Visiting Árbol del Tule, Oaxaca: Discover the World’s Widest Tree
Visiting Árbol del Tule, Oaxaca is a must for anyone exploring the wonders of Mexico. Located in the quaint village of Santa María del Tule, this ancient Montezuma cypress holds the title of the world’s widest tree. Its sheer size and beauty make it a jaw-dropping natural landmark that draws visitors from around the globe.
This tree isn’t just impressive for its dimensions—it’s a living piece of history. Estimated to be over 2,000 years old, Árbol del Tule has witnessed centuries of change and remains a symbol of the region’s deep cultural and ecological heritage.
Beyond the tree itself, Santa María del Tule offers a charming escape. The village features colorful markets and traditional eateries, making it a great (and quick) escape from the city. Whether you're a history enthusiast, nature lover, or curious traveler, Árbol del Tule is one of the great reasons to explore Oaxaca.
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Visiting Arbol del Tule, Oaxaca: Fun Facts & Info
Before we dive into how to visit Arbol del Tule, we're going to share a few details you may be interested in about this famous Mexican landmark.
What is Arbol del Tule and Why is it Famous?
Arbol del Tule is a Montezuma Cypress, and is famous for being the widest tree in the world.
⟺ How Big is the Tule Tree?
The Tule Tree has a height of over 130 feet, and the circumference is a little under 50 feet!
How Old is Arbol del Tule?
The exact age of Arbol de Tule is not precisely known, but it is estimated to be over 2,000 years old!
Where is the Widest Tree in Mexico Located?
Arbol del Tule is located in the town of Santa Maria del Tule, which is just a little over 10 km south east of Oaxaca de Juarez.
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How Do I Get to El Tule from Oaxaca?
With its close proximity to Oaxaca city, you can get to Arbol del Tule in a number of ways:
- Rent a car and drive
- Hire a local taxi
- Grab an Uber or Didi
- Take a public bus
- Ride a bike
- Go on a tour
Visiting Arbol del Tule, Oaxaca With a Car
Visiting Arbol del Tule from Oaxaca is super easy, and is the option that we chose. We'd recommend this for anyone traveling with someone else, someone that is limited on time, or whoever is also interested in visiting other nearby attractions like Mitla or Hierve el Agua.
We rented our car from Cancun for a long road trip the first time, and rented a car from Mexico City this previous visit.
That being said, you can also easily rent a car from the city or airport of Oaxaca. We'd recommend booking in advance for the best prices and availability, since it's pretty popular to rent a car while in Oaxaca.
Visiting Arbol del Tule, Oaxaca With a Taxi/ Uber
If you don't feel comfortable renting a car and still want to get there in the shortest amount of time, you can easily hop in a taxi or order an Uber or Didi (the local app). We'd recommend an Uber or Didi so that you don't need to try and bargain with a driver, and can use your credit card to pay.
Prices are typically from 95-120 pesos, which is $5-6 each way.
Visiting Arbol del Tule, Oaxaca With Public Transportation
The most budget-friendly option for visiting Arbol del Tule, Oaxaca is by taking a local bus.
Head to Av. Ferrocarril - Av. Calicanto and take the RC03 towards Miguel Cabrera - Zaragoza. You'll get off at C. Camino del Rancho - C. Camino Nacional, and then have a 30 minute walk, or you can call an Uber, Didi, or taxi.
Another option is to take a colectivo, which is a shared van. Head to the stadium in Oaxaca, and then you can catch a colectivo to Santa Maria del Tule, which is where the Arbol del Tule is located.
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Biking to Arbol del Tule
Want a nice little workout? Well, at just 10 km away, you can easily bike to Arbol del Tule from Oaxaca! There are plenty of rental companies, but here are a few that we've found:
Visiting Arbol del Tule, Oaxaca on a Tour
If you're a solo traveler or like experiences with other travelers, then taking a tour is an excellent option for visiting Arbol del Tule.
