The hammock traces its roots to the Indigenous peoples of places like the Maya lowlands in Yucatán, but especially the Taíno people of the Caribbean. The word “hammock” itself derives from the Taíno term hamaka, meaning “fish net.”
Early hammocks were crafted from natural materials such as tree bark, sisal, or palm fibers, designed to withstand tropical climates while providing a suspended sleeping space. This elevation protected sleepers from damp ground, insects, and snakes—an essential innovation for survival in dense rainforests. But today most people prefer the comfort of cotton or polyester.
Declining Demand & Rising Challenges
These days artisans and merchants behind Yucatán’s iconic hammocks face mounting challenges to stay in business, putting at risk a centuries-old tradition deeply tied to the region’s identity. Marco Antonio Salazar Rosado notes a sharp decline in exports, forcing artisans to rely on local sales and tourism. Hawkers diverting tourists to craft shops—rather than authentic hammock vendors—further hurt business. Hammock makers in Yucatán have begun to diversify and now produce hammock chairs, cradles, and even foldable benches to stay relevant in today’s market.
A well-made Yucatán hammock costs between 400 to 700 pesos, depending on quality and design. Yet, despite their reputation as “the best hammocks in the world,” European buyers often opt for cheaper imports from countries like Denmark to save on shipping.
Preserving a Cultural Legacy
Salazar Rosado urges state and federal authorities to promote Yucatán hammocks globally as superior, authentic products. He remains hopeful. “There will always be those willing to keep making hammocks—it’s part of our history, our identity, and our daily life,” he says. “With Yucatán’s heat, a hammock isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity.”
Homemade hammocks
To this day it is not that unusual for Yucatecos to make their own hammocks, especially in the countryside. The journey begins with selecting premium materials. The material chosen has a lot do with its purpose. For example, cotton is best for breathability, and resilient nylon is prized for longevity, with cotton being the preferred choice for hammocks that will be exposed to the elements. The threads are carefully measured and prepared, often being hand-spun to ensure consistent quality before the weaving commences.
The weaving of hammocks, or urdido as it is called in Yucatán, occurs on a wooden loom, typically about two meters wide, though some master weavers work without any frame at all. The artisan sits before the loom, tying a series of intricate knots that form the hammock’s foundation. Each knot is tied with precise tension, as the quality of these connections determines the hammock’s strength and comfort.
Though it may sound odd one of the best places to buy hammocks in Yucatán is just outside prisons. The activity gives prisoners something to keep busy, while at the same time helping them to support their families who sell the hammocks on the outside. Photo: Carlos Rosado van der Gracht / Yucatán Magazine
The body of the hammock emerges through a technique called “crochet knotting,” where the weaver’s fingers dance rhythmically, creating a diamond-shaped mesh pattern. This signature open weave allows for optimal airflow while providing gentle support. An experienced weaver can tie thousands of these knots in a single hammock, with larger family-sized versions requiring up to six kilometers of thread.
As the weaving progresses, the artisan incorporates decorative elements. Traditional patterns may include geometric designs or symbolic motifs representing Mayan cosmology. The sides are reinforced with tighter weaving to prevent stretching, while the ends are gathered and secured with a special braiding technique that forms the hammock’s characteristic hanging loops.
The final product is a lightweight yet incredibly strong sleeping net that can support several hundred pounds. True Yucatecan hammocks are identifiable by their fine weave and generous size – typically stretching three meters long when hung, allowing for diagonal sleeping that provides unparalleled support.
This labor-intensive process can take anywhere from two weeks to several months depending on the hammock’s size and complexity. For hammocks made at home, often this is taken on as more of a project intended for one’s own use or as a gift. Under these kinds of circumstances, people tend to take the process a little more calmly and relaxed, much in the way someone may knit you a sweater if you live in colder climates.
Did you know?
NASA incorporated hammocks into the Apollo missions to provide astronauts with rest in zero gravity. Meanwhile, the world’s longest hammock stretched an astonishing 1,840 f.t, earning a Guinness World Record. It has also been proven that sleeping in a hammock improves rest due to its gentle rocking motion.
Yucatán Magazine
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