Santa María del Tule, Oaxaca, Municipality in Valles Centrales region, Mexico
Santa María del Tule is a small municipality in Oaxaca's central valleys, situated about 11 kilometers southeast of the state capital. The town is centered around a church and spreads across flat terrain with tree-lined roads connecting residential neighborhoods.
The area was historically marked by water, with lakes and marshes lined with cypress trees that shaped the landscape. Early inhabitants worked this wetland environment, extracting limestone that was essential to their construction practices.
The town takes its name from the massive cypress tree beside the church, which serves as the focal point of community gatherings and celebrations throughout the year. Residents and visitors alike gather here during festivals, showing how central this tree is to local life.
Regular buses depart frequently from Oaxaca City, making the journey straightforward and accessible. Several bus stops exist throughout the city, so finding a connection is easy and convenient.
The cypress tree beside the church is one of the continent's oldest trees, with a trunk as wide as a house. The bark naturally displays patterns and shapes that people often recognize as animal figures.
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