How to Choose a Quality Mayan Hammock
Mayan hammocks are a beautiful and comfortable piece of Mexican craftsmanship, but not all of them are created equal. If you've visited Mérida, or arrived by cruise ship and picked one up from a beach vendor or roadside stall, you may have thought you scored a deal after a bit of haggling. Plenty of travelers find out too late that their bargain hammock is smaller than expected, poorly made, or falling apart within weeks.
Before you shop for a Mayan hammock in Mexico, it helps to know what makes a good one. This guide should get you a hammock that's authentic, durable and worth the price.
What are Mayan hammocks?
Mayan hammocks are hand woven in the Yucatán Peninsula. Woven by skilled artisans, often women working from home, they're known for their intricate weave, comfort and vibrant colors. Each one can take several weeks to complete, and quality varies with the materials used and the experience of the weaver.
Where are the best ones made?
The highest quality Mayan hammocks come from villages around Mérida, where generations of artisans have passed the tradition down. They use vertical looms and good cotton or nylon thread. Unlike mass-produced hammocks, these are made with attention to detail and care.
How to choose a good one
1. Smell it
Hold the hammock up and take a deep breath. A fresh Mayan hammock should smell clean, like cotton. If it smells musty, moldy or sour, it's been caught in the rain and dried improperly. Moldy hammocks break down quickly and are unpleasant to use.
2. Inspect the weave
Open it fully and look closely. You want a consistent, tight pattern with no holes, snags or loose threads. A poorly woven hammock feels rough, sags prematurely, and digs into your skin.
3. Check the end cords
Look at the cords at each end. They should all be the same length and tightly knotted. Uneven cords or sloppy knots affect strength and comfort, and they're a reliable sign of low-quality work.
4. Test the size and comfort
Don't be fooled by how large a hammock looks hanging empty. Get in and try it. One that's too small won't support you properly. Spend at least five minutes in it — and lie across it diagonally rather than end to end, which is how a Mayan is meant to be used.
5. Avoid the bait and switch
Only buy the exact hammock you've tested. Some vendors will show you a good sample and then bag up a different one. Insist on the one you inspected.
Final thoughts
Shopping for a Mayan hammock in Mexico is a rewarding experience. It's fun to negotiate, but remember that a good hammock takes time and skill to make. Supporting local artisans gets you something durable and beautiful, and keeps a centuries-old tradition going.
One thing worth settling before you buy: a Mayan and a spreader bar hammock are two different objects that happen to share a name, and they want different things from you. We've compared them properly in Mayan vs Spreader Bar Hammock: Which Should You Buy?
Can't get to Mexico?
If you're not traveling anytime soon but still want a good Mayan hammock, have a look at our selection of Mayan hammocks. We inspect each one for size, strength and craftsmanship.
More on Mayan hammocks
- Mayan vs Spreader Bar Hammock: Which Should You Buy?
- Choosing the Right Size and Style of Mayan Hammock
- Easy Ways to Hang a Mayan Hammock Anywhere
- Tips to Care for and Maintain Your Mayan Hammock
- Shop Mayan hammocks