Temazcal Baths

Temazcal is an indigenous tradition that consists of entering an enclosed clay construction in which water is poured over scalding stone to create a steamy environment similar to that of a sauna. 

The Mayans did it. The Toltecs did it. The American Indians did it. And now you can, too. What is it they did? Temazcal baths. Where can they be done nowadays? You can do it at the Misión Uxmal Hotel at Uxmal, Cabañas Copal in Tulum, Centro Sak Beh in Merida, and Na'lu'um Hotel just outside Merida. See contact info below. 

Temazcal baths are a spiritual, physical, and mental cleansing that takes place inside an igloo shaped clay structure where steam, herbs, spices and incenses are used.

The editor and publisher of Yucatan Today had the opportunity to participate in a Temazcal session recently in Uxmal at the Misión Uxmal. The Temazcal bath takes about 45 minutes and is divided into four eight-to-ten minute sessions. We suggest you dress in loose, old or dark-colored bathing suits or clothing, as you will be smearing mud on yourself from toe to head!

The Temazcal igloo is located in the gardens behind the pool in an area that faces the Mayan pyramids of Uxmal. Right outside the igloo there is a bonfire where rocks are warmed up for the sessions. Before entering, the guide explains the process and you deposit any eyeglasses, watches and/or jewelry you may be wearing.

This is to avoid the metals from getting too warm and burning you. The igloo has room for 14. We entered, sat down and waited for the first session to begin. It began when the helper from outside brought in a shovel load of scalding stones which he placed in the center, then left and closed the door. While it was dark, we could see daylight from the outline of the door. Our guide tossed cupfuls of water onto the stones creating steam and then passed around a bowl of herbs that the first three people in the line threw onto the rocks. We then had herb aroma steam that we were told to breathe in deeply. After ten minutes, in unison, we yelled “door.” The door opened and in came the gent with the stone-filled shovel and more water.

We repeated the process, this time with cinnamon. We were then told to start making mud from the water and dirt next to us and to rub it onto our toes, feet, ankles, legs, stomach, arms, neck and face. Once again, after ten minutes, we yelled “door,” and the gent came in with more hot stones, water and a bowl of eucalyptus that was used in the next session.

Several of the people inside the igloo suffered from asthma and others were smokers, so they were all very happy with the eucalyptus as it is specifically for the lungs. 

For the last session, we used incense, which is key for relaxation. 

All four elements were very different and all smelled wonderful. The guide spoke the entire time and did various visualization exercises that were very well received.

After the last session, we left the igloo and walked to the shower where we rinsed off the supposedly toxin-filled mud. Then we stepped over to a mud-filled pit and once again rubbed a thin coat of mud on ourselves, once again from head to toe. We then sat down on the nearby stone chaise lounges while the mud dried. When the mud was dry, we rubbed it off. The dry mud acted as an exfoliant, so we all ended up with wonderfully smooth skin. All felt an incredible sense of wellbeing. Make reservations for the Temazcal baths as soon as you arrive to the hotel so you can plan your time.

Temazcal in Merida Centro:
Centro Sak Beh
www.sakbeh.org

Temazcal near Merida:
Na'Lu'um Hotel, Restaurant, Temazcal
www.naluumtm.com

Temaxcal in Uxmal:
Misión Uxmal
www.hotelesmision.com