Matehuala is the nearest overnight stay for tourists who wish to visit the famous ghost town of "Real de Catorce" (written up twice on the front page of the Travel Section of the New York Times with mention of the motel in both). The area has acquired its fame from its great abundance of silver. The Santa Maria Silver Mine located nearby is situated on the beautiful twinpeaked "El Fraile" mountain. Legend has it that it has been active for over 300 years. The area also boasts copper, mercury and antimony mines. The region is also noted for the fiber "ixtle", from which a form of jute is woven. Present day clothing factories, including The International Bag Company have a branch factory located nearby in Matehuala.
There are many cottage industries, among them is the famous "cajeta" candy made in several places. Due to the natural resources and population, many foreign manufacturers have locations here including an American electronic factory, and a French firm operating one of the silver mines. In June of 1976, the first discotheque in the region opened to a very successful season.
Although hunting is an undeveloped sport here, it is good in this area. Animals include the Whitetail Deer, Collared Peccary, Puma, Bobcat, Coyote, and Rabbit. Game birds include the Wild Turkey, Scaled Bobwhite, Whitewing Dove, Mourning Dove, and Bandtailed Pigeon.
The area surrounding the town is reputed to be one of the most prolific in cactus specimens. The Motel Hacienda has many varieties of cactus plants that are landscaped throughout the garden areas. The cactus varieties are mixed together with Irises, Roses, Chyrsanthemums, Zinnias, Shasta Daisies, Poppies, and many more. Shade trees include the native Mesquite, Huizache, Pepper, Australian Pine, Jacaranda, and Peach. Vines include the Bougainvillea, Honeysuckle, Lace, Grape and Climing Roses. The portion of land occupied by the motel and its buildings is completely surrounded by protective barriers, in some locations by arched walls, and in others by deep cactus plantings enhancing the "Hacienda" atmosphere.