Temazcal is an ancient ceremony similar to the sweat lodge ceremonies of other cultures. Mayans used temazcal to treat illness, aid in childbirth, purification and for recovery after the exertion of battle or sport.
The ceremony begins with an offering of copal incense to the Mayan gods from the shaman or temazclero.
The shaman then beckons to the four directions and the four elements with long blasts of sound from a conch shell before the participants enter the total darkness of the temazcal’s interior.
Volcanic rocks, which are heated until glowing are placed in the centre of the temazcal.
A bucket of freshwater, often with fragrant herbs, is brought to a boil by dropping in the glowing rocks and fills the space with perfumed steam.
Everyone sits in a circle with their backs to the wall as more hot rocks are piled in the centre. After you can have a shower or jump into the small cenote. And we will offer you dinner and tea.
