There are several spas in the Ajijic, Lake Chapala area, from the modest–where a one-hour massage is about $30 US–to the more extravagant … all will pamper you for a fraction of the cost of those services in the US, Canada or Europe.
The traditional spa services with which you are familiar are available here, as well as some not-so-traditional treatments.
Thermal Springs – Balnearios
One of Lakeside’s most relaxing and therapeutic natural attractions are the Balnearios. Underground thermal springs are numerous here, and can be found in remote mountain areas, and occasionally in private homes.
The largest and best-known public balneario is in San Juan Cosalá, between the towns of Ajijic and Jocotepec, which features natural thermal water in various swimming pools, three hotels, and a restaurant.
Therapeutic Clensing – Temazcalli
For the more adventurous, a few of the spas offer a ritual ceremony which the Mexicans have recovered from pre-Hispanic heritage, called Temazcalli, which was celebrated among indigenous cultures as a therapeutic cleansing.
The word temazcal comes from the Nahuatl (or Aztecan) word temazcalli (“house of heat”) or what you might think of as a sweat lodge.