• HOME
  • ABOUT
  • WORK
  • COURSE
  • PODCAST
  • DESTINATIONS
  • Nav Social Icons

  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • WORK
  • COURSE
  • PODCAST
  • DESTINATIONS
  • Mobile Menu Widgets

    Connect

    Search

Bucketlist Bri

Bucketlist Bri

Adventurous Slomad Travel

  • Start Here
  • Destinations
  • Digital Nomad
  • Responsible Travel
  • Slow Travel
  • Van Life

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

you’ll also love

12+ Best Day Trips From Puerto Vallarta
Inside the Casa Na Bolom Museum CourtyardInside Casa Na Bolom: The House Museum of Lacandon Culture
cenote cristal in tulum mexicoThe Ultimate Guide to Cenotes Cristal y Escondido in Tulum

Join the List

Stay up to date with the latest adventures and travel guides.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Next Post >

Where to Stay in Lisbon — Best Hotels & Neighborhoods

Primary Sidebar

hello!

I’m Bri, an adventurous digital nomad living abroad full-time since 2015. It is my hope to inspire you to live a life of adventure, seek out meaningful experiences, and travel slowly and mindfully!

About Me

Connect

join the list

Featured Posts

Aerial view of squares and hotel buildings in Lyon, France.

Top 10 Boutique Hotels in Lyon, France

female digital nomad in front of the "follow that dream" sign in tulum, mexico

Top 20 Pros & Cons of Being a Digital Nomad

Hiking on Earth’s Mantle: The Tablelands in Canada

QUICK LINKS

  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • WORK
  • COURSE
  • PODCAST
  • DESTINATIONS

Search

Let’s Connect!

@bucketlistbri

Mexico with mummy pt. 1 🌵 Last November, Paul Mexico with mummy pt. 1 🌵 

Last November, Paul and I slow-traveled and lived for 6 months in La Paz, the capital of Baja California Sur where we basked in the sunshine, dove with sea lions, and ate our weight in fish tacos 🌮 

(Peep my La Paz blog guides for all the juicy deets)🧃👀 

Some of you may remember La Paz is also where I started my Invisalign treatment earlier this year (update: my bottom teethies are nearly straight!!) so here we are six months later to pick up my second load of trays, but this time I brought mom along for the ride to show her around some of my favorite places😃 

Highlights from La Paz (except for the first)👇

💀 Face painting for Día de Muertos in Oaxaca
🌊 Playa Tecolote, one of the best beaches next to Balandra Bay
💡 When in La Paz
🍕 The BEST Naples pizza + burrata salad @ La Casa Madre 
🦋 New baby tats thanks to @tattooinknm
🌞 Sunset and sunken ships from the hurricane
💻 Snuck in a bit of blogging 
🍻 Beach beers!
♟️ My favorite little park in La Paz with a giant chessboard (Parque Piedras y Pájaros)
✈️ We got a plane to catch! La Paz > Oaxaca 

Being back in La Paz made me super nostalgic 🥲 
Revisiting a place after spending an extended amount of time there is always a strange feeling; you feel at home yet you're still a visitor, a tourist, with much to discover. You see people from the community you started to build, but before you know it you are packing your bag and saying goodbye again. I even had to go pick up some clothes we left in our last apartment 🙈

As bittersweet as it is, I'm so grateful for the "slomad" life. And also very grateful to be able to share some of the places close to my heart with my mom 🇬🇧 

I'm not sure exactly when I'll be in La Paz again (if not for my teeth, lol, which is not a bad place to "have to go back to" for that, right?) but I know that this wasn't my last visit 🥲 

#lapazmexico #bajacaliforniasur #mexico #mommydaughtertrip #golapaz #lapazbcs
Alone but not lonely is my new mantra 💛 I am s Alone but not lonely is my new mantra 💛

I am so proud of and grateful for the version of myself that solo travel has made me to step into... 🤗

10 years ago, even if I had already been living abroad, the thought of eating ALONE in a restaurant or taking myself out alone (not to mention traveling through different countries alone) just baffled me — literally, I didn’t understand what the attraction was to do such things alone! 
But now... OH MY GOODNESS 😱 total transformation. Now I’ve solo traveled abroad in Portugal, Japan, and Nepal and all three were like stepping stones to the next solo adventure 🥾 🧘‍♀️ 🏔️ 🥰 🏯

Please everyone go solo travel, if you can, and if you feel pulled to!! 

It’s such a powerful way to get to know yourself, step outside your comfort zone, and make connections! 

As much as I enjoy traveling with my partner, I just simply wouldn’t have had the same encounters or made the connections that I did on this trip and to think what I would have missed out on 🥲 ❤️

Because traveling alone literally forces you to *go out there* and in doing so, you realize just how capable you were of doing it all along! 🙏

#solotravel #solofemaletraveler #nepal #soloadventure #nepalnow #nepaltravel #nepaltourism
When you stay open and curious, pretty magical thi When you stay open and curious, pretty magical things can unfold 🥹 ✨ 

I’ve been harboring this story unsure as to HOW TO EVEN BEGIN to tell it, but the how is less important than the why. 

