Lost City Marathon Package 2026
5 days / 4 nights itinerary from 19 - 23 February, 2026
Enjoy a long weekend in lush and exotic Palenque with ample time to relax or explore the area.
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?
19 February 2026: Welcome to Villahermosa and Palenque, Mexico
Welcome to Mexico! 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.
Our smiling officials will be on standby to welcome you and your fellow runners at Villahermosa airport and vehicles will be 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
20 February 2026: Explore the Maya ruins of Palenque & Race briefing
After breakfast, we will board your bus and drive to Chiapaneca restaurant where race officials will provide you with the most important details about tomorrow's race and distribute your goodie bags.
Your journey will then continue to the captivating Maya ruins of Palenque, the starting point for your upcoming adventure. Following a guided tour, you'll have the opportunity to explore this historic site at your own pace before the bus departs.
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. If you have booked our Deluxe tour package, a lift to town will be arranged for you.
In the evening, we will indulge in a carb-loaded pasta buffet served at the hotel, setting the stage for a night excitement before the much anticipated race day.
Meals: Breakfast & pasta dinner
21 February 2026: RACE DAY
Today is the big day! At 06.00, after an early breakfast at your hotel, we will board a bus to the Palenque Archeological Zone parking lot.
Upon arrival, 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 stage 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. Only items actively used during the race may be taken inside.
The race officially launches with the first wave setting off at 07.00 am.
The finish line is located by the Chiapaneca restaurant, where we will enjoy a delicious lunch after the run. Shuttle buses will be on standby, ready to transport runners back to their hotels.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch in the Finish Area
22 February, 2026: 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 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 in time. 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)
23 February, 2026: Return to Villahermosa or hello extension!
Unfortunately, our Lost City race adventure has come to an end.
Transfers back 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's possible to store your luggage at the hotel if you have a later departure.
If you are not done with exploring Mexico, you can join our 6-day Yucatan Extension packed with natural and historical wonders, amazing food and stunning beaches.
Meals: Breakfast
*Activities subject to change
Lost City Marathon 2026
9 days / 8 nights itinerary from 15 - 23 February, 2026
Start your visit to Mexico in the vibrant capital of Mexico City before flying to Palenque for the big race day!
The 9-day package is an excellent opportunity to experience Mexico City and enjoy the comfort of having your domestic flight to Palenque all taken care off.
15 February 2026 Welcome to Mexico city!
You can fly to Mexico City on the most suitable flight for you. From the airport, you can make your way to your hotel in the city center with metro, metrobus, shuttle bus or a taxi. Note: Taxi fares are fixed between the airport and the city center.
Our hotel is located in the historic center 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 center.
Meals: No meals included this day.
16 February 2026 Mexico City - guided tour
After breakfast, we will take a closer look at Mexico City with a guided tour. Although the city is massive and impossible to see in one day, you can still get a feel for it, its versatility and history.
We will take you to the National Museum of Anthropology which showcases impressive artifacts from Mesoamerican civilisations; the perfect place to gain an understanding of Mexico and how this fascinating nation has been shaped over time.
Even if you're not a keen museum-go'er the adjoining park will provide a pleasant stop away from the bustling masses of the city.
In the afternoon, we will make our way south to the borough of Xochimilco - known for its canals and waterways that have been declared a World Heritage Site. From there we will set out on an enchanting canal boat ride on the famous Trajineras or floating gardens.
Upon returning to our hotel, you will have time at your own leisure to explore Zócalo and the pedestrian area surrounding our hotel.
Meals: Breakfast & lunch
17 February 2026 Relaxation & Optional excursions
Spend the day exploring the city on your own or join our optional excursions:
You can go and witness lucha libre, a full-blown spectacle of the famous Mexican wrestling, or join a day trip to one of Mexico’s Monarch Butterfly Reserves.
Meals: Breakfast (if the lucha libre is booked, you will have a small tasting of tacos and a national beer (or non-alcoholic drink) included)
18 February 2026 Mexico City - 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 center.
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 ethnical inhabitants of the city were, giving the entire complex an even more mystified touch. 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.
In the evening you will have an oportunity to join an optional cooking class where you can improve your skills in preparing Mexican food and impress your friends at home!
Meals: Breakfast & lunch (if the cooking class is booked, dinner is also included)
19 February 2026 Domestic flight to Palenque
It's time to join the other runners! After breakfast, a bus will bring you to the airport from where we board a domestic flight to Villahermosa. Depending on the final number of participants, we will schedule either one or two departures, one at 10:40 am and one at 13:15 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 and the time of your booking.
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.
Upon checking into your hotel, you can start to prepare for the big race weekend.
Meals: Breakfast
20 February 2026 Explore the Maya ruins of Palenque & Race briefing
After breakfast, we will hit the road to Chiapaneca restaurant where race officials will provide you with the most important details about tomorrow's race and distribute your goodie bags.
Your journey will then continue to the captivating Maya ruins of Palenque, the starting point for the upcoming adventure. Following a guided tour, you'll have the opportunity to explore this historic site at your own pace before the bus departs.
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. If you have booked our Deluxe tour package, a lift into town will be arranged for you.
In the evening, we will indulge in a carb-loaded pasta buffet served at the hotel, setting the stage for a night of excitement before the much-anticipated race day.
Meals: Breakfast & pasta dinner
21 February 2026 Race Day
Today is the big day! At 06.00 am, after an early breakfast at your hotel, we will board a bus to the Palenque Archeological Zone parking lot.
Upon arrival, 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 stage 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. 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 we will enjoy a delicious lunch after the run. Shuttle buses will be on standby, ready to transport runners back to their hotels.
Meals: Breakfast & lunch in the Finish Area
22 February 2026 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 hang out 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 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 in time. 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)
23 February 2026 Return to Mexico City or hello extension!
Unfortunately, our Lost City race adventure has come to an end.
Transportation back to Villahermosa is arranged for your flight back to Mexico City. Again - depending on the final number of participants - we will have one or two flights back. One leaving at 08:38 am and one at 10:25 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 you are not done with exploring Mexico you can join our 6-day Yucatan extension packed with natural and historical wonders, amazing food and stunning beaches.
Meals: Breakfast
*Activities subject to change.
