Lost City Marathon and Half-Marathon

Welcome to Villahermosa and Palenque, México. Plan your arrival to Villahermosa (VSA). Seven flights arrive from Mexico City daily. A representative will meet you at the airport and Villahermosa airport buses will be waiting to transport you to Palenque (2.5 hours drive). Guests can check into the hotel in Palenque after 3:00PM. (No meals included)

Today, we will drive to the Maya ruins of Palenque, the starting point of your run! After a guided tour you will have the opportunity  to explore the ruins on your own. The Palenque ruins were once a great Mayan city but perished on the brink of the 9th century after almost 1000 years of existence. Its location between the flat Yucatan and the mountains, positioned Palenque to become a connecting center for several city states and, as such, had some of the finest architecture of all the Maya cities. It is estimated that only 10% of the buildings have been excavated with the rest of the city still lost to the jungle. After the guided tour, you will have time to explore the area on your own before the bus leaves. Before returning to our respective hotels, runners will meet at the Chan-Kah Jungle Resort for lunch and a race briefing by the race officials. You will receive your race packets and important details about tomorrow’s race will be explained and questions answered. 

Back at your hotel the rest of the afternoon can be used to relax or enjoy a stroll through Palenque. In the evening a pasta buffet dinner is served at your hotel. (Breakfast, lunch & dinner included) 

Race Day! Enjoy an early breakfast at your hotel and catch a bus at 6:00AM to take all runners & spectators to the start. Runners will be dropped off at the parking lot outside the Palenque Archeological Zone where personal belongings for the finish can be left and toilets are available for your convenience. The race will start in waves at 7:00 AM, with marathon runners in the first waves and half marathon runners in the last waves. 10 minutes before the start of each wave, runners in that wave will enter the Archeological Zone and line up. Item that are not being used for the race may not be taken into the Archeological Zone. Nothing can be left within the first 3km of the start. The finish line is located at the Chiapaneca restaurant where runners will enjoy a post-race meal. Shuttle buses bring runners back to their hotels. (Breakfast & lunch at finish area)

Optional Excursion and Celebration Dinner. After yesterday’s run you have the option to relax at the hotel pool or take another visit to the Palenque ruins on your own. Additionally, you can book the optional excursion to the Agua Azul Waterfalls with our Adventure guides. These breathtaking waterfalls promise a day filled with relaxation and beauty. In the evening, buses will transport all guests to enjoy a celebratory dinner with your new friends! (Breakfast & celebration dinner included) (Agua Azul Waterfall excursion includes lunch)

Plan your arrival to Mexico City (MEX) and make your way to our hotel in the city center. Located in the historic city center, the 4-star NH Centro Historico Hotel will be your home for three (3) nights. Only one block from the Zócalo and a short walk from Alameda Park and Chinatown, it is the perfect base to explore the city on foot! Luggage can be stored at your hotel if you arrive before 3:00 PM giving you time to stroll around the city when you arrive. (No meals included today) 

Explore Mexico City on today’s guided tour. Visit the National Museum of Anthropology which showcases Mesoamerican civilization throughout time and highlights how the nation of Mexico has been shaped. The adjoining park provides a quiet rest from the bustling city. Making our way south to the borough of Xochimilco, a World Heritage Site known for its canals and waterways, you will experience the vibrant culture and natural beauty as we set out on an enchanting canal boat ride on the famous “floating gardens” – Trajineras. 

Upon returning to our hotel, you will have time to explore the nearby pedestrian shopping area. (Breakfast & lunch included) 

After breakfast we start our excursion to Teotihuacan – the famous Sun and Moon pyramids located about an hour’s drive from the city center. 

Our knowledgeable 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. (Breakfast & lunch included) 

After breakfast we transfer to the airport for our domestic flight to Villahermosa. Depending on the number of participants, guests will be assigned to one of two departures (10:30 AM or 12:35 PM).  The flight is approximately 1:40 hours. Upon arrival, buses will take us to Palenque (2.5 hours) where we will check into our hotel, settle in and you are free to choose one of the many restaurants in the lively central square to experience the local cuisine. (Breakfast included) 

Today, we will drive to the Maya ruins of Palenque, the starting point of your run! After a guided tour you will have the opportunity  to explore the ruins on your own. The Palenque ruins were once a great Mayan city but perished on the brink of the 9th century after almost 1000 years of existence. Its location between the flat Yucatan and the mountains, positioned Palenque to become a connecting center for several city states and, as such, had some of the finest architecture of all the Maya cities. It is estimated that only 10% of the buildings have been excavated with the rest of the city still lost to the jungle. After the guided tour, you will have time to explore the area on your own before the bus leaves. Before returning to our respective hotels, runners will meet at the Chan-Kah Jungle Resort for lunch and a race briefing by the race officials. You will receive your race packets and important details about tomorrow’s race will be explained and questions answered. 

Back at your hotel the rest of the afternoon can be used to relax or enjoy a stroll through Palenque. In the evening a pasta buffet dinner is served at your hotel. (Breakfast, lunch & dinner included) 

Race Day! Enjoy an early breakfast at your hotel and catch a bus at 6:00AM to take all runners & spectators to the start. Runners will be dropped off at the parking lot outside the Palenque Archeological Zone where personal belongings for the finish can be left and toilets are available for your convenience. The race will start in waves at 7:00 AM, with marathon runners in the first waves and half marathon runners in the last waves. 10 minutes before the start of each wave, runners in that wave will enter the Archeological Zone and line up. Item that are not being used for the race may not be taken into the Archeological Zone. Nothing can be left within the first 3km of the start. The finish line is located at the Chiapaneca restaurant where runners will enjoy a post-race meal. Shuttle buses bring runners back to their hotels. (Breakfast & lunch at finish area)

Optional Excursion and Celebration Dinner. After yesterday’s run you have the option to relax at the hotel pool or take another visit to the Palenque ruins on your own. Additionally, you can book the optional excursion to the Agua Azul Waterfalls with our Adventure guides. These breathtaking waterfalls promise a day filled with relaxation and beauty. In the evening, buses will transport all guests to enjoy a celebratory dinner with your new friends! (Breakfast & celebration dinner included) (Agua Azul Waterfall excursion includes lunch)