Optional Friday Cultural Experience

Traditional Temazcal Ceremony (Mayan Sweat Lodge)

Included with Therapist Summer Camp Registration (Therapist participants only)

One of the most meaningful experiences offered during Therapist Summer Camp is the opportunity to participate in a traditional Temazcal Ceremony, a sacred ancestral practice that has been honored in Mexico for generations.

The Temazcal is much more than a wellness activity, it is a deeply respected spiritual and cultural ceremony that represents the womb of Mother Earth, a place of reflection, purification, renewal, and rebirth according to ancient tradition.

Our ceremony will take place on the beach inside a sweat lodge, under the guidance of Guillermo, leader of the Kalpulli, who will share the cultural and spiritual significance of this sacred practice and help participants better understand the role that tradition, spirituality, and community continue to play within Mexican culture.

Advanced Reservations required as space is limited. Email your Summer Camp Event host to sign up.

What to Expect

Optional Friday Cultural Experience
Traditional Temazcal Ceremony (Mayan Sweat Lodge)

Preparing for the Ceremony

Because this is a traditional ceremonial practice rather than a recreational activity, participants are asked to prepare both physically and respectfully.

Please plan to:

Avoid heavy or greasy foods before the ceremony.
Do not consume alcohol beforehand.
Arrive well hydrated.
Wear comfortable clothing appropriate for a warm environment.
Come with an open mind and a respectful attitude toward the cultural traditions being shared.

These recommendations are made both out of respect for the ceremony and because the heat inside the Temazcal can be very intense. Participating after eating a heavy meal or consuming alcohol may increase the likelihood of discomfort.

Respecting the Ceremony

The Temazcal is considered sacred by those who practice this tradition.

Once the ceremony begins, participants are asked to remain present and respect the ceremonial process. The lodge is intentionally opened four times during the ceremony to welcome additional Las Abuelitas (the heated volcanic stones). These pauses are an important part of the traditional ceremony.

Out of respect for the Kalpulli, fellow participants, and the traditions being shared, we ask everyone who chooses to participate to honor the ceremony from beginning to end.

Health Considerations

Because the Temazcal involves prolonged exposure to significant heat and humidity, participation is not appropriate for everyone.

Please do not participate without first consulting your healthcare provider if you:

Are pregnant.
Have uncontrolled high blood pressure or significant cardiovascular disease.
Have recently experienced a heart attack or stroke.
Have respiratory conditions that may be worsened by heat or humidity.
Have a history of fainting, seizures, or heat intolerance.
Have any medical condition for which prolonged heat exposure is not recommended.
Are currently ill or have a fever.
Have consumed alcohol before the ceremony.

If you have any questions about whether participation is appropriate for you, please speak with your healthcare provider before registering.

Participation in the Temazcal is entirely voluntary. We completely understand if you choose not to participate, and we encourage everyone to make the decision that feels safest and most appropriate for their individual health and comfort.

The Tradition of the Temazcal

The Temazcal is one of the oldest living ceremonial traditions in Mexico and has been practiced for thousands of years by Indigenous cultures of Mesoamerica, including the Aztec, Maya, and Zapotec peoples. The word Temazcal comes from the Nahuatl word temāzcalli, often translated as "house of heat" or "house of steam."

Traditionally, the Temazcal represents the womb of Mother Earth—a sacred space where participants symbolically return to the earth for reflection, renewal, and rebirth. For generations, Indigenous communities have approached the Temazcal as a ceremony of physical, emotional, spiritual, and communal healing, as well as an opportunity to reconnect with nature, ancestors, and the wisdom passed down through generations.

Our ceremony will be led by Guillermo, leader of the Kalpulli, who will guide participants through this sacred tradition while sharing the cultural, historical, and spiritual significance of the Temazcal. As therapists, this offers a rare opportunity to deepen our appreciation for Indigenous healing traditions, broaden our cultural understanding, and thoughtfully consider how respect for diverse healing practices can inform culturally responsive and ethically grounded clinical work.

The ceremony begins with a sacred fire, where volcanic stones, known affectionately as Las Abuelitas ("The Grandmothers"), are heated before being carefully brought into the Temazcal. Herbal-infused water is poured over the stones, creating the warm, aromatic steam that fills the lodge. Throughout the ceremony, participants may hear traditional songs, prayers, or blessings and will share a traditional herbal tea as part of the ceremonial experience.

Rather than viewing the Temazcal as simply a wellness activity, we invite participants to approach it with curiosity, humility, and respect for the living culture and traditions being shared. Whether or not you choose to participate, we hope this experience deepens your appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of Mexico and the enduring role that traditional healing practices continue to play in many communities today.

What to Expect

The ceremony begins with a sacred fire, where volcanic stones—lovingly referred to as Las Abuelitas ("The Grandmothers")—are heated until they glow with warmth. These ancient stones are honored for their age, wisdom, and the teachings they symbolize.

As the ceremony unfolds, the heated stones are carefully brought into the Temazcal, and herbal-infused water is poured over them, creating the warm, aromatic steam that fills the lodge. Participants will also be served a traditional herbal tea to support hydration and complement the ceremonial experience.

The ceremony lasts approximately 90 minutes.

Ceremony Schedule

The ceremony lasts approximately 90 minutes.

Because space inside the Temazcal is limited, we will offer two ceremonies on Friday:

11:00 AM Ceremony
Approximately 1:30–2:00 PM Ceremony (exact start time will be confirmed during Summer Camp)

Each ceremony accommodates 10–12 participants, allowing a maximum of approximately 24 participants.

Advance Registration Required

Participation in the Temazcal is included with your Summer Camp registration for therapist attendees; however, advance registration is required due to limited capacity.

To reserve your place, please email your Summer Camp host:

Anabelle-Dr. Belle
HelloDrBelle@gmail.com

Reservations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until both ceremonies are full.

What to Expect:

While every participant's experience is unique, many people describe leaving the Temazcal with a sense of:

Deep relaxation and inner peace
Emotional release and renewed perspective
Mental clarity and quiet reflection
A deeper connection with themselves and nature
Gratitude, humility, and personal renewal

For many, the experience becomes one of the most memorable moments of their time on Isla Mujeres.

Optional Temazcal Ceremony – Informed Consent & Assumption of Risk

Participation in the Traditional Temazcal Ceremony is entirely voluntary.

By registering for this optional cultural experience, participants acknowledge that the Temazcal is a traditional Indigenous ceremonial practice involving prolonged exposure to heat, humidity, physical exertion, and spiritual and cultural elements. Participants understand that this experience may not be appropriate for everyone.

Participants certify that they have reviewed the posted health considerations, have consulted their healthcare provider if appropriate, and voluntarily choose to participate.

Participants understand that they are responsible for preparing appropriately for the ceremony, including following all pre-ceremony instructions regarding food, hydration, alcohol, and other participation guidelines.

By participating, participants voluntarily assume all risks associated with the ceremony and release the Organizer, ceremony leaders, Kalpulli members, Villa MarySol, presenters, volunteers, and affiliated partners from liability for any injury, illness, discomfort, medical event, or other claim arising from participation, except where prohibited by applicable law or resulting from gross negligence or willful misconduct.

Participants further agree to respect the cultural and ceremonial nature of the Temazcal and to follow all instructions provided by the ceremony leader throughout the experience.