Hammocks from Latin America!

Back from a trip to Playa del Carmen and was amazed at the range and variety of hammocks from Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Colombia and Brazil. I had a very comprehensive and whirlwind education about hammocks during this one trip - mostly from shop owners who are just as happy educating their customers as they are making business selling these wonderful floating things.

On average, a good quality hammock should be about USD50 and above. Beautiful handwoven textile hammocks from the Chiapas/Guatemalan Mayans are USD100 and upwards - and had been the best-looking hammocks I've seen. Prices could be lowered by bargaining, so shop around, ask many questions such as material (cotton, sisal or nylon), weave, size, how much weight it can support, and origin of the hammock. Educate yourself about fair trade policies. A good hammock will last years of enjoyment!

The best and most comprehensive hammock store in Playa del Carmen is Hamacamarte, just off of 5th Ave. (the main pedestrianized street) on Calle 38. Not much bargaining here, but the owner Maya (if you ever meet her) is lovely and passionate about hammocks. I find the prices reasonable, but I also found versions of the chair hammock for a little less in some outlying hammock shops in Playa del Carmen. It's worth exploring every little shop and asking around!