Tule Tree | Oaxaca

The Tule Tree (El Árbol del Tule) is one of the most extraordinary natural wonders of Mexico, located in the town of Santa María del Tule, about 10 kilometers (6 miles) east of Oaxaca City. This ancient and massive Montezuma cypress (Taxodium mucronatum), known in Nahuatl as ahuehuete ("old man of the water"), is famed for having the thickest trunk of any tree in the world.

Key Characteristics

Girth (Circumference): Approximately 42 meters (about 137.8 feet)

Diameter: Roughly 14.05 meters (about 46.1 feet)

Height: Around 35–40 meters (115–131 feet), though the height has been reduced over time due to natural aging and pruning

Age: Estimated to be between 1,200 and 2,000 years old, though local legend claims it is over 2,000 years old

Species: Montezuma cypress (Taxodium mucronatum), a species native to Mexico and Guatemala and the national tree of Mexico

Historical and Cultural Significance

Sacred Tree: The Tule Tree holds sacred significance for the Zapotecs, the indigenous people of the region. According to legend, the tree was planted about 1,400 years ago by a priest of the wind god Ehécatl, which adds spiritual meaning to its already impressive stature.

Colonial Church Nearby: The tree stands next to the Church of Santa María del Tule, a small colonial-era church, creating a striking contrast between man-made structure and ancient nature.

Symbol of Life and Nature: The tree is a symbol of life and endurance for the people of Oaxaca. Its unique trunk is full of knots and bulges that locals say resemble animals and mythological figures—guides will often point out shapes such as lions, elephants, crocodiles, and even human faces.

Ecological Importance

The Tule Tree grows in a wetland environment, sustained by underground aquifers and natural springs. Its size and age demonstrate the fertility of the valley and the resilience of native species.

It provides a habitat for birds and other small animals and plays an important role in the local microclimate.

Conservation Status

The tree has faced threats from urbanization, water depletion, and pollution. Its roots depend on underground water sources that have been impacted by agriculture and infrastructure development.

Local and international efforts have been made to preserve the tree, including scientific studies, reforestation projects in the area, and promoting sustainable tourism.

There have been concerns about the tree’s health in recent years, especially due to reduced water availability, but conservationists continue to monitor and care for it.

Visitor Experience

The Tule Tree is a popular tourist destination, and the town of Santa María del Tule has embraced its role as steward of this natural treasure.

The site is accessible and includes walking paths, informational signs, and local guides who offer stories and historical insights.

A visit is often combined with trips to other nearby attractions like Mitla, Teotitlán del Valle, and Hierve el Agua.

Fun Fact

The tree’s enormous size once led people to believe it was actually multiple trees growing together, but genetic testing has confirmed it is a single individual.

In essence, the Tule Tree is not just a botanical marvel but a living monument—an awe-inspiring testament to nature’s strength, endurance, and beauty, deeply intertwined with Oaxaca’s cultural and ecological heritage.