There are a variety of tours that are offered, from mountain biking to Arbol del Tule to doing a full day adventure with Arbol del Tule, Mitla, and Hierve el Agua, which are some of the best sites outside of Oaxaca, all wrapped in one fun-filled day.
Visiting Arbol del Tule, Oaxaca: What to Expect
Now that you know all of the different options for visiting Arbol del Tule from Oaxaca, let's take a look at what a visit to the widest tree in the world looks like!
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Visiting Arbol del Tule: The Widest Tree in the World
Arbol del Tule is located in a fenced area, and while you can certainly see it from the outside, you'll have to have a ticket to actually go inside the premises.
Templo de Santa Maria de la Asuncion
Once you get your ticket (right in front of the main building of the plaza), you'll enter and notice a cute church and some gardens right next to the tree.
These are included in the ticket, and is a nice addition to visiting the widest tree in the world.
The Main Plaza of Santa Maria del Tule
The Arbol del Tule is actually located right in the corner of the main plaza of Santa Maria del Tule.
With manicured gardens and a colorful sign, we definitely recommend walking around the square to enjoy the beauty outside instead of just going straight to see the tree.
Mercado Gastronomico el Tule
After visiting el Arbol del Tule, Oaxaca, don't forget to grab a delicious lunch! Head to Mercado Gastronomico el Tule, which is the main food market of the town.
Mercado de Artesanias
Seen the sites and ready for a souvenir? Head over to the Mercado de Artesanias, which is an artisan market on the corner of the main plaza.
Shops in Santa Maria del Tule
Other than the artisan market, you'll also find a ton of shops selling local products, souvenirs, and snacks. They line the streets that are connected to the main plaza, which are right in front of the Tree of Tule.
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Price & Timetable for Visiting Arbol del Tule, Oaxaca
Arbol del Tule is located inside a fenced area, and in order to access it, you'll need a ticket.
Hours: The tree can be accessed daily from 8 am to 8 pm
Price: 20 pesos (must be paid in cash)
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Other Things to Keep in Mind for Visiting el Arbol del Tule, Oaxaca
Now you know almost everything for a fun trip to the widest tree in the world! Here are a few final things to keep in mind while visiting El Arbol del Tule, Oaxaca.
The Best Time to Visit el Arbol del Tule
We visited el Arbol del Tule in the middle of the day, and honestly it wasn't crazy crowded. However, for the least amount of crowds and the best lighting, we'd recommend going first thing in the morning.
How to Prepare for Visiting el Arbol del Tule, Oaxaca
Honestly, there isn't a whole ton of things that you'll need! The one thing we would recommend bringing is your camera, and to carry a wide lens with you. We personally use the Sony GM 14 mm.
Other things you can consider bringing are a hat and sunglasses for the bright sun, light and comfortable clothing, and a water bottle.
Heading to Mitla or Hierve el Agua afterwards? Then make sure to check out those guides for additional packing suggestions!
Using a wide lens allows you to capture more of the tree.
Is Visiting el Arbol del Tule Worth it?
Arbol del Tule is the widest tree in the world, and while it's not the most exciting thing you'll see in Mexico, we definitely think it is worth a stop.
It's also the perfect place to stop by on the way to Mita and Hierve el Agua, as it is literally right off the same road that leads to the other 2 popular day trips from Oaxaca.
One of the most fun things to do in Paraty is to visit a Cachacaria.
How Much Time Do I Need at Arbol del Tule?
The Tree of Tule itself can be visited in just a few minutes! That being said, we'd definitely recommend a 1-2 hours so that you can visit the different markets, and leisurely stroll the plaza and the side streets surrounding the tree.
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We hope our guide has helped with you everything you need to know for visiting Arbol del Tule, Oaxaca's most impressive tree! Don't forget to pair it with a trip to Mitla, which is just up the road, and Hierve el Agua, one of the most bucket list experiences in Mexico.
Ready to explore more areas of this incredible country? Well, we have about 50 other Mexico travel guides for you to check out. Also, make sure to sign up for our newsletter, where we share our latest articles, exclusive content, and special discounts on our shop.
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