El Tule
The widest tree trunk in the world at 42 meters circumference
Overview
El Árbol del Tule (The Tule Tree) is a Montezuma cypress with the widest tree trunk in the world—42 meters (138 feet) in circumference, requiring 30+ people holding hands to encircle it. This 2,000+ year old tree is so massive it was once thought to be multiple trees fused together (DNA testing proved it's a single organism). Located in the churchyard of Santa María del Tule, the tree's gnarled trunk contains countless shapes that locals love to point out—jaguars, elephants, and faces. A perfect quick stop en route to Mitla, Hierve el Agua, or other eastern valley destinations.
Highlights
Practical Information
30-45 minutes
15 MXN
Colectivos from Oaxaca run 7-15 pesos. Entry 10-20 pesos.
Any time—quick stop easily combined with Mitla, Hierve el Agua, or Teotitlán del Valle on the eastern valley route.
More Day Trips Nearby
Monte Albán
Former Zapotec capital and UNESCO World Heritage site with 360-degree valley views
Hierve el Agua
One of only two petrified waterfalls in the world with natural infinity pools
Mitla
Unique geometric mosaic stone friezes found nowhere else in Mesoamerica
Santiago Matatlán
World Capital of Mezcal with family distilleries lining the highway
Teotitlán del Valle
Zapotec weaving village famous for wool rugs with natural dyes
Tlacolula Sunday Market
The largest and most authentic weekly market in the Oaxaca Valley