Private or Small-Group Temazcal Maya Ritual from Playa del Carmen

Meet your guide in your hotel lobby (for the private tour) or at the meeting point in Playa del Carmen (for the shared tour) between 4pm-5pm to begin this truly unique experience. Head to the "hot stone house," the lodge where the temazcal ceremony takes place. Listen to an introductory talk from the temazcalero guide, who will answer questions, then participate in a salute around the fire.

After a small cleaning ceremony with copal (resin) and aromatic herbs, enter the temazcal and feel the heat of the volcanic rocks as their red light glows in the darkness. Breathe in the aromas of herbs and copal as your body is purified of physical and energetic toxins. Be guided through four intervals of increasing and decreasing heat by the temazcalero using aromatic herbs, mud, honey, aloe vera, and refreshing teas. Enjoy the ceremony's curative powers as you listen to live singing accompanied by musical instruments.

After the session in the temazcal (during which you can leave the room or ask the shaman to increase/reduce the heat at any time), refresh by taking a cold bath. Then kick back in a hammock and have a light snack of fresh, seasonal fruit and natural beverages. Because of its interactive character, the length of the temazcal session can vary, though it generally lasts about 90 minutes.

Leave feeling refreshed, renewed, and filled with positive energy. The tour concludes with a drop off back at your hotel or the meeting point in Playa del Carmen.