Lodging beneath an 850-Ton Rock Draws Tourists for Exploration

Experience staying in a lodging beneath an 850-ton rock is sure to leave many unforgettable memories.

Lodging beneath an 850-Ton Rock Draws Tourists for Exploration

At first, it might sound crazy, but the lodging beneath a gigantic rock is entirely true. Currently, this unique accommodation continues to capture the interest of travelers worldwide. It is known to be a place that Mr. Don Benito Hernandez (82 years old) noticed when he was only 8 years old.

After 20 years of saving, Don Benito Hernandez had accumulated enough money to purchase this piece of land. Together with his wife, they built a handmade brick house right under the approximately 850-ton rock.

The small home of the Don Benito Hernandez couple is located in the San Jose de Piedras region, about 50 miles south of the U.S.–Mexico border. This sparsely populated area falls within the Ocampo plant and animal conservation zone in the Coahuila desert, Mexico. Despite its remote location, this unique house has been the warm haven for the couple and their 7 children for over 30 years.

Initially, Don Benito Hernandez never considered the idea of running a lodging beneath a rock. He stated: 'I first came here at 8 years old to visit the Candelilla field and liked the location of the rock. At that time, I wasn't married, but I was determined to own this piece of land.'

During the initial period of moving here, the couple faced various challenges in finding electricity and clean water. Most of their utilities relied on natural energy and the stream on the nearby mountain. Don Benito Hernandez primarily earned a living by cultivating Candelilla plants – a species used for making candles, medicine, and more.

It wasn't until 2018 that his house gained more online visibility. Don Benito Hernandez honestly shared that he only hoped this unique architecture would be known by many, not expecting to make money. Even the Ocampo Conservation Zone allowed him to advertise the lodging service at the entrance, attracting more visitors.

Apart from living under an 850-ton “roof,” the remarkable feature of this place is the serene night sky with sparkling stars, free from light pollution caused by high-pressure lights, creating a comfortable and clean atmosphere. Therefore, since Don Benito Hernandez began welcoming visitors, many tourists come here to experience this special feeling.

Currently, issues related to electricity and water supply have gradually been resolved. The number of guests renting rooms has also steadily increased. During the widespread pandemic period, this lodging beneath a rock inadvertently became an ideal destination due to its remote and less frequented location. When asked if he would sell the house if someone offered, Don Benito Hernandez mentioned that he would only rent it out and not sell, no matter how high the offer might be.

According to Mytour

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Reference: Travel Guide by Mytour