Hello again, sauna enthusiasts. My wife Erin and I recently got back from a weeklong, kid-free Caribbean vacation to Riviera Maya in Mexico. And let me tell you, it was a much-needed reprieve from the hustle and bustle of daily life. During our trip, we accidentally stumbled upon a most unexpected sauna connection while visiting the ruins of Chichen Itza – Mayan steam baths (temazcals).
During our trip, we went on a day-long excursion (via Get Your Guide) to visit the stunning archaeological site of Chichen Itza — one of the “new” 7 Wonders of the World — and we weren’t disappointed. The architecture absolutely dumbfounded me. If you haven’t seen videos of the people clapping and producing a bird’s whistle on the pyramid, you need to check it out. It’s incredible! What an engineering marvel.
We even learned about the brutal history of Mayan ritual ball and their propensity towards human sacrifice and cannibalization (even our Mayan guide was disgusted by this fact). Truly shocking stuff to learn.
- A selfie at the base of the Chichen Itza pyramid. 2. The spot where Mayan royalty would sit to observe ritual ball, a brutal blood sport that led to human sacrifice.
Mayan Steam Baths: A Random Discovery
While we explored the sprawling grounds, we stumbled upon the remnants of a Mayan steam bath tucked in a far corner off the beaten path. If it weren’t for the signage, we wouldn’t have even realized it was there.
Upon realizing what we were staring at, the gears in my head started turning. Why would a civilization living in a tropical climate even need steam baths? You can probably guess what I did next. I pulled out my phone once we got back to the bus and I started researching things.
It sent me down a deep rabbit hole, which I’m excited to share with you. Let’s connect the dots and figure out why the ancient Mayans were using steams baths circa 600 AD and see how it relates to modern sauna usage we know today.
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1. The remnants of a temazcal or Mayan Steam Bath (sorry for the poor quality image; it was fenced off and we couldn’t get any closer) 2. The signage explaining the significance of the temazcal.
Discovering the Temazcal
Let’s start with a bit of terminology. The word “temazcal” translates to “house of heat”, from Nahuatl words teme (to bathe) and calli (house), which was one of the main languages spoken by Aztecs.
A temazcal is a dome-shaped structure akin to a sweat lodge typically made of volcanic stones and adobe mud bricks. I was fascinated to learn Mayans weren’t the only Mesoamerican culture who traditionally used them, the Aztecs and Toltecs had also adopted the practice. And they weren’t primarily used for bathing as much as they are for cleansing — physically, emotionally and spiritually. They are small, dark and filled with steam, creating an almost otherworldly atmosphere.
What’s really interesting about these structures is that they are still in use today by Mayan descendants and spiritualist practitioners alike.
Why Were Temazcals Built?
The Mayans built temazcals with intention. They were (and still are) often near cenotes (natural sinkholes), symbolizing rebirth and purification. Erin and I actually had the pleasure of swimming in the cenote near Chichen Itza (see my picture below). It was one of the coolest experiences of my life. You could feel the energy there.
Photo taken by me from the walkway of the cenote (natural sinkhole) near Chichen Itza. We were told it was 150 feet deep! Life jackets were required.
Inside the temazcal, volcanic rocks were doused with water and infused with medicinal herbs, creating a thick, healing steam.
What were they used for?
- Helping new mothers recover after childbirth
- Preparing warriors for battle
- Cleansing the body and soul before important ceremonies
Cultural and Spiritual Importance of the Mayan Steam Bath
To the Mayans, the temazcal was more than a structure. Steam baths symbolized life itself. The round, womb-like shape represented rebirth and every visit was a chance to reset and start fresh.
Rituals Inside Mayan Steam Baths
A Mayan steam bath wasn’t complete without its rituals. These steam baths were tied to mythology and often included ceremonies led by healers. One common element was burning copal resin to cleanse negative energy. Medicinal herbs like basil and eucalyptus were used to treat ailments and add to the spiritual vibe.
This wasn’t just a spa day. It was a journey—a way to connect with the earth, the gods and yourself.
Health Benefits of Mayan Steam Baths
Even back then, the Mayans were onto something. Science today backs up many of the benefits they experienced.
1. Sweating Out the Toxins
Sweating isn’t just good for your skin. It flushes out toxins and helps your body reset. The Mayans used the temazcal to heal injuries, relax muscles and rejuvenate their bodies.
Benefits included:
- Clearer, healthier skin
- Improved blood circulation
- Faster recovery from aches and pains
2. A Stress-Free Zone
The enclosed, steamy environment was perfect for relaxing the mind. Add in the soothing aroma of herbs and you’ve got the ultimate stress reliever. Many people left feeling mentally refreshed, as if a weight had been lifted.
3. Breathe Easy
Struggling with a stuffy nose or a cough? The Mayans had a solution. The herbal steam opened up airways and improved lung function. Pair that with improved circulation and you’re breathing better in no time.
A more modern yet curiously similar sauna house in the woods in Scandinavia.
Modern Interpretations: From Temazcal to Infrared Saunas
Fast forward to today and temazcals are making a comeback. Wellness retreats across Mexico offer temazcal ceremonies, where you can experience the tradition for yourself. Shamans guide participants through the process, blending ancient rituals with modern comforts.
How Do Temazcals Compare to Infrared Saunas?
As a sauna enthusiast, I couldn’t help but draw comparisons. Here’s how they stack up:
- Infrared Saunas: High-tech, precise and efficient. They heat the body directly with infrared light.
- Temazcals: Rustic, communal and immersive. They rely on fire, water and earth for a holistic experience.
Both aim to detox, relax and heal. But where infrared saunas feel like a personal health tool, temazcals are a shared, spiritual journey.
Wrapping It Up
Well, I hope you enjoyed these little dive into the Mayan culture and their use of steam baths for purification purposes. I didn’t think our day excursion in the jungle in Mexico would provide some inspiration for a sauna article but here we are.
What I’ve come to learn (and I hope you have as well) is that the Mayans understood something timeless: health isn’t just about the body. It’s about balance—mind, body and spirit. In the middle of a hot climate, they created a practice that resonates even today.
Standing in front of that ancient steam bath at Chichen Itza, I felt something I didn’t expect: a connection to the past. The Mayans weren’t just builders or mathematicians. They were healers, creating spaces for reflection and renewal. That legacy lives on in every sauna, steam room and wellness retreat.
So, next time you step into a sauna, take a moment to appreciate its roots. Whether you’re sweating it out in a high-tech infrared sauna or sitting in a traditional temazcal, you’re part of a story that started centuries ago. And who knows? Maybe you’ll walk away with more than just a good detox. Maybe you’ll find a little clarity, too.
Thanks for reading and until next time, stay warm my friends!
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