Mexico City and Surroundings Running Experience in Mexico

Aug 30 to Sept 2, 2024

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Mexico City and Surroundings Running Experience in Mexico
  • About
  • Gallery
  • Itinerary
  • Things to keep in mind

Discover the vibrant soul of Mexico City and its breathtaking natural surroundings. Traverse iconic spots and lively neighborhoods, including the exhilarating Urban Sunset Run. Conquer high-altitude trails on Paso de Cortés, and dive into ancestral traditions in Xochimilco. Experience profound connection through a Mayan Temazcal ceremony. Unveil the city’s essence in this unforgettable journey.

Discover the world through running

We are committed to helping humanity gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationship to nature and to others, by designing experiences, sharing stories, and creating a diverse and inclusive community around a new and sustainable vision of life.

About

Transportation throughout the whole experience.

Specially designed trails along the magical landscapes of Mexico City.

Carefully curated culinary experiences.
*We can accommodate all dietary preferences.

Exclusively designed yoga and meditation sessions.

All meals and accommodations for the duration of the experience.

Entrance tickets to all national parks and attractions are included in the experience.

Knowledgeable and professional local guides.

Merchandise.

Complimentary La Familia Global Community Membership (USD $25 value).

Airfare for your inbound and outbound flights to Mexico City.

Travel Insurance. We highly recommend securing personal travel insurance for your peace of mind.

Alcoholic beverages and any additional meals beyond the provided ones.

Experience the allure of stunning colonial accommodations with rich history and original fixtures in a modern environment. The hotel offers suite accommodation and a breathtaking private garden terrace, all nestled in the heart of one of Mexico City’s oldest and most historic neighborhoods, characterized by cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, lively restaurants,cafes and gorgeous  parks.


Standard accommodation option involves double shared lodging. However, you have the choice to enhance your experience by upgrading to private accommodations at check-out.

This far exceeded my expectations of what I thought running in an urban landscape would be. The guides were not only knowledgeable but embodied the consciousness of their talk. From environmental and social observations to the history that surrounded us, Santi, Sofi, and Ricardo were living personifications of a culturally rich and encouragingly hopeful Mexico. This experience taught me that there's constantly a beauty that surrounds us even in the most unexpected of places such as an urban landscape. That even the discomfort of a Temazcal carries within it an unimaginable beauty and appreciation for culture and the human spirit. Life puts us through an array of experiences, some of which you come out a different person on the other side. This is one of them."

- Daniel Maluleka, Participant In Our March 2023 Edition

Gallery
About The Host
Santiago

Santiago

Santiago resides in Valle de Bravo and hails from a family of mountaineers and runners, and he carries on their legacy by achieving a notable ‘Fastest Known Time’ (FKT) as well as setting records in various national and international marathons.

According to Santiago, running plays a pivotal role in self-discovery and understanding the world that envelops us. He perceives trail running and its connection to nature as a much-needed remedy in these tumultuous times.

Conversations with Santiago are likely to involve passionate discussions about volcanoes, explorations of indigenous heritage, anecdotes about Mexican trail running legends, and dad jokes. Beyond his passion for running, he imparts outdoor education to children, aids in race organization, and identifies himself as a natural architect and outdoor facilitator.


Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Mexico City - 10 km Urban Sunset Run

A few days before the trip, each participant will receive instructions on reaching the accommodation facility situated in the Coyoacan area. From here, we will start our epic Urban Sunset Run route, maintaining a friendly pace while hopping through south neighborhoods in Mexico City. This route is ideal for acclimatizing to the altitude of Mexico City.

Following that, we will run directly to our Welcome Dinner venue.

Accommodation: Boutique Hotel located in the heart of Coyoacán  | Double occupancy  
Welcome Dinner: Included.

Day 2: Visit to the Xochimilco Floating Gardens - Ciudad Universitaria 8 km run

We will rise early for our day trip to Xochimilco, or “where the flowers grow.” Here, we will embark on a trajinera boat ride that will guide us through the lake’s intricate canals to the chinampas: traditional farming lake beds. From this point, we will indulge in a unique yoga and meditation session, overlooking the lake, wetlands, river, and farming ranges. Following this, a delicious farm-to-table brunch, courtesy of our local hosts, awaits us.

Later in the afternoon, we will partake in a relaxing 8 km run across the vast and expansive campus of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). 

We will conclude the day with an absolutely fabulous dinner in a charming location within the Coyoacan borough.

Accommodation: Boutique Hotel located in the heart of Coyoacan | Double Occupancy

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner: Included

Day 3: Paso de Cortés 18 km High Altitude Run - Temazcal Sweat Lodge Ceremony

Today, we’re embarking on an exhilarating 18 km high-altitude run, exploring the captivating landscapes of Paso de Cortés.Our journey will commence at the secondary summit of the majestic Iztaccíhuatl volcano, standing proudly at 4,300 meters. From this elevated point, we’ll be treated to sweeping vistas of the iconic Popocatépetl volcano and the expansive valleys of Puebla-Tlaxcala and México.