And this experience reminded me of my why ☺️ 

I live for this kind of magic in life, or rather, it’s this kind of magic that lights me up and makes me feel most alive — the adrenaline of an adventure and how a story unfolds right in front of me like a movie, one in which I’m not only the producer, director, graphic artist, etc but the screenwriter too. And perhaps most interestingly, the viewer as well. 

I’ve said this before, and recently too, but whenever I travel, I often let “the story” lead the way. And there’s always a story. Whether you think of it as scripting your own play, directing your own film, or authoring your own book, we get to be both the creators and the audience. And I think that’s pretty neat. 

For a long, long time, I’ve often kept those kinds of travel moments locked away in my journal — for my personal reflections only, unsure that they’d mean anything to anyone else. But what I’ve come home to lately, is that these stories are mine to tell and if they matter to me, then, well, that’s all that matters.

So here’s to sharing stories that matter, for the intrinsic value of the story itself, and for the meaningful seeds of inspiration and magic that take root in our hearts 🥰 ✌️ 

#solotravel #trekking #nepal #langtang #travelstories #travelblogger #travelstories #mindfultravel
Did you guess it? You’ve probably heard of trekk Did you guess it? You’ve probably heard of trekking routes in Annapurna, Everest, Manaslu, and Upper/Lower Mustang… but have you ever heard of Langtang? 

Langtang village inside Langtang National Park was tragically wiped out after a devastating landslide (caused by the 2015 earthquakes), but the village is rebuilding and tourism to the region is picking up! 

You will hike through the landslide area as well as the new village on this gorgeous Langtang Valley Trek. 

The trek takes 8 days roundtrip and goes from roughly 1400m up to 4980m, with the last village of Kyanjin Gompa resting at around 3900m. 

It’s one of the most BEAUTIFUL treks to do in Nepal! Plus, you don’t need to journey far to reach the starting point in Syabrubesi which is just 115km north of Kathmandu (however, it still takes around 7 hours by bus to get there!).

Save this to your Nepal adventure bucket list 🔖 and head to my blog for the free detailed guide to the trek! 

#nepal #langtang #trekking #himalayas
Guess where?! 😁 (hint in the 4th clip!) But al Guess where?! 😁 (hint in the 4th clip!) 
But also this shouldn’t come as a surprise! As a nomad, I’ve slow lived and based myself out of Mexico 5-6 times since 2018. 
Each time, going back feels like going home! 💛
And even though I was just there for a short period to show my mom around and celebrate Day of the Dead, I’m happy to be returning for a few months so I can fill back up my cup. 

The majority of 2023 has been a non-stop whirlwind which wasn’t my initial vision for this year, so this next move is about slowing down (even more), writing, and recharging ☀️ 🔋 

If you could move anywhere, where would you go? 

#digitalnomad #mexicotravel #oaxacamexico #slomad #slowtravel #slowliving
La Velada is such a special part of Día de Muerto La Velada is such a special part of Día de Muertos traditions to witness 🧡✨ 

On October 31st, we went to two local cemeteries (Panteón Xoxocotlán and Panteón Atzompa) where families labor away with love by decorating the graves with marigolds, candles, and their dead beloved’s favorite food, drinks, objects... you name it! 💛🪦

You’ll see families laughing, playing music, and drinking while some are embracing or visiting alone, quiet in their remembrance. Meanwhile, you can find typical street food outside the cemetery gates and bands/concerts and mariachis playing loudly in the background 🎺 

It’s festive, sentimental, and magical (and more), all in one 🥹❤️

If you have the wonderful opportunity to visit Oaxaca or any of the other places in Mexico where they celebrate next year, please make sure to be respectful! 🫶🏼

In Atzompa, the grave mounds are harder to see and you should take extra care with your steps and how you take photos (if you decide to). We were invited over by a family for mezcal and my friend also got to light candles for her father and share it with their family’s gravesite. 🕯️ It was a very special experience for all of us! Many many thanks and much love to everyone who made it so beautiful 🙏🌼🕯️💜

#diademuertos #dayofthedead #oaxaca #lavelada #atzompa #xoxocotlán #oaxacatravel #mexicotravel #oaxacadejuarez #cempasuchil #diademuertos2023
Follow My Adventures

Footer

On the Blog

  • Start Here
  • Destinations
  • Digital Nomad
  • Responsible Travel
  • Slow Travel
  • Van Life

Info

  • Work With Me
  • My Blog Course
  • Slomad Stories Podcast
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy

adventures await x

Copyright © 2023 · Bucketlist Bri | All Rights Reserved

13 shares