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Santa María del Tule is a small town just east of Oaxaca City, in the central valleys, best known for a single extraordinary tree. The Árbol del Tule, a Montezuma cypress, has one of the widest trunks of any tree in the world and is estimated to be well over a thousand years old. The town has grown up around it, with a tidy plaza and a strong local market culture.
The tree stands in the churchyard of the Templo de Santa María de la Asunción, a whitewashed colonial church whose decoration provides a lively contrast to the dark, gnarled trunk. Local children often act as guides, pointing out shapes in the bark that are said to resemble animals and figures. Around the plaza and crafts market, stalls sell embroidered clothing, alebrijes and other souvenirs. La Guadalupana Market is a good place to try regional food, including tlayudas, tamales and hot chocolate.
Because it is so close to the city, Tule is usually a short stop on the way along Highway 190 to the valley villages. Teotitlán del Valle, known for weaving, and the Sunday market at Tlacolula de Matamoros are next in line, followed by the ruins of Mitla and the mineral formations of Hierve el Agua. Monte Albán, on the other side of Oaxaca de Juárez, is often paired on another day.
WiserMap travel guideSanta María del Tule Mexico Giant Árbol del TuleDiscover Santa María del Tule in Oaxaca: the giant Árbol del Tule, its church and market, plus Teotitlán del Valle, Mitla and Hierve el Agua nearby.Read the guide
The Arbol del Tule is a giant Montezuma cypress in the churchyard of Santa Maria del Tule, with one of the thickest trunks of any tree in the world, over 40 m around. It is thought to be well over 1,000 years old. A small fee lets you walk around the fenced grounds; go early before the tour buses arrive.
The main square of Santa Maria del Tule, next to the church and the famous tree, has gardens with neatly trimmed topiary shrubs, benches and stalls selling crafts and souvenirs. It is a pleasant place to stroll after seeing the tree. Look for alebrijes, textiles and black pottery from nearby villages.
The church of Santa Maria de la Asuncion stands right beside the famous tree, a white and colorful colonial church with a decorated facade and a simple bright interior. It is still the village parish. Photos of the church and tree together are best taken from the atrium in the morning light.
Local children work as guides at the Arbol del Tule, using small mirrors or flashlights to point out shapes that people see in the tree's twisted bark, such as an elephant, a lion or a crocodile. The short tour is fun, especially for families. Pay them a small tip of a few pesos for their effort.
Near the main square, the village market has food stalls that serve Oaxacan dishes such as tlayudas, empanadas, tamales and memelas, along with nieves and fresh juices. It is a good stop for a cheap, filling lunch on the way to or from Oaxaca city. Bring small bills and coins for paying.
Around the fenced grounds of the great tree, rows of stalls sell embroidered blouses, rugs, painted wooden figures, mezcal and other souvenirs from the Central Valleys of Oaxaca. Prices are often a little higher than in the craft villages, so compare and bargain politely before you buy.
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