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Tree of Tule in Oaxaca, Mexico: How to Visit the Widest Tree in the World

Last Updated: October 27, 2022 · Mexico, Oaxaca

Before coming to Oaxaca City, I had never heard of the Tree of Tule. Nor have I heard or seen pictures of the widest tree in the world or a tree in Mexico that is over 2,000 years old.

But then I moved (temporarily) as nomads to Oaxaca de Juárez (Oaxaca City) and quickly discovered the Tree of Tule, which, to me, looks like a cross between the Hometree in Avatar and Grandmother Willow from Pocahontas.

In any case, the Tree of Tule looks just as magical as it is ginormous. This tree is truly jaw-droppingly humongous! You have to see it with your own eyes to believe—and feel—its historic and mystical existence.

In this guide, I will share all about the El Tule Tree; how you can visit it on a day trip from Oaxaca City, fun facts you should know about it, and what to see and do in the town of Santa Maria del Tule.

Table of Contents show
How to Visit the Tree of Tule in Oaxaca
What Is the Tree of Tule?
How to Get to Santa Maria del Tule from Oaxaca City
Fun Facts About the Tree of Tule in Mexico
El Tule Is Sacred
Animal Shapes
Is El Tule One Tree or Several?
How Wide Is the Tree of Tule?
How Has El Árbol del Tuel Lived 2000 Years?
What Kind of Tree is the Tree of Tule?
Who Were the Zapotecs?
Other Things to Do in Santa María del Tule
Mercado Gastronomia del Tule (Food Market)
Is Visiting El Tule Worth It?

How to Visit the Tree of Tule in Oaxaca

Woman posing in front of the Tree of Tule in Mexico
Cement sign inscribed with facts about the Arbol del Tule which towers in the background
Two girls taking a photo on the colorful letters of "El Tule" in Santa María del Tule town in Oaxaca, Mexico.
The colorful letters of El Tule!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links that may earn me a small commission should you decide to click through and make a valid purchase (at no extra cost to you). Thanks so much for your support!

What Is the Tree of Tule?

Before we get into the Tule Tree, let’s first talk about the origins of the word. What does tule mean?

Tule is a Zapotec name derived from the Náhuatl language for tulle or tullin which is the name for the bulrush plant (cattail)—a reed-like sedge that grows in marshes and swampy ecosystems. In Náhuatl, it is called ahuehuete or sabino.

Tule grew and thrived in the wetland that once dominated the area which dried up and is now covered over with the town of Santa María del Tule.

El Tule Tree is the widest tree in the world

The Zapotecs, like the Mayas or Aztecs, were once a thriving indigenous group of Mexico who lived particularly throughout the southern part of the Oaxaca state. Once the Spanish arrived in the early 16th century, however, the Zapotecs, much like other indigenous populations and civilizations of Mexico, disappeared or were destroyed by the invaders.

As for the Tree of Tule, it is a single Montezuma Cypress tree that is over 2,000 years old. It got its name from the reed which thrived in this area, but it is not a cattail plant that grew tall. In Náhuatl, Montezuma Cypress is ahuehuete which literally translates to “upright drum in the water.”

How to Get to Santa Maria del Tule from Oaxaca City

Top-down view of two bikes and bikers feet
Bikers biking down an old railway road in Oaxaca
We biked to Santa María del Tule

So, where is El Árbol del Tule and how can you get there from Oaxaca City?

You can find this gargantuan tree 10 km (6 mi) east of Oaxaca City in Santa María del Tule, a town named after the patron saint of Santa María and the tule plant.

Getting to Santa María del Tule is quite easy by public transport, taxi, or bike!

Here’s how you can go there:

  • Driving: Head west in your rental car on Heroes de Chapultec/Carr. Internacional (takes 30 minutes).
  • Bus: Hop on a local bus on Bvld. José Vasconcelos, Highway 190. Cost is only $8 MXN pesos one-way.
  • Taxi: Download the Didi app for secure taxi rides. The cost to go to El Tule from Oaxaca City is about $165–$200 MX pesos last time I checked.
  • Bike: Book Ivan’s Airbnb experience ($17 USD) and bike to Santa María del Tule following an old railway track out of town. It’s an easy and breezy 45-minute ride.

Fun Facts About the Tree of Tule in Mexico

The widest part of the El Arbol del Tule's tree trunk
Landscape view of the Tree of Tule in Santa María del Tule in Oaxaca Mexico

Here are some cool facts and stories I learned about the Tule Montezuma Baldcypress tree—Mexico’s national tree—during our visit!

