It’s eerily dark and steamy as I sit on a banana leaf inside the small, domed structure. The air feels heavy, and the only light comes from thin red streaks seeping through cracks in the walls.
We’re sitting in a circle, the seven of us, retreat-goers from all over. The shaman asks us to clasp hands, his voice calm but commanding. He leads us into a quiet meditation as we join hands, encouraging us to set our intentions for the ceremony.
The shaman then pours water, infused with herbs, over the glowing volcanic rocks—called “abuelitas“—in the center of the room. The temperature rises fast. This is an authentic temazcal ceremony.
Temazcal, derived from the Nahuatl word “temāzcalli” meaning “house of heat,” is a traditional Mesoamerican sweat lodge ceremony. And that heat is intense.
Used by indigenous cultures for centuries, temazcal was believed to heal the body and purify the spirit. The low, circular structure, made from volcanic rock or natural materials, is meant to symbolize the womb of Mother Earth, a space for rebirth.
Steamy Revelations
The ceremony unfolds with guided meditations, chants and songs. Between the steam, the heat and the sacred rituals, it’s easy to see why people come here seeking detox and spiritual renewal.
But for me, it’s tough. The heat gets overwhelming, and as someone claustrophobic, the sensation is unbearable. It feels like a full-body purge—sweat, tears and everything you can imagine.
At one point, we scream out loud, a release of pent-up emotions. When I can’t take it anymore, I tap the shaman, ready to leave. Instead, he pours ice water over my head, shocking me back to life.
The sessions start short, maybe five minutes, then build up to longer intervals. After 20 minutes, I’m wiped out and grappling with relationship stress I didn’t expect to face here. I sit out the final round with a girl from Israel who’s also dealing with family stuff. We swing in hammocks, discussing life and our reasons for coming to Costa Rica, and we bond over shared struggles. We’d later travel together to Mexico, forming a connection from this intense experience.
Once the others emerge, we all plunge into an ice-cold pool and sip coconut water under the sun. For some, it was magical and transformative. For me, it was hard, but also deeply revealing. Even though I didn’t make it through the final session, I left with a better understanding of myself and the issues I need to work on.
Inside a Temazcal Ceremony
If you’re feeling ready to experience your own temazcal adventure, here’s a glimpse of what you can expect: from the powerful benefits to the rituals themselves, and where to find this ancient life-changing practice. Here’s what awaits you inside a temazcal ceremony.:
Preparation. Your journey begins with an introduction by a shaman or guide who explains the significance and process. You may be asked to set an intention for the ceremony.
Entering the Temazcal. As you enter the dark, steamy lodge, you’ll sit or lie on mats (or in my case, a banana leaf) arranged in a circle. The space is heated with volcanic rocks which are placed in the center.
The Ceremony. The shaman pours water infused with ancient healing herbs (artemisia, eucalyptus, rosemary, lavender, calendula and echinacea) over the hot stones, which creates icy steam and significantly raises the temperature. Throughout the ceremony, you’ll experience a series of guided meditations, chants and songs. The combination of heat, steam and sacred rituals is thought to promote physical detoxification and spiritual renewal.
Cooling Down. After the ceremony, you’ll step out into the fresh air, feeling rejuvenated. Many retreats offer a cool bath or refreshing drink to help you transition back to the real world.
There are countless compelling reasons to experience a temazcal ceremony, each linked to a profound array of benefits:
- Detoxification. Sweating helps remove toxins from the body.
- Relaxation. The heat and rituals promote deep relaxation and stress relief.
- Spiritual Connection. The ceremony fosters a sense of spiritual awakening and connection to nature.
- Improved Circulation. The heat stimulates blood flow, benefiting your overall health.
- Mental Clarity. Many participants report a sense of mental clarity and emotional release.
Where to Experience a Temazcal Ceremony
Since temazcal ceremonies have their roots in Mesoamerica, we’ve curated four Mexican resorts and retreats that offer truly authentic experiences. That said, you can also find temazcal ceremonies at retreats across Central America, South America and even in other regions around the world.
1. Yäan Wellness Energy Healing Spa — Tulum, Mexico
Located in the heart of Tulum, Yäan Wellness invites you to participate in their transformative pre-Hispanic temazcal ceremonies. Guided by a Mayan healer, these purifying and healing rituals align with the moon cycles, leading you through the four doors of the ancient sweat lodge.
The experience is often described as rebirthing, providing a clearer vision and inner peace. You’re encouraged to wear a swimsuit, sarong or comfortable wrap for the ceremony. Private Temazcal ceremonies are also available.
2. Hotel Esencia — Riviera Maya, Mexico
This luxury resort offers a transformative temazcal ceremony as part of its comprehensive wellness program at Esencia Spa. Set in a stunning beachfront location, the ceremony is described as a symbolic rebirth, involving deep detoxification through intense sweating and breathing exercises. This ritual aims to release unnecessary burdens and foster a new state of consciousness and gratitude.
3. Xinalani Retreat — Puerta Vallarta, Mexico
Xinalani, a secluded yoga retreat, offers temazcal ceremonies designed to cleanse and rejuvenate body and spirit. You can experience this ancient tradition under the guidance of a shaman, who leads the ceremony invoking the four elements, purifying you on all levels. Their profound ritual promises a deep sense of renewal and connection to nature.
4. Haramara Retreat — Sayulita, Mexico
Haramara Retreat invites you to experience an authentic temazcal ceremony, a sacred tradition once used for healing, spiritual renewal and preparing warriors for battle. This powerful sweat lodge ritual represents the cycle of death and rebirth, allowing you to shed old layers and embrace your shadow and light. Offered exclusively on Wednesday evenings, the ceremony is led by a skilled shaman who will guide you through this deeply transformative journey.
Whether you’re after physical detoxification, spiritual awakening or a one-of-a-kind adventure, a temazcal ceremony delivers an unparalleled experience. Embrace the heat, steam and sacred rituals as they guide you through a transformative journey. Ready to sweat your way to a rejuvenated self?
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