Tule, Oaxaca – A monumental world-famous tree and its town

Santa Maria del Tule is a small town in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico only 12 km from the city. Among its natural beauties, is “The Tule tree” and its environs comprise a unique natural monument, an attraction for locals and visitors alike. The cypress, known in Spanish as ahuehuete (Taxodium mucronatum), is Mexico’s national tree. According to legend, Hernan Cortes cried beneath the boughs of a cypress after the Aztecs defeated the Spanish on La Noche Triste (The Sad Night). The town of Santa Maria del Tule takes its name from the famous tree and boasts not just one, but seven extremely large and ancient cypress trees.

The Tule tree represents the heart of the city. This gigantic tree is called “El Árbol del Tule”

is Mexico´s most famous tree. It is a giant sequoia circumference diameter of 38 feet, one of world´s largest biomass, it would take at least 30 people, hands clasped, to cover it. Its weight is estimated at 636 tons. The actual age of this Tule Tree is still a mystery; according to studies it is estimated between 2,000 to 3,000 years old, it is one of the oldest living things on earth. It´s inhabitants have found different types of figures such as: a head of deer, lion, elephant, and crocodile, among other figures. Imagine this tree was a sapling at the time when the civilization at Monte Alban was flourishing . Santa Maria El Tule, it also has two small temples of the XV and XVIII centuries with baroque altarpieces.

At Emark DMC® Oaxaca we can show you many extraordinary experiences with our professional bilingual tour guides and show you our richness full of history and traditions in your vacations for family, friends, or groups. We will be happy to quote you memorable trips to anywhere in Mexico. For further information, please send us an email to  info@emarkgroup.com