In the desert around Matehuala there are veritable forests of several species of agave and yucca which are the source of various fibers, all generically known as ixtle, and the basis of Matehuala's allimportant industry: Finer quality fibers are used mainly for sacking and for decorative pieces such as place mats and wall hangings. Coarser fiber is made into packing material, brush bristles, and door mats. Ixtle is also used for upholstery filling. Once pounded and shredded, it is wound into hanks that are tied in knots, soaked in water, allowed to dry, and then untied. The resulting curled segments provide the necessary resiliency for the filling.
Food, lodging, and gasoline are available here. You can ride a slightly antiquated bus up to El Catorce.
South of Matchuala, you'll start seeing the nopal or tuna cactus, the fruit of which is quite delicious. Natives gather the fruits and sell them along the highway. The fruit is also used to make a regional sweet-queso de tuna or tuna "cheese."
About 50 miles south of Matehuala, at an un
assuming placed called Huizache Junction, Highway 80 from Antiguo Morelos (on the Pan American Highway) joins Highway 57, and the two routes continue as one to San Luis Potosi.
