Tule Tree – The largest cypress tree?
The world famous Tule Tree (el árbol del Tule) is the centre point of the village of Santa Maria El Tule and is situated directly in front of the Santa Maria de la Asuncion church in the village’s plaza. The Tule tree is a Montezuma Cypress and is believed to be the biggest and oldest in the world. The tree is more impacting in its width than its height with a circumference of an incredible 40 meters. The Tule tree is also thought to be around 2000 years old, and by many accounts is lucky to still be here after it was nearly sold for lumber many years ago. The Tule tree is an evident source of income for the village due to the visitors that it attracts and there is an artisan market and another local market a very short distance away. Should you be peckish there are a number of eateries close by, many selling ‘empanadas’ (Similar to pasties but made with maize dough) which are believed to come from El Tule village originally.
Santa Maria El Tule is about 20 minutes’ drive from Oaxaca City centre. El Tule is also very easy to get to using public transport, either by bus or via ‘colectivos’ (Taxis that operate like buses with set routes – These are usually burgundy and white in colour.), There are a number of bus and colectivo routes that go through El Tule but if you get on/in one which says Tule you really can’t go wrong.
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The Things to do in Oaxaca Team ☺
A map of the Tule Tree
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Photos of Tule tree
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