As a nature lover, when I am exploring a city I am always seeking ways to add nature into my trip, and thats when I discovered The Tree of Tule. It is the widest tree in Mexico, over 2,000 years old!
This is a wonderful day trip to take if your visiting Oaxaca Mexico as it is much less busy and gorgeous. Especially if you are visiting in the spring time when the gardens are in bloom. I was lucky enough to be there in early April when the botanical gardens were blooming next to the church, perfection.
The Tree of Tule is magnificent to stand next to, reminds me of a gigantic willow tree although it is cypress tree. Let’s get into more history of the tree and what to expect when visiting.
How to Visit The Tree of Tule
Just 20 minutes outside of the City Centre in Oaxaca Mexico, the town of Santa María del Tule is the perfect morning trip. I say morning because it is hot in Oaxaca and best enjoyed earlier in the day. We took a taxi and it was about $10 USD for 4 people. If your traveling on a budget you can take the the local bus for $8MXN.
This is the perfect day trip from your trip to Oaxaca City!
History of Tree of Tule
Tule is the Zapotec name derived from the Náhuatl language for tullin or tulle which is the name for the cattail plant that grows in swampy ecosystems.
The Tule grew from wetland that once dominated the area that is now dried up. I spoke with locals who have said that climate change has contributed to less rain and the area receives little to no rain year over year. Locals believe the tree is slowly dying which makes it even more the reason to visit.
The Tree of Tule is a Montezuma Cypress Tree that is said to be over 2,000 years old with a circumference of over 137.8 ft wide! The tree is nicknamed the “Tree of Life” from locals as you can see images of animals around the trees trunk including jaguars and elephants. It takes over 45 people holding hands to surround the tree!
How to Get to Santa María del Tule from Oaxaca City
Depending on budget and timeline, there are a few ways to explore the small town of Santa María del Tule from Oaxaca.
The tree is 6 miles from the city centre but takes about 20 minutes in a taxi to get here in traffic. We found it was a little hard to find a taxi on the way back since it is a smaller town. Didi App is the local UBER that you can use to order taxi if you have data on your cell phone.
Take the 45 minute bike ride through an Airbnb experience down the old railway track outside of town.
It costs $20MXN pesos to get close to the Tree of Tule behind the fence and see the botanical gardens around the church. Bring cash to pay for this and the local mercado and artisan markets.
Take the bus from Blvd. Jose Vasconcelos, Highway 190 for $8MXN pesos one way. The bus stop is just outside of the artisan mercado that goes back to Oaxaca City. This is definitely the most budget friendly option.
How Old is the Árbol del Tule?
It is quite hard to determine the actual age of the Árbol del Tule. Historians estimate that the tree is anywhere from 1,200 to 3,000 years old. Local Zapotec knowledge goes back 1,400 years ago acknowledging it as a sacred site.
With knowing how sacred it is, be mindful of others, do not liter, and be respectful around the tree and at the Catholic church.
The trees width has a circumference of 138 feet and a diameter of 46 feet making it the widest tree in Mexico. It is slightly wider than the widest tree in the world, the Giant Sequoia in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range in California.
Other Things to do In Santa María del Tule
We spent time walking around the local gardens and enjoying the view and flowers before heading for lunch at the gastronomica mercado. Before sitting down, note that each vendor holds rights to the table in front of their food stand-so be sure to know that before sitting down. They are cash only as well!
- La Calera del Tule- this is a hiking area outside of town leading up to a scenic viewpoint.
- Los Cinco Sabinos: gardens on the other side of the Catholic church and another smaller Montezuma Cypress Tree.
- Mercado Gastronomia-sprawling food hall with local tlayuda’s to try. Cheap food and drinks-be sure to have pesos.
- Mercado de Artesanias- outdoor market next to the gastronomic area full of local textiles and knick-nacks to purchase.
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