Tule Tree, Oaxaca, Mexico

Nature-based tourism is increasingly popular. Surveys show the majority of travelers include at least one natural wonder on their travel itinerary. Moreover, 35% of travelers are drawn to destinations “rich in natural landscapes.”

That popularity has led to fruitful collaboration between ecological conservationists and travel industry professionals. The result? Nature-positive tours: trips that connect travelers with natural wonders while sustainably creating jobs and protecting wildlife.

One of the best nature-positive tour success stories is that of El Árbol del Tule, a large, centuries-old cypress in Santa María del Tule, Oaxaca, Mexico. One of the grandest trees in the world, travelers, local residents, and conservationists worked together to prevent its destruction.

Today, the Tule Tree thrives. Here, you’ll find its story—and learn how you can be part of its next chapter.

What Is The Tree of Tule? (El Árbol del Tule)

The Tree of Tule is a vast Montezuma cypress tree just six miles outside of Oaxaca, the capital of Oaxaca, Mexico. Its age and dimensions are notable. By some measures, The Tule Tree is one of the largest trees in the world.

Age, Size & Height

The Tree of Tule is between 1400 - 3000 years old. Its trunk has a circumference of 137.8 ft around, making it the stoutest tree in the world. It takes 30 adults holding hands to encircle the entire tree at ground level!

Arborists estimate the tree weighs 636 tons and has a volume of 28.8 million cubic feet.

The Tule Tree also has one of the largest crowns. The most recent measurement indicates the tree’s crown is 190 feet in circumference, and it’s about 120-130 feet tall.

History of The Tree of Tule

Planting El Árbol del Tule (150 BC - 600 AD)

According to stories told by the indigenous Zapotec people, the Tule Tree was planted over 1,400 years ago by Pechocha, a priest among the Aztecs, in honor of the Wind god Ehecatl.

However, the neighboring indigenous Ayuuk people’s stories say the Tule was planted by a great king Ayuuk, potentially the legendary King Conday, to be one of the cardinal points. Four ancient leaders were to use the points to divide their lands and navigate.

Both stories point to the tree being planted in the prosperous era of the Zapotec Civilization at Monte Alban, from 150 BC to 800 AD. Scientists agree that the tree is likely between 1400 - 2100 years old.

Tule Tree Endangered & Saved—Twice (1850 - 1995)

Twice the Tree of Tule was endangered by environmental problems. In the mid-19th century, the Tule Tree nearly died from dehydration, as underground water reserves were increasingly used by the growing population. Fortunately, people came together to coordinate watering the tree regularly from wells.

Later, in 1994, industrial growth in Oaxaca again threatened the Tree of Tule, this time by lowering the subterranean water table.

An engineer from Oaxaca, Jorge Augusto Velasco Jimenez, created a committee called My Friend the Tree, urging Mexican people to band together to save it. In an interview for the project, Jimenez said, “If we do not do something now to protect the underwater ground supply that the tree relies on, the tree of Tule will surely die.”

Fortunately, Jimenez and other conservationists came together to restore the microbasin for the Tree of Tule.

Tule Tree Conservation Continues (1995 - Present)

Subsequent civil projects used sustainable practices, working away from the tree to protect it, and ensuring it retained enough water.

Today, local residents celebrate the Tule Tree, and keep the spirit of conservation alive, by holding a festival in its honor every October.

In Santa María del Tule, the town the Tule Tree grows in, El Árbol del Tule protection and tourism now make up 75% of the town’s economy.

Myths and Legends of El Árbol del Tule

The giant Tule Tree has led to several myths and legends over the centuries. Three are the most told.

Conday’s Walking Stick

Conday was either a king of legendary greatness or a minor god, to the indigenous Ayuuk people. The Ayuuk story describes the Tule Tree as Conday’s walking stick. As King Conday walked through the area, he stopped to rest, and he drove his walking stick into the ground. There it took root, growing swiftly, and ultimately becoming the Tree of Tule.

Origin of Humanity: The Sacred Cypress

The Montezuma cypress is the National Tree of Mexico. It’s profoundly sacred in many traditions. In Nahuatl, a cypress tree is called Ahuehuete,” which translates to “old man of the water,” conveying its wisdom.

In the ancient Aztecs’ creation myth, the gods created the first humans from the Montezuma cypress.

Figures & Imagery In The Tree

Tour guides and children will often point out unusual shapes and images seen in the gnarls of branches and bark on El Árbol del Tule. These include an elephant, pineapples, and a former Mexican president’s ears.

Where Is The Tree of Tule In Oaxaca, Mexico?

El Árbol del Tule lives and grows in Santa María del Tule, a town of about 8,200 people. It’s a little over 6 miles eastward of the city of Oaxaca, and both are within the state of Oaxaca, Mexico.

Is The Tree of Tule A UNESCO World Heritage Site?

No. The Tule Tree was submitted to UNESCO for consideration in 2021, but it was not ultimately selected.

UNESCO didn’t detail exactly why El Árbol del Tule was not chosen as a World Heritage site. However, some cultural historians suggest the tree didn’t meet the strict conservation criteria or high bar of historical significance UNESCO sets for heritage landmarks.

What’s The Best Way To Visit The Tree of Tule?

The best way to visit El Árbol del Tule is on an all-inclusive tour of Oaxaca—like Caravan’s 8-Day Puebla & Oaxaca Tour.

With Caravan, you can relax before your vacation even starts. We do all the work for you! Every Caravan trip includes transportation, overnight accommodations, meals, and activities built right into the price.

If you’re looking for a nature-positive trip to experience the wonders of Oaxaca—including El Árbol del Tule—look no further than Caravan.

Travel Easier With Caravan

Caravan has been the world leader in curated, guided, all-inclusive tours since 1952. Today, our trips have never been more popular!

If you want to experience the beauty of the Tree of Tule on our Puebla & Oaxaca Tour, you might have to act fast. Call our agents toll-free at 1-800-227-2826 to book your spot. Or, learn more by calling our information team at +1-312-321-9800.