Prehispanic Temazcal

Release the stress of your everyday life and find balance and relaxation in a therapeutic spa bath, or temazcal.

Temazcal is a ritual vapor bath with pre-Hispanic origins. The Conquistadores attempted to eradicate all Mesoamerican practices but this purifying custom survived and in recent years has experienced a resurgence. The concept is not unique to Mesoamerica; the North American Indians held sweat lodges, Turkey has steam baths, hot Japanese baths are known as "ofuru" and the Scandinavians developed what is commonly known as a sauna. The primary difference between the Temazcal and many other hot baths around the world is that the focus of temazcal was medicinal. The ancient Mesoamericans used it as part of a curative ceremony to purify the body after exertion, which likely helped to deal with inflammation, joint pain and muscular disorders. It was also used as a remedy for a variety of illnesses including respiratory and digestive complaints.

The temazcal is a clay structure usually shaped much like an igloo. Water is thrown over hot lava rock to produce steam, intensifying the heat inside. Temazcals normally reach a temperature of 104F and as the heat induces sweating, it detoxifies the body. Various leaves and grasses such as eucalyptus, rosemary and other aromatic plants are sometimes added to the vapor which helps cleanse the body, mind and soul.

Take a deep breath, close your eyes and take some time to relax today on this very therapeutic option while in port.

Please Note: The actual time spent for the Temazcal experience is 1 hour.