In the village of Santa María del Tule, about ten kilometres east of Oaxaca, a single Montezuma cypress stands beside the church and dominates the square. Known locally as the Árbol del Tule, it is celebrated for having one of the widest trunks of any tree in the world, so wide that it takes a ring of people with arms stretched to circle it. Local guides point out shapes in its gnarled bark, such as animals and faces, and children in the churchyard happily show visitors where to look. The tree is thought to be over a thousand years old, and its age is part of local legend and village pride. A small fee gives access to the enclosed garden around it, where there are benches for sitting in the shade, and the adjoining church has a pleasant plaza. Around the square you can try nieves, local ice creams in unusual flavours such as cheese or mezcal, and browse stalls selling crafts and food. The stop takes under an hour, so it often forms part of a day of travel, though a bike ride to the tree from the city is also a lovely way to spend a morning.
Getting there
The tree is on the main road toward Mitla and is easily reached by local bus, collective taxi or on a guided bike tour that follows quiet lanes through the valley. Cycling takes you past fields and village streets and finishes with food at a market, which makes a slow, scenic alternative to a minibus. Most day-trip tours stop here for around half an hour on the way to or from Teotitlán, Mitla and Hierve el Agua.
Making the most of it
Arrive early before the tour buses, ask a local guide to show you the animal shapes, and then visit the church and the market stalls. The tree is a living organism and the village looks after it carefully, so respect the barriers and avoid climbing or touching if asked. Ice cream is the traditional treat, and the village market offers regional food at fair prices.
Timing
The tree is a good first stop on a day trip because it is close to the city, and a short visit leaves time for the longer parts of the day. If you enjoy cycling, a guided half-day ride is a good way to combine the tree, village life and a tasting of local food. Check weather, since midday sun in the valley can be hot, and bring a hat and water.
What to expect
The experience
A short visit to the churchyard garden around the tree, with time for the church, the plaza, ice cream and market stalls, or a guided bike ride from the city.
Best time
Morning, before tour groups arrive and before the valley heats up.
How long
Under an hour on site, or a half day with a bike tour.
Tips
Ask a local guide to show the animal shapes in the bark, try a regional ice cream, and bring a hat and small change for the entry fee.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families and curious travellers who want a quick, memorable stop on the way to the valleys.
- Families
- Children love finding shapes in the bark and trying unusual ice creams.
- Couples
- A relaxed bike ride to the tree followed by market food is a gentle, scenic outing.
- Pair with
- Teotitlán del Valle, Mitla and Hierve el Agua.
- Time needed
- One to two hours, or a half day by bike.
Good questions
Where is the Tule Tree?+
It is in the village of Santa María del Tule, about ten kilometres east of Oaxaca city, beside the church.
How old is the tree?+
It is believed to be over a thousand years old, though exact estimates vary. Locals regard it with great pride.
How long does a visit take?+
Under an hour is enough for the tree, the church and a snack. Combine it with other stops for a fuller day.
Can I cycle there?+
Yes, guided bike tours from the city follow quiet roads to the tree and often end with market food. It is a pleasant half-day outing.
Is there an entry fee?+
There is usually a small fee to enter the garden around the tree, paid at the gate. Bring small change.
