclusions'

Race Entry

Marathon or Half-Marathon:

USD 295

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

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

Getting to Villahermosa

The 5-day tour package starts and ends in Villahermosa airport, but does not include flights.

Villahermosa Airport (VSA) does not serve international flights, but has seven (7) domestic flights daily from/to Mexico City (MEX) with AeroMexico. Viva Aerobus and Volaris also fly the route.

Direct flights between Villahermosa and Cancun are more limited and may not fit the itinerary.

Questions about Mexico or Palenque?

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.

Book this package

You will be taken to our booking site where you can complete your booking.