As we navigate the rocky and sandy terrain, tracing our path back through smooth trails, we’ll pause to refuel with delicious quesadillas at the base of these colossal volcanoes.

Returning from our day in Izta, we’ll head back to Mexico City for a unique and memorable experience—a temazcal sweat lodge ceremony. This ancient ritual promises to connect us with the cultural and spiritual essence of the region in a way that will stay with us into the future. It’s a shared moment that will become a cherished part of our collective journey.

Accommodation: Boutique Hotel located in the heart of Coyoacan | Double Occupancy

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner: Included

Day 4: 7 km Sightseeing run - Park Yoga Session - Farewell breakfast

Before the urban hustle and bustle takes over, we will embark on a captivating 7 km run through the Viveros de Coyoacan, one of the great lungs of Mexico City. Our route will seamlessly guide us to the tranquil park—a sanctuary amid the city’s buzz. As we arrive at our spot in the midst of the park, we’ll take a moment to close our eyes, connect with our bodies, and breathe deeply, finding serenity amidst the urban sounds in a revitalizing yoga session.

As the morning sun bathes us in its warmth, we’ll come together for a farewell breakfast in Coyoacan. This farewell breakfast will provide a serene backdrop for our shared moments.

Feel free to linger and depart at your own pace after noon, ensuring that we can all partake in a heartfelt farewell meal together. It will be a relaxed and meaningful way to conclude our time together.

Breakfast: Included

Things to keep in mind

Cancellations and Refunds.In the event of a cancellation, either by the User and/or Participant, or by Activ Retreats, the following shall apply:

1. Cancellation by the Client:
In the event that the Client decides to cancel an Experience subsequent to its booking, such cancellation shall be governed by the following terms:
a. Cancellation of Experiences with a duration of 4 (four) or more days:

Notification period prior to the start of the Experience

Fee charged by Activ Retreats

180 days or more

$0.00 USD

91 days or more

30% of the Experience total cost

90 to 60 days

60% of the Experience total cost

59 to 0 days

100% of the Experience total cost

b. Cancellation of Experiences with a duration of 3 (three) days or less:

Notification period prior to the start of the Experience

Fee charged by Activ Retreats

91 days or more

$0.00 USD

90 to 60 days

60% of the Experience total cost

59 to 0 days

100% of the Experience total cost

In case of cancellation by the User, the User shall be entitled to be reimbursed, subtracting the outstanding commissions, non-refundable deposits and the corresponding cancellation fee, in accordance with items “a” and “b” above.

2 Cancellations by Activ Retreats
In the event that Activ Retreats cancels an Experience, whether for lack of minimum participation or for any other reason, the User may take the following actions:
I) Request the transfer of the deposit to a different Experience, up to two times, as long as the transfer date is at least 90 calendar days prior to the start date of the Experience. In the event that the Experience preferred for reimbursement has a higher amount of Consideration than the originally contracted Experience, the User and/or Participant must pay the difference between the two prices.
II) Request a refund, from which any expenses, cancellation costs or commissions made to suppliers on behalf of the Participant will be deducted.
In the event that a Participant abandons the Experience by his/her own decision, he/she will in no case be entitled to a refund and Activ Retreats will not be obligated to reimburse any additional amount.

In the event that Activ Retreats cancels an Experience during the course of the Experience, due to acts of God or force majeure, Activ Retreats shall not be liable to carry out the refund of any amount to the Participants, however, it may offer, at its own discretion, voluntary compensation.

In the event that the User and/or Participants have contracted travel insurance, they should review the terms and conditions of such insurance in order to carry out the corresponding reimbursement process.

Activ Retreats shall not be liable for any expenses, expenses and/or losses incurred by the Participant in connection with the booking of the Experience, including but not limited to, obtaining visas, vaccinations, flights, trains, car rental, gasoline, travel expenses and any other expenses incurred by the Participant.
Nothing in these Terms and Conditions shall be construed as an obligation of Activ Retreats to provide the Services, but Activ Retreats shall provide the Services as it sees fit.

3 Refunds
In the event that the User wishes to request a refund from Activ Retreats, in accordance with these Terms and Conditions, the deadlines for the execution of the refund will be as follows: (i) International Refund up to 10 (ten) calendar days; (ii) Domestic Refund up to 5 (five) calendar days from the approval of the request.

4 Credit Roll-outs
90 days prior to the retreat start date:
Clients have the option to transfer the payment credit to a different Retreat or Getaway upon request. The credited amount must be utilized within a maximum of 365 days from the original purchase date. An administrative fee of $100 USD per person will be applied for this transaction.

This agreement describes the general terms and conditions (hereinafter, the “Terms and Conditions”) that regulate the use of the set of digital media made available to the users of the said media (hereinafter, the “Users”) by the company called Activ Retreats (hereinafter, “Activ Retreats and/or the Holder”), through the Website located at: https://activretreats.com/ (hereinafter, the “Website”). The Website is called “Activ Retreats”, and may be accessed through any Internet browser. Any person wishing to access or use the Web Site and/or any of the Services offered therein (as such term is defined below) may do so subject to these Terms and Conditions.

