Sight guide · Oaxaca · Mexico
Visiting Árbol del Tule
In the churchyard of Santa María del Tule, about 10 km east of the city, stands a Montezuma cypress with one of the stoutest trunks of any tree in the world, around 14 metres across.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Nsaum75, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
Árbol del Tule is a nature spot in Santa María del Tule, Oaxaca. Allow 30–45 minutes; it is low cost. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Nature
- Area
- Santa María del Tule
- Time needed
- 30–45 minutes
- Cost
- Low cost
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- nature, kids and photo spot
- Best months
- December–February
About Árbol del Tule
In the churchyard of Santa María del Tule, about 10 km east of the city, stands a Montezuma cypress with one of the stoutest trunks of any tree in the world, around 14 metres across. Local children with mirrors point out shapes in the bark said to resemble animals.
Tip: Stop on the way to Teotitlán or Mitla; the village market next to the churchyard is good for a tejate or a snack.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 30–45 minutes.
- Cost: Low cost.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Santa María del Tule.
Best time to visit Árbol del Tule
Árbol del Tule is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- January: 27°C (81°F) highs, about 1 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- December: 27°C (81°F) highs, about 1 rainy days, busy crowds.
- February: 29°C (84°F) highs, about 1 rainy days, quiet crowds.
When to visit Oaxaca has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Árbol del Tule is not on our short itineraries, so plan it as an extra once you have seen Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán and Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca.
- No. 15 of the 17 sights in our Oaxaca things-to-do list.
- A family favourite in Oaxaca with kids.
If you like Árbol del Tule
- Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca — Santo Domingo and the Andador, 1–2 hours
Staying near Árbol del Tule
Where to stay in Oaxaca compares every area by price and who it suits.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Árbol del Tule?
Plan 30–45 minutes.
+Is Árbol del Tule free?
No, it is low cost. Tickets are usually available on the day.
+When is the best time to visit Árbol del Tule?
December–February for the most comfortable weather. Stop on the way to Teotitlán or Mitla; the village market next to the churchyard is good for a tejate or a snack.
+Do I need to book Árbol del Tule in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.
+Is Árbol del Tule good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in Oaxaca. Oaxaca is easy-going with children: compact, walkable and full of colour, with markets to graze through, craft workshops where kids can watch alebrijes being carved and painted, and the pools at Hierve el Agua.