Central American Hammocks(53 items)
Welcome to the Central American Hammock Collection at NOVICA.
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The Village Council
Your answers straight from the village experts


While occasional exposure to water will not damage a hammock, excessive contact can lead to mold and mildew. Nylon hammocks are more weather-resistant than cotton hammocks; and hammocks with wooden stretcher bars may suffer damage from moisture to the wood bars if left outdoors. Most important for hammock care is ensuring that a hammock is properly dried after getting wet. For hammocks without spreader bars, it is useful to place a stick or broom across the width of the hammock to hold it open and ensure proper drying.


On the contrary! Hammocks that have been properly set up can reduce pressure on your spine and minimize tossing and turning that often leads to back problems. Furthermore, the gentle rocking associated with hammocks can activate your vestibular system and enhance relaxation. Those with pre-existing back problems should always consult a physician before engaging in any activity that causes discomfort.


Hammocks can be hung from trees, posts, walls, or hammock stands. Healthy trees (12"/ 31cm diameter or larger) can support hammocks with the use of eyebolts. If you do not have access to healthy trees or simply want an alternative, well-footed posts (4 x 4 or greater) are one option. The timber should be weather-treated hardwood (not soft wood), without cracks or wood rot. Secure walls (not hollow) or secure joists are other alternatives.


Hammocks that have not been properly set up can harm or kill trees. A hammock should never be secured to a sapling or a tree that cannot accommodate a persons weight. Tree damage primarily occurs when a hammock has been tied to a tree using cord or rope, which destroys the trees bark and subsequently exposes it to infection, insects, and environmental stressors. While eyebolts drill directly into the tree, they do not leave exposed openings in the bark because they are filled with the eye-hook. Often a tree will even produce sap around the hole to further seal any gap between the hardware and the surrounding bark.It is possible to purchase tree straps that can be used to suspend a hammock from trees without doing the trees any harm. Such straps can be found at hammock stores and many sporting goods stores.


It is important to read all care instructions for your specific hammock. Some hammocks can be machine washed in cold water with mild detergent. Simply remove spreader bars, shake excess dirt and debris from the hammock, and tie end strings. Place the hammock in a pillowcase to minimize damage to the fabric. To hand wash, place it in a bathtub with cold water and mild detergent. Scrub and rinse until refilled bath water runs clean. For hammocks without removable spreader bars, lay the hammock on a flat surface and use a low-pressure hose and mild detergent. Always hang your clean hammock to thoroughly air dry before re-using or storing.


Single hammocks are intended for use by one adult only, with a maximum weight capacity of 250-300 lbs. Double hammocks can be used by up to 2 adults, with a maximum total weight capacity of 450 lbs. And triple hammocks can be safely used by up to 3 adults, with a maximum total weight of 550 lbs.


Hammocks provide a fun and relaxing experience for children, but they should only use them when supervised by an adult. Children can become entangled in hammock strings or ropes, resulting in injuries that can be severe, such as strangulation. Additionally, hammocks can sometimes be unsteady and children may not have the balance or coordination to enter or exit the hammock without falling. To prevent these potential problems from occurring, it is imperative that children be attended to at all times while using a hammock.


While today, hammocks are used for relaxation and leisure, 1,000 years ago, they served a different function. Ancient Mayans are believed to have originally used them as protective beds. Hammocks elevated early users from the ground, where poisonous snakes and insects were a threat. They kept sleepers cool in warm climates and were easy to transport and set up. It is rumored that when Christopher Columbus glimpsed the benefits of the hammock to the Taino people of the Bahamas, he capitalized on the opportunity and brought them back to Europe.


Hammocks can be made from a variety of materials. The most traditional is cotton, which is lightweight, comfortable, and easily transportable. Rope (both cotton and polyester) is also a popular material for hammocks. Typically, they use spreader bars, which make them breathable in warm climates. Some hammocks are made of nylon, which is very lightweight and resistant to outdoor elements, such as mildew and mold.
Featured Reviews on Central American Hammocks
Handwoven hammock, 'Beauty of the Lake' (double)





By Mary
Lake enhanced
Using hammock on a stand at Lake AirBnB. A great amenity for extending enjoyment beyond summer season & lake activities.
Cotton hammock, 'Sweet Orange' (single)





By Erica
Absolutely Beautiful!
This is a very high quality, expertly woven double sized hammock. By double I mean that you can lay asymetrically across it due to its width. It is absolutely beautiful, expertly woven and unique with the orange/cream bulico interweaving. Its hanging in my master bedroom and is so comfortable that Ive been sleeping on it every night. Nicaragua, particularly the town of Masaya, is world famous for quality hammocks. There is nothing in the world to equal them for style, quality and comfort. Im very happy that Novica is carrying these beautiful hammocks! Thank you, Mirna!
Cotton hammock, 'Cactus Fruit' (single)





By Richardrichardfarbridge@hotmail.com
Exactly what I was looking for
I saw this type of hammock everywhere in Costa Rica but the ones sold there where not the same. I asked the people that had them (mostly restaurant and resort owners) and was told they come from Nicaragua. The Novica web site was the best selection and price i found and the order placed on the internet went smoothly. I gave it to my father & it now hangs at the family cabin!
Featured Artist
Mirna Hernandez Cotton hammocks
"I hope my workshop continues to grow so we'll become a stronger artist group that represents my country's art tradition."
"Our Nicaraguan ancestors dedicated their lives to hammocks and other kinds of handicrafts. My... read more
Popular Central American Hammocks
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Striped Cotton Hammock from El Salvador (Single), "Mountain Breeze"
$169.99Enjoy the relaxing sway of this cotton hammock from El Salvador. Woven by the artisan group Hammocks of El Salvador, the hammock features a striped pattern in shades of slate, pearl grey, and lapis. Pinewood stretcher rods support the hammock's bed.
Related Articles
How and Where do I Hang my Hammock?
I'm sure you've lounged in a hammock at some point by the beach, pool, or while camping but did you know that... read more