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Monumental tree · Santa María del Tule, Oaxaca
Árbol del Tule
Montezuma cypress in the churchyard of Santa María del Tule, with one of the thickest trunks in the world, about 14 meters in diameter.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Árbol del Tule
The Tule tree is an ahuehuete, or Montezuma cypress, Mexico's national tree. It stands in the churchyard of the Church of the Assumption in the center of Santa María del Tule, and has one of the widest trunks in the world, about 14 meters in diameter and over 40 meters in circumference. Its height exceeds 35 meters.
The age is usually estimated at more than 1,500 years, and for a long time it was debated whether it might be several trees joined together. Genetic studies indicated it is a single individual. The tree depends on groundwater from the valley, and its conservation is closely monitored.
The folds and protrusions of the trunk form shapes that locals compare to animals and characters, such as an elephant, a lion and a fish. Boys from the village often accompany visitors with flashlights, showing these figures.
Next to it are the white-and-yellow church from the 18th century and a square with gardens and other, younger trees of the same species.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
30 minutes to 1 hour.
Best time
In the morning, before the excursion groups that continue to Mitla.
How to get there
It is located in the center of Santa María del Tule, beside the road to Mitla, about 12 km from Oaxaca. You get there by car, shared van or organized tour.
Tip
Accept the walk with the local boys acting as guides to find the figures in the trunk.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Árbol del Tule
What is the diameter of the Tule tree?
About 14 meters at the trunk.
Is the Tule tree a single tree or several joined together?
Genetic studies indicated it is a single individual.
Where is the Tule tree located?
In the churchyard of Santa María del Tule, about 12 km from Oaxaca.