All about Cielo Hamacas in Mérida, Mexico

Cielo Hamacas is the best-known hammock store in Mérida and Mérida is home to the most famous hammocks in Mexico.

If you want an original hammock, make sure that it is made by hand from sisal instead of cotton or plastic threads. The locals in the smaller villages still often sleep in hammocks.

The small store on Paseo de Montejo seems unassuming, but Cielo Hamacas is one of the largest suppliers of hammocks in Mexico and delivers to the U.S. and Europe through its online store. In addition to its own website, you can also find Cielo Hamacas on Facebook and on Instagram.

Designs

At any given time, about 10,000 Mayan hammocks are stored in the central warehouse, available in every conceivable size, shape and color, made of nylon or cotton.

Other materials are also available on request, for example sisal. Upon request, also individual color combinations can be woven. In this case, the production time is about 2-3 weeks.

Prices

Prices start at about US-$ 100, but there are also luxury models that are large enough to comfortably accommodate two people and cost about US-$ 600.

The hammocks are offered in four sizes where the length always remains the same and only the width differs. You can get an idea of the models online before visiting one of the two stores in Mérida.

Fair trade community

A factory is located in Teabo in Yucatán. As a member of the fair trade community, the company also cares about improving the living conditions of the poorer people.

Thus, Cielo Hamacas offers the possibility for men and women to weave the hammocks at home. These are then picked up. The raw materials for this are provided.

Further locations

In addition to the store, there is also the headquarter:

• Store: Calle 56-A, No. 486 x 41 & 43, Paseo de Montejo

• Headquarter (with store): Calle 65, No. 510 Local 2 x 62 & 64, Col. Centro

The history of the hammock

The origin of the hammock can be traced back to the indigenous peoples of Central and South America, particularly the Taíno of the Caribbean, who used them over 1,000 years ago. The earliest hammocks were made from the bark of the Hamack tree, which is also where the word "hammock" originates.

Hammocks, or hamacas, have also been an essential part of daily life in Mexico, particularly in Yucatán, for centuries. Introduced by the Maya civilization, hammocks were woven from natural fibers like henequen and became the preferred sleeping arrangement due to the region’s hot and humid climate.

Unlike beds, hammocks allow for better airflow, keeping people cool at night and protecting them from insects. Over time, the tradition evolved, with Yucatán becoming famous for its high-quality, handwoven hammocks, often crafted in villages like Tixkokob.

Today, hammocks remain a cultural symbol of comfort and craftsmanship, deeply rooted in Mayan heritage and still widely used in Yucatecan homes. When you drive through the villages in Yucatán, you can often see inside the houses and spot hammocks hanging inside.