El Tule Is Sacred

First, El Tule, as you can imagine, was considered a sacred tree to the Zapotecs and is even a part of their creation myth. It’s for this reason that the Spanish, in desperation to convert the indigenous population to Catholicism, that they built the Catholic church right next to the tree.

The large trunk of the Tree of Tule in Oaxaca
The white Catholic church with red and blue trim in Santa María del Tule Mexico
The Catholic church right next to the Tree of Tule

Animal Shapes

Second, the Tree of Tule is nicknamed the “Tree of Life” because of the visible animal shapes found in various spots of the trunk and branches. You can see a deer, elephant, jaguar, anteater, and other animal shapes! Our guide Ivan explained that, as a child growing up in Oaxaca, his school class would go on trips to El Tule and the teachers would point out the animal figures hidden in plain sight in the tree.

Visible animal-shaped figure in the sacred Tree of Tule in Mexico
Animal figure in the branches of the El Tule Tree
Do you spot the anteater and the dear with antlers?

Is El Tule One Tree or Several?

Another fun fact about El Tule is that scientists actually ran a DNA test to answer the theory that Tule was actually several trees that grew together. The results are that El Tule is definitely just one tree, but there are speculations that one tree could have multiple trunks.

Down-up view of the wide and tall Tree of Tule in Oaxaca Mexico
Girl with hands up taking photo in front of the ancient El Tule tree in Oaxaca, Mexico.

How Wide Is the Tree of Tule?

The official girth of the El Tule tree measures 42 meters or 137.8 feet. Its circumference makes it the widest tree in the world and its diameter from its two widest points measures 14.05 m or 46.1 ft.

Once, the community of Santa María del Tule came together and held hands around the base of the tree. It took 45 people to make it around completely!

El Tule Tree is the widest tree in the world

How Has El Árbol del Tuel Lived 2000 Years?

El Tule is known as being the widest tree in the world, but it is also the oldest tree in Mexico at 2,000+ years old. There are other Montezuma Cypress trees that grow in the community of Santa María del Tule. So why did El Tule grow so big and so old?

It is said that El Tule grew right above a rich aquifer, which would explain where it gets its intake of water and nutrients to grow so tall, wide, and old!

However, due to climate change and pollution, the tree is at risk of slowly dying as resources become scarce.

The wide trunk of the Arbol del Tule
Can you see the elephant?

What Kind of Tree is the Tree of Tule?

The Tree of Tule is a Montezuma Cypress tree. Some mistake it as a tule plant that grew huge! Tule is a reed-like cattail plant that grows in wetlands. You can actually see a tule plant in the curated garden right next to the tree.

The curated green gardens of Santa Maria del Tule
The well-kept gardens and plaza of Santa María del Tule

Who Were the Zapotecs?

The Zapotecs, the “Cloud People”, thrived in this area for thousands of years before the Spanish invasion. Monte Alban, which you can visit on a day trip, served as their capital. The Tree of Tule to them was so sacred that they worshipped it like a supernatural god. They believed their ancestors turned into people from jaguars or trees.

Other Things to Do in Santa María del Tule

Colorful mural depicting the town of Santa María del Tule in Oaxaca, Mexico
“If the future catches up to us”

Of course, while El Árbol del Tule is the main attraction of the town, there are a few other things to do on your mini day trip from Oaxaca City!

  • Mercado Gastronomia — sprawling food hall with cheap eats and drinks!
  • Los Cinco Sabinos — a garden of other Montezuma Cypress trees (albeit smaller, nevertheless less pretty!).
  • La Calera del Tule — a hiking area outside of the town leading up to a scenic viewpoint overlooking the valley.
  • Mercado de Artesanías — colorful outdoor market selling artisan souvenirs, textiles, clothing, bags, and more.
  • Mezcalerias — Visit the El Sabor de Oaxaca bar in town or the Fábrica de Mezcal Oro de Oaxaca to learn about the process and taste artisanal mezcal.
plaza and gazebo of Santa María del Tule
Curated garden and plaza of Santa María del Tule

Mercado Gastronomia del Tule (Food Market)

After your visit to the ancient tree of El Tule, head across the curated gardens to the nearby food market. This spacious food hall is where you can fill up your belly on cheap and delicious Mexican and Oaxacan food and drinks!

In fact, if you are familiar with Oaxacan mole, then you’ll be delighted to know that it’s in this town of Santa María del Tule that yellow and green mole (mole amarillo y mole verde) originated! Even better, you can try them in a simple yet yummy empanada (not the same empanada you think of from Argentina or Colombia).

