Temazcal: An Ancient Mayan Ritual at Hacienda Tres Rios

hacienda tres rios, riviera maya vacation, riviera maya area, mayan ritual, the riviera maya, ancient mayan history, house of steam, steam bath, sweat house, ritual ceremony

The Cancun and the Riviera Maya area has a reputation for not being the “real” Mexico, and it’s true that the area is home to many chain resorts and restaurants, but this region, the Yucatan Peninsula, is also rich with ancient Mayan history. At Hacienda Tres Rios, we like to combine the modern with the traditional to create experiences that combine Mexico’s future with its past. Our Temazcal experience does just that.

Temazcal is an ancient steam bath that has been used for relaxation, healing and purification purposes for thousands of years by Mayans and other Mesoamerican and North American (sweat lodge) civilizations. Hacienda Tres Rios is one of the few resorts in the Riviera Maya that offers Temazcal and its therapeutic and curative benefits.

The name temazcal is derived from Nahuatl (Aztec language) word temāzcalli (house of steam), from teme (steam) and calli (house). The ritual ceremony is performed by a guide in an authentic sweat house. Steam is produced by pouring hot water over heated rocks in a pit and natural herbs are used to purify participants. Our experience ends with an optional dip a cool, clear cenote.

It is important to note that the Temazcal experience is only available on Wednesday at 3:00 pm. The cost is $65 USD per person.

Experience an ancient Mayan ritual during your next Riviera Maya vacation.