Tule Tree | Oaxaca

The Tule Tree is a Montezuma cypress located in the town of Santa María del Tule, Oaxaca, Mexico. It is recognized for its exceptionally wide trunk.

Visual Characteristics

The tree's trunk is characterized by its immense girth, measuring approximately 14.05 meters (46.1 feet) in diameter and 42 meters (138 feet) in circumference. Its height is estimated at 35.4 meters (116 feet). The bark is rough and deeply furrowed, displaying a reddish-brown hue. The canopy is dense, providing significant shade.

Location & Access Logistics

The Tule Tree is situated in the central plaza of Santa María del Tule, approximately 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) east of Oaxaca City. Access is via Federal Highway 190 (Carretera Internacional). Parking is available in designated lots surrounding the plaza. Local buses (rutas 145 and 146) depart regularly from Oaxaca City's central bus station, stopping directly in front of the tree.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The Tule Tree is a specimen of Taxodium mucronatum, a species native to Mexico and southern United States. Its age is estimated to be between 1,400 and 3,000 years old, making it one of the oldest living trees in the world. Its massive trunk is a result of centuries of growth and the unique fusion of multiple trees or a single tree with unusual growth patterns.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can observe the tree's trunk and walk around its perimeter. Guided tours are available, providing information on the tree's history and biology. Photography is permitted. The surrounding plaza offers shaded areas for rest.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are located adjacent to the plaza. Shade is provided by the tree's canopy and nearby structures. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available. Food vendors and small shops selling local crafts are present in the plaza area.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for photography is mid-morning or late afternoon when the sun's angle creates distinct shadows on the trunk. The dry season, from November to April, offers the most pleasant weather. No specific tide requirements apply.

Facts & Legends

Local legend states that the tree was planted by the Aztec priest Quetzalcoatl. Another belief is that the trunk is formed from the fusion of three trees planted by priests. Scientific analysis suggests the trunk is a single, exceptionally wide specimen.

Nearby Landmarks

• Church of Santa María del Tule (adjacent)
• Monte Albán Archaeological Zone (8km Southwest)
• Mitla Archaeological Zone (40km Southeast)
• Hierve el Agua (65km Southeast)