Mexico Guide
Oaxaca
Santa María del Tule
At Santa María del Tule, 13km east on Hwy-190 as you head out of Oaxaca, you pass the famous Árbol del Tule in a churchyard by the road. This mighty tree, said to be at least 2000 years old (some say 3000), is a good 58m round, slightly fatter than it is tall, and weighs in around 500 tonnes. A notice board gives all the vital statistics: suffice to say that it must be one of the oldest living (and flourishing) objects on earth, and it's a species of cypress (Taxodium mucrunatum) that has been virtually extinct since the colonial era. Sadly, the tree has recently come under threat from industry and housing projects sapping its water supply. Local environmentalists are petitioning for UNESCO status in order that an integrated programme of ecological protection, including reforestation of the surrounding area, could be applied.
A tacky souvenir market takes advantage of the passing trade, and there are various food and drink stalls. If you want to avoid the tourist hype, sit on the left-hand side of the bus (heading to Mitla) and you may get a glimpse of the tree as you pass. A close-up look, for M$30, provides a better view; the tree is mightily impressive. Buses for El Tule (M$40) depart from Oaxaca's second-class bus terminal every thirty minutes.