Lost City Marathon and Half-Marathon

Optional Excursions

Taco Tasting & Lucha Libre | February 17 | 4 Hours (Mexico City)

Kick your evening off at Taquería El Caifán with taco tasting and a cold beer (or non-alcoholic drink) and learn about the legends and theatrics behind the masks before heading over to the iconic Arena Mexico to see the high-energy traditional match.

Monarch Butterfly Reserve | February 17 | 7-8 Hours (Mexico City)

Experience one of nature’s most incredible journeys as millions of monarch butterflies arrive in the mountain forest of central Mexico.  From January to February, the butterflies cluster in dense, fluttering groups on the oyamel fir trees at altitudes above 3,000 meters.  We will travel two hours from Mexico City to Piedra Herrada Sanctuary where we will take a 45–60-minute hike or optional horseback ride to the heart of the reserve.  Comfortable shoes and a light jacket are recommended.

Cooking Class | February 18 | 3 Hours (Mexico City)

Immerse yourself in the vibrant traditions of Mexican cuisine with an unforgettable evening of hands-on cooking and delicious dining.  In this lively cooking class, a local chef will guide you step by step through the art of preparing an authentic Mexican meal. Using fresh, local ingredients, you’ll learn essential techniques—from chopping and slicing to mixing and blending—as you craft a flavorful feast from scratch. After we’ve cooked up our culinary creations, we’ll enjoy dinner together.

Agua Azul Waterfalls | February 22| 6 Hours (Palenque)

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” consists of several smaller falls and pools. The water is famous for its very clear and turquoise blue color.  Be sure to bring good footwear (no flip flops) as it can be muddy around the falls. (Lunch included)

Post-Race Extension – Yucatán Highlights | 5 Nights | February 23 – 28, 2026

Monday, February 23 – Campeche 

After breakfast we will make our way to Campeche stopping in the cozy beach town of Champotón to stretch our legs and enjoy lunch (lunch not included).  Upon reaching Campeche in the late afternoon, you will have some time to explore the impeccably preserved Baroque colonial buildings and walled historic district and settle into your hotel near the city center and the waterfront.  Today’s driving time is approximately 6 hours. (Breakfast included)

Tuesday, February 24 – Mérida 

This morning, you have time for a stroll or run along the waterfront before joining your tour leader and local guide on a tour of Campeche.  After our tour, we head to Mérida – the proud Capital of Yucatan.  A captivating city, blending Maya and Spanish influences, Mérida is also considered one of Mexico’s safest cities.  The three-hour drive to this vibrant city will be followed by a guided walk through Mérida’s bustling local market and the city center where you will find suggestions for good lunch and dinner venues. After the walk, rooms will be ready to relax before you set out for town and have dinner at your choice of one of the fabulous local restaurants. (Breakfast included)

Wednesday, February 25 – Chichén Itzá & Playa del Carmen 

Crowned as one of the 7 Modern Wonders of the World in 2007, this iconic Maya city holds a paramount position in this 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.

A guided tour will be followed with some time for exploring on your own.

As our road trip continues East to the famous Riviera Maya and Playa del Carmen, we enter the state of Quintana Roo and clocks must be moved forward one (1) hour (Quintana Roo is on Eastern Standard Time and not Central Standard Time).

In Playa del Carmen we check into our all-inclusive hotel, and it is time to relax and enjoy the festive Mexican atmosphere. (Breakfast & dinner included)

Thursday, February 26 – Playa del Carmen 

Experience 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, 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 beat of music from lively bars and the aroma of delectable Mexican cuisine wafting through the air. (All inclusive)

Friday, February 27 – Playa del Carmen 

Enjoy another day of relaxation in Playa del Carmen. Optional activities, including snorkeling, swimming in a cenote or visiting more Maya ruins can be booked with local tour operators.  The hotel and your tour leader will advise you where to find the local tour operators offering various excursions and activities. (All inclusive)

Saturday, February 28 – Transfer to Cancun 

Our time in Mexico has come to an end and it is time to head home.  If you would like to extend, it is possible to request additional nights (subject to availability). Check out time is 12:00 PM and transfers to Cancun Airport (included) will be arranged according to your flight home. (Breakfast included)

Lost City Marathon Tour | Four-Night Package: February 19 – 23, 2026

Post-Race Extension to Yucatán | 5-Night Package: February 23 – February 28, 2026

Features:  

• Five (5) Night Hotel Accommodations & taxes according to itinerary
• Bus transportation per itinerary
• Meals per itinerary
• Entry ticket and local guide in Chichén Itzá
• English & Spanish speaking tour leader

Not Included: 

• Meals not stated in the itinerary
• Personal expenses
• Beverages (except those included in All Inclusive package in Playa del Carmen)
• Anything not mentioned under Package Features

Important information regarding Domestic flights:

For guests booking the 8-Night package:

Our 8-Night Package includes domestic flights on February 19th (MEX-VSA) and on February 23rd (VSA-MEX). Depending on the final number of participants we’ll use one or two departures from Mexico City to Villahermosa, one at 10:40AMand one at1:15PM. Flying time is approximately 1 hour 40 minutes. Your return flight on February 23rd (VSA-MEX) will be on one of two departures depending on the number of participants. The first flight will depart at 8:38AM and the second at10:25AM. It is possible to request the early or the late departure, but we cannot guarantee your request as it depends on the number of participants and the time of your booking. We recommend that you book your international flight out of Mexico City airport AFTER 5:00 pm on February23rd.

For guests booking the 8-Night package AND the Extension:

If you book the 8-Night package AND the extension tour, $120 will be deducted from your trip cost. On February 19th your flights will be as above. On Feb 28th, your trip will end in Cancun and your transfer to the Cancun airport is included and will be arranged to match your international departure flight (please provide flight information as requested). Check out time from the hotel is 12:00PM.  Plan to book your international flight home from Cancun.

Travel Insurance

Race Date: Feb 21, 2026

Race Time: Marathon and Half-Marathon will start in waves with the first wave departing Palenque at 7:00AM.  The number of waves depends on the number of registered runners.

Course: Starting in Palenque, both Marathon and Half-Marathon runners will pass by remnants of the ancient Maya city through lush jungle trails for the first 3km at which time the path turns downhill and changes to asphalt and gravel road until you reach the foothills of the mountains.  Here it begins to ascend and soon after the Half-Marathoners turn off to complete a relatively flat loop through ranches and the village of Cardenas and the finish line. The Marathon route continues to ascend from the junction point and ventures onto narrow trails, challenging hills and refreshing river crossings before heading downhill to run the Half-Marathon loop before crossing the finish line.

Temperature: February is one of the driest months in Mexico, with hot weather and pleasant water temperatures. You can expect an average daily high of around 80°F. It is one of the most popular months to visit as it is not too hot and there is very little chance of rain. Shorts and T-shirt/singlet are preferred by many, but you may opt for long tights and sleeves to avoid ticks when running through the jungle.

Entry Fee: Our guaranteed race entry with our four or seven-night package is $315 for the marathon or half-marathon.  It includes transportation to the start, a race T-shirt, finishers medal and lunch after the race at La Chiapaneca Restaurant.  Your entry is guaranteed after receipt of a completed tour application form and deposit.

Time Limit: The Marathon and Half-Marathon course time limit is seven (7) hours NET.

Difficulty: Challenging hilly course on trails and gravel roads. Half-Marathon is somewhat flatter.

For more information click 2025 Lost City Marathon – Route, Elevation & Race Information