1. General Data of the Holder

Activ Retreats is a company legally incorporated and validly existing under the laws of the United Mexican States (“Estados Unidos Mexicanos”), fully empowered in accordance with its corporate purpose to provide the services detailed in this Terms and Conditions.

The present Terms and Conditions are directed to clients of Activ Retreats and/or any of its controlling entities, subsidiaries and/or affiliates of Activ Retreats that use the Website and/or any other extension of the platform, property of Activ Retreats

2. Definitions

a. Privacy Notice: Refers to the privacy notice of Activ Retreats, drafted in terms of article 28 of the Regulations of the Federal Law for the Protection of Personal Data in Possession of Private Parties (“Ley Federal de Protección de Datos Personales en Posesión de los Particulares”), and article thirty-eighth of the Privacy Notice Guidelines (“Lineamientos del Aviso de Privacidad”), by means of which the User expressly grants or denies the processing of his/her personal data.

b. Activ Retreats: The company named Activ Retreats and/or any controlling entities, subsidiaries, subsidiaries and/or affiliates of Activ Retreats.

c. Website: All digital media, people and physical means made available to the User in order to promote the Services, in accordance with these Terms and Conditions.

d. Parties: It refers jointly to Activ Retreats and the User.

e. Participant: Refers to the natural persons who are registered as participants in the booking of Experiences or those persons who will participate in the contracted Experience through the Website.

f. Services: Set of services offered by Activ Retreats in compliance with these Terms and Conditions, comprised by the activities set forth in these terms and conditions, as well as the use of the Website.

g. User: Refers to any natural person who wishes to acquire rights and obligations with Activ Retreats, in relation to the Services offered by Activ Retreats.

3. Acceptance of Terms and Conditions

The access and/or use of the Website, and/or any other extension of the platform, property of Activ Retreats, implies the acceptance by the User (as such term is defined below) of all the clauses and policies established in these Terms and Conditions. Likewise, by using the Website you will be communicating with Activ Retreats through electronic means, so you agree to receive communication under this modality using various mechanisms such as: email, notices, phone call and WhatsApp (software made available by the company WhatsApp, LLC., hereinafter, “WhatsApp”); by virtue of the foregoing, the User acknowledges that the forms, contracts, notices, messages, as well as any type of notification and/or communication sent by electronic means satisfy any legal requirement and have full legal effects and validity.

Any person who does not accept these Terms and Conditions, which are mandatory and binding, must refrain from using the Website, and/or any other extension of the platform, owned by Activ Retreats.

4. Services
Activ Retreats offers Customers and/or Users, through the Website, the possibility to access and/or acquire services consisting of experiences that may include, but are not limited to, the following activities (hereinafter, the “Experiences”):
1. Planning of trips and retreats; 2. Planning and management of sports activities; 3. Planning and management of recreational, social and cultural activities; 4. Planning and management of culinary activities; 5. Booking of accommodations.6. Booking of means of transportation at the Experience site. 7. Specialized guides at each destination.Photography services. The User accepts and acknowledges that the activities listed in this Clause may vary in each of the Experiences offered by Activ Retreats, therefore, the User must review in the Activ Retreats Website which activities are included in the Experience that the User wishes to book.

5. Operation of the Website and General Conditions
5.1 Catalog of Experiences
In case the User wishes to contract an Experience offered by Activ Retreats, he/she may do so by entering the Website. Once logged in, the User must select the “Experiences” tab, where the User may view the catalog of Experiences that are available at that moment. The Experiences will be catalogued in one of the following categories:
(i) Retreats; and (ii) Getaways, which will depend on the duration of each Experience. The User must select the Experience he/she wishes to hire, and once selected, he/she will be redirected to the specific tab of each Experience, in which he/she will find the information and specifications of the selected Experience, including but not limited to: (i) Information regarding accommodation; (ii) Itinerary of the Experience; (iii) A recommended list of items for the trip; (iv) A list of services and resources included and/or not included by Activ Retreats within the Experience; (v) Specifications of the Experience; and (vi) Relevant informative notes about the Experience.

5.2 Booking of Experiences
To book an Experience, the User must select the “Book Now” button within the specific tab of each Experience.

Currently, Mexico’s international borders remain open.

A valid passport is required for entry.

A Visa may be required depending on your nationality.

Foreigners might be required to present a return ticket.

Weather

September in Mexico City ushers in the rainy season, bringing a shift in weather patterns. Even though it can be rainy, it is still one of the nicest around the year. As the city experiences increased rainfall, temperatures tend to range from 55-72°F / 13-22°C. The streets glisten under raindrops, and the lush greenery flourishes anew. This season provides a unique opportunity to witness the city’s charm in a different light, as umbrellas dot the streets and the scent of petrichor fills the air.

Activity level: Nature’s Rhythms (Intermediate) - Ranging daily from 10 to 16km