El Árbol del Tule: The World's Stoutest Tree 🌳

📍 Quick Facts Species: Montezuma Cypress (Taxodium mucronatum) Age: 2,000+ years (older than Christianity!) Girth: 58m (190ft) – wider than a Boeing 747 wingspan Status: Mexico’s national tree since 1921 🌿 Why Visit? ✅ Biodiversity hub: Branches host orioles, kestrels, and epiphytes ✅ Cultural icon: Local Zapotecs believe it’s a petrified giant from myth ✅ Photogenic: Best light at 8-10AM (fewer crowds) 📌 Practical Info Location: Santa María del Tule, Oaxaca (15-min drive from city) Entry: 10 MXN (~$0.50 USD) Guides: Tip 20 MXN for fun facts (e.g., trunk’s "elephant" and "jaguar" shapes) 🚗 Side Trips Teotitlán del Valle: Rug-weaving village (20 mins away) Mitla Ruins: Intricate Zapotec mosaics #OaxacaMagic #NaturalWonders #AncientTrees #MexicoTravel