These empanadas are more like quesadillas but without quesillo (stringy Oaxacan cheese). We ordered one of each for only $25 MX pesos.

Next door is the Mercado de Artesanías — the outdoor textile and clothing market. This is where you’ll also find public restrooms (cost $5 pesos).

Is Visiting El Tule Worth It?

There’s nothing like seeing the majesty of the earth with your own eyes. If I could, I would sit under the shade of El Tule all day!

Whether you’re in Oaxaca for a short or long trip, make sure to carve time out to visit the community of Santa María del Tule and its sacred and ancient tree.

As always, please visit these communities responsibly; dispose of your trash, respect the environment, and support local businesses.

Please leave your experiences, comments, and questions down below!

Read more about the best things to do in Oaxaca City, Mexico here!

📌 PIN THIS GUIDE TO THE TREE OF TULE IN OAXACA, MEXICO

By: Bri · In: Mexico, Oaxaca

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Tips from a long-time nomad ⬇️✨ 💻 WORKIN Tips from a long-time nomad ⬇️✨

💻 WORKING ONLINE
While not all nomads/remote workers have online-specific jobs, it’s the easiest way to sustain an income for full-time or long-term travel. Here are some jobs you can do as a digital nomad!

• Blogging (This is what I do full-time!)
• Content Creation / Brand Sponsorship
• Virtual Assisting
• Social Media Management
• YouTube or Podcasting
• Graphic / Web Design
• Coding / Development
• Photography / Videography
• Freelance Writing (How I started)
• Marketing / Amazon FBA / Ecommerce

📍PICKING YOUR DIGITAL NOMAD DESTINATION
There are many countries out there offering digital nomad visas, but you don’t even need one to just travel as a tourist and stay in-country for 30, 60, 90, or 180 days. Nomads go everywhere as long as there’s a Wi-Fi connection, some countries you may consider are Portugal, Mexico, Costa Rica, Thailand, Vietnam, Croatia, Canada, Colombia, Indonesia, Brazil, and beyond! Even lesser-known places such as Namibia are starting to offer nomad visas to entice long-term travelers to visit.

🏡 FINDING HOUSING ABROAD
Read my blog post for the full guide on this, but basically, check local Facebook groups for renting local housing for extended stays and then use Airbnbs for shorter stays or to negotiate longer contracts with the owner. There are even more “nomad rental websites” these days to make finding accommodation even easier. Don’t overlook co-living/working spaces too like Selina where the digital nomad community tends to congregate.

💛 EXPLORING LOCALLY/RESPONSIBLY
As always, be mindful and respectful when you visit these communities. Many small towns are struggling with rapid growth and overdevelopment so be mindful of your choices of where you stay, how you spend your money, and who you support.

My best advice + detailed guides are all on the blog, free for you to use! Let me know if you have any questions about digital nomad life! 

Lastly, don’t overthink it. Moving countries isn’t as intimidating as you may think! It’s become second nature for us now after several years! 🐈‍⬛💃🌎✨
I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to discover t I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to discover this incredible country beyond the resorts and beaches, having lived temporarily in 5 out of the 32 Mexican states (Nayarit, Quintana Roo, Chiapas, Oaxaca, and now Baja California Sur) as a digital nomad who’s been slow traveling/living in and out of Mexico since 2018. 

There is so, so much cultural and natural beauty in Mexico — I wish more people could experience this country for themselves and not through the eyes of the media.

***Please visit Mexico as a digital nomad (or tourist in general) responsibly and mindfully. Stay local, eat local, drink local, shop local, support local. Leave No Trace and be conscious of your choices and impact!*** 

Here are the cities/towns we’ve slow traveled/lived in for extended stays.

• Oaxaca City — a colorful, historic open museum rich in indigenous culture and gastronomy 
• San Cristóbal de las Casas — an endearing pueblo mágico in the Chiapas Highlands
• La Paz — the capital city of BCS teeming with marine life, diving, fish tacos, and desert vibes
• San Pancho — an eco-conscious town in Nayarit famous for its sunsets and community
• Tulum — no introduction needed (and I wouldn’t go back here as a nomad due to overdevelopment)

Other great cities/towns/destinations for digital nomads are:

• Guadalajara (state of Jalisco)
• Santiago de Querétaro (state of Querétaro)
• San Miguel de Allende or Guanajuato City (state of Guanajuato)
• Playa del Carmen (state of Quintana Roo)
• Valladolid or Mérida (state of Yucatán)
• México City/CDMX (state of México)
• Sayulita (state of Nayarit)
• Puerto Vallarta (state of Jalisco)
• Puerto Escondido (state of Oaxaca)

I’d love to know what you think about Mexico and where you’ve been in the comments! 🇲🇽💛

And for the detailed guide of 13 places to live/visit, read my blog @bucketlistbri .com (just type in “places to live mexico” in the quick search bar if you can’t find the post under my “Mexico” category).

