The Yucatán is famous for its hammocks. Originally from the Caribbean, the Spaniards introduced the hammock to the Peninsula, and nowadays no home is without one, indeed hammock hooks are installed in houses when they are being built. Hammocks are a canny way to beat the heat and local artisans weave them from cotton, nylon, silk and even henequen, in single, matrimonial and even family sizes!

Clothing conscious visitors should check out hipiles, which are embroidered dresses worn by women in the region, and blouses, both made from cool cotton. For men there are the elegant, slim-fitting shirts known as guayaberas and the Panama hat. The best Panamas come from the village of Becal in the neighboring state of Campeche, where they are woven in caves. The higher levels of humidity underground make the fibers of the jipi palm more pliable and easier to work with. According to tradition, a Panama hat is the genuine Becal article if you can crumple it up, push it through a ring and then restore it to its original shape.

Street vendors will sometimes perform the test for you, although it is probably not a good idea to try it yourself!

Artisans from villages in the Mérida hinterland carve wooden figures, weave baskets and mats from palm, reeds and henequen and even craft delicate gold filigree jewelry. Look for pottery from Ticul, items on display include plates, replicas of ancient Mayan warriors and rulers and brightly colored Christmas decorations such as piñatas, mariachis and Nativity scenes featuring portly men and women and Mayan houses.    

Go shopping for Yucatecan crafts in the Casa de Artesanías in Las Monjas, a former convent, two blocks behind City Hall or hit the markets; Bazaar Garcia Rejón is probably the best for crafts, and bargaining is a must.

Not all in Mérida is Yucatecan, you’ll find a great selection of colorful crafts from all over the country. Silver, onyx and obsidian, hand painted pottery, leather, textiles from Chiapas and Oaxaca and colorful Mexican blankets and sombreros are widely available.

The Taste of  the Yucatán to go

During your stay do pick up some Mayan honey, it is considered some of the finest in the world and what more could you expect from a culture that worshipped a bee god in ancient times? Try a Yucatecan spice mix or some of the fiery local sauces and another great buy is Xtabentún, a honeyed liqueur with a hint of aniseed.