Tree of Tule

These Are the 20 Best Things to Do in Oaxaca, Mexico

"An ancient and celebrated tree honored each October with local festivities in the nearby suburb; noted for having what is considered the widest trunk in the world, it is open to visitors (with a small fee for closer access) and sits close to a historic Baroque 16th-century church, which is recommended to see while in town." - Patricia Doherty Patricia Doherty Patricia Doherty is a writer who specializes in covering destinations, resorts, and cruises for Travel + Leisure and other publications. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

"Widest Tree in the World The Tule tree is estimated to be over 2,000 years old. It's not the oldest or the tallest, but at about 30 feet in diameter, it is the widest tree in the world, and it's quite impressive. The species is Taxodium mucronatum, but it's commonly known as a Montezuma Cypress. If you visit on the weekend, you can ask one of the local children who act as guides to give you a "tour" of the tree—they point out figures in the natural formations of the tree's bark and branches."

"A visit to see El Árbol del Tule, the widest tree in the world, is a must for me. It's a natural wonder that sits in the church grounds of Santa María del Tule."

The 15 Best Things to Do in Oaxaca (Updated 2025)

"Near Oaxaca, in the town of Santa María del Tule, the Montezuma cypress—estimated at 1,500–3,000 years old with a trunk diameter of about 14 meters—is a magnificent sight and quick to see, so I suggest combining it with other nearby activities." - Matthew Kepnes