#mexicomagico #digitalnomad #visitmexico #livingabroad #fulltimetravel #mexicotravel #mexicodestinations #nomadadigital #nomada #mexicomaravilloso #slowtravelling #mindfultravel
PSA: Your anxiety, problems or (bad) habits will f PSA: Your anxiety, problems or (bad) habits will follow you around the world until you face them no matter how much you travel or move countries 🙃 

I know I’m not the only one that feels restless at times and idolizes moving to a new region/country/continent to shake my feelings of anxiety or self-doubt or fear! (Also, I tend to think about moving to another country even when I just moved to a new one 😅)

I know because I have lived abroad for 8+ years. I used to try to drown out my icky feelings and past traumas with lots of alcohol but now I carry them with me like I do my mismatched socks — they add to the quirkiness and remind me I don’t have to be, and am not, perfect. 

And that life is more interesting that way, anyway. 

Anddd that most importantly, whenever I get lost, I can and will be found again — I just may look and think differently after new adventures but I am still loved and never lost forever 🧦 ✨💛 

In sum, whether you travel full-time or not, take care of yourself ✨💛

#nomadness #nomadlife #lifeofadventure #livingabroad #fulltimetravel #offbeattravel #remoteworklife #homeawayfromhome #slowtravelstories #mentalhealthawarness
The 4 core ingredients to a recharged Bri: 💛 P The 4 core ingredients to a recharged Bri:

💛 Paul
😻 Yoda
🌍 Traveling & adventuring
👩🏼‍💻 Blogging & writing

Among other things like nature, photography, reading, animals, journaling, art, playing Zelda/games, dancing/music, culture/languages, enjoying rly good food and drinks! 😋 

What about you? What recharges you?? 

#rechargemysoul #blogging #adventures #writing #soulfulliving #mindfulliving #mindfultravel #nomadcouple #creativeliving
1 WEEK COSTA RICA ITINERARY👇🦋✨ 🌋 ARENA 1 WEEK COSTA RICA ITINERARY👇🦋✨

🌋 ARENAL // LA FORTUNA (2 days)
- Hike in the Arenal Volcano National Park
- Indulge in a local chocolate/coffee tour (s/o to @northfieldscafe)
- Go on a wildlife safari float (s/o to Raúl for pura vida vibes!)
- Lounge in natural hot springs (highly recommend the budget-friendly Relax Termalitas in Fortuna)
- Visit La Fortuna waterfall
- Check out the Butterfly Conservatory

🦥 QUEPOS // MANUEL ANTONIO (2-3 days)
- Take a guided or DIY tour of Manuel Antonio National Park
- Chill out on the Espadilla beach
- Explore the cute towns
- Watch for wildlife in the trees!

🌿 MONTEVERDE // SANTA ELENA (2 days)
- Visit/hike in the Monteverde Cloud Forest
- Go ziplining
- Birdwatching on a canopy tour
- Monteverde coffee tour
- Do a nature night walk

My sister and I surprised our mom with this bucket list trip on her birthday, and we had a blast! 🥹

Send this itinerary to someone you know who has always wanted to go to Costa Rica 🦋💛✨🌿🦜🐒

#costarica #bucketlisttrip #puravida #costaricaitinerary #lafortuna #manuelantonio #monteverde #ecotourism
Swimming with the biggest fish in the world is a q Swimming with the biggest fish in the world is a quite a humbling experience, and one that’s been at the top of my bucket list for ages! 🥺

Right now is prime whale shark season in La Paz in Baja California Sur, Mexico, so Paul and I made sure to go before we jetted off to see family for the holidays! I’m still in awe of these gentle giants and the fact that we got to swim alongside them!

Read all about the best whale shake tours in La Paz + ethical whale shark tourism in my latest blog post! Link in bio 💛

Send this to a friend who loves whale sharks! 🐳🦈

#whalesharks #lapaz #bajacaliforniasur #ethicaltravel #responsibletravel #ecotourism #golapaz #mexicotravel #bucketlist #seaofcortez
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