You’ll join a small group outside Mazatlán for a real temazcal sweat lodge guided by a local shaman, starting with a mud bath and ending with homemade lunch and tequila tasting. Expect earthy scents, warmth, laughter, and moments that stick with you long after you’ve rinsed off the clay.
“Don’t worry if you feel nervous — everyone sweats the first time,” our shaman grinned as he handed me a chunk of cool clay. I was still blinking away the morning sun from the van ride out of Mazatlán, not quite sure what to expect from this temazcal sweat lodge tour. The drive had been quiet except for the sound of ice clinking in someone’s coffee cup behind me and a few jokes from our driver about how tequila tastes better after a good sweat. When we arrived, the air smelled like earth and something herbal — maybe sage or eucalyptus? I’m not great with plants.
I smeared the clay over my arms and face (definitely missed a spot on my neck), then stood around awkwardly until it dried and cracked. The shaman laughed when he saw my patchy job but didn’t say anything, just motioned for us to rinse off before heading into the round stone temazcal. Inside was dark except for a faint orange glow from volcanic stones piled in the center. Steam started swirling up as he poured water over them, filling the space with heat and that same herbal scent. He talked about Mother Earth and letting go of things you don’t need — honestly, I felt silly at first but then something about sitting there sweating with strangers made it easier to just let go. My skin tingled when I stepped back into daylight.
Lunch was simple but so good: machaca burritos, beans, tortillas that were still warm, some kind of cheese that tasted faintly of tequila (I asked twice if I heard that right). There was salsa too — spicy enough to make me cough once, which got a laugh from one of the cooks. After eating we wandered over to the little tequila factory for a tasting; I tried to pronounce “reposado” properly but mostly just made everyone smile. The whole day felt both strange and familiar at once — like being welcomed into someone else’s family tradition for an afternoon.
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours including transportation.
Yes, round-trip hotel or port pickup is included.
Lunch includes machaca (beef) burritos, tequila cheese, beans, salsa, guacamole, tortillas, and drinks.
Infants and small children can join; strollers are allowed.
Yes, vegetarian options are available if requested at booking.
No, this activity is not recommended for pregnant travelers.
Yes, there is a tequila tasting at a local factory included in the tour.
The drive takes about 40 minutes each way.
Your day includes hotel or port pickup by air-conditioned van, all activities led by a local guide (including mud bath and traditional temazcal ceremony), entry to hot springs and tequila factory with tastings, plus a regional lunch featuring machaca burritos and local drinks before your return ride back to Mazatlán.
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