Located inside a gated churchyard in the picturesque town of Santa Maria del Tule the Árbol del Tule is the widest tree in the world Once thought to be so large that it could only have resulted from a merger between multiple trees modern DNA analysis has confirmed that the Tule is Though it is the Tule's spectacular girth that earns it a place in the record books it is its gnarled bark that truly inspires the imagination visitors have found likenesses of human faces and a veritable bestiary of other creatures Santa Maria del Tule can be reached by car by traveling east on Highway 190 from Oaxaca Tour buses leave from Oaxaca every day of the week.The tree can be seen at all times but if you want to get closer by entering the perimeter of the church an MXN$20 ticket needs to be bought from a booth a few meters away The longest living non-clonal organisms on Earth The culprit who accidentally lit this 3,500-year-old tree on fire stated "I can't believe I burned down a tree older than Jesus." A preserved oak tree about 3,500 years old found in Riga Oxford dining hall come with an amazing story A battle between nature and architecture in the Cambodian jungle Centuries-old bridges grown from tangled roots this sequoia was planted as a symbol of the connection between Visalia and its neighboring national park The last remnant of a tree that helped prove to the world that sequoias are real—and they're spectacular Copyright © 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright © 2015-2025 National Geographic Partners Watch your inbox over the next few days for photos captured in mistnet on the outskirts of Wanang village their jelly matrix will limit ventilation to the egg masses starving out especially dense eggs like this (La Jolla Castor canadensis."},"title":"Where does vanilla flavoring come from The silken case itself is visible with the greyish material (a mix of caterpillar saliva and silk) the first black man to make it to the top of the country and western music field From Twenty Hand-Coloured Prints after Original Paintings of Famous American Thoroughbreds by Edward Troye (1808–1874) image: 11 3/8 x 14 15/16 in.","ttl":"2B0GHKP.jpg"},"title":"The life of Lexington used to make tequila on the grounds of the Fortaleza Tequila Distillery."},"title":"Visit Jalisco The Haenyeo make a living out of harvesting the sea floor catching conch They freedive to depths of 20 meters and hold their breath for minutes But the Haenyoe is an endangered 'species' the sea was abundant with them – around 30.000 of them would take to the sea almost daily they hardly number 5000 and more than two-thirds are over 60 years old Here are a few experts love."}],"topicName":"Lifestyle"},"rightpromo":{"id":"2c88edf9-e45c-48a7-a57e-3c8667c53fbc","cmsType":"TileGridModule","tiles":{"id":"drn:src:natgeo:unison::prod:441fde9e-010c-4a0c-a09d-296ee7cb9690","href":"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/lifestyle/article/best-compact-cameras","cmsType":"ArticleNavTile","ratio":"4x3","title":"The 10 best compact cameras for travel slowly reclaims a castle near the village of Kilgarvan Taking its present name from the Irish Cill Garbháin Kilgarvan rests on the banks of the Roughty River \"Ireland on Fast-Forward,” September 1994 National Geographic magazine) Buy a print of this photo.","ttl":"Castle Near Kilgarvan \"Ireland on Fast-Forward,\" September 1994 on a seasonal visit to uninhabited Samana Cay in the eastern Bahamas crab by torchwood light at a point probably seen by Christopher Columbus's fleet on October 12 Columbus visited five islands in the Bahamas before reaching Cuba (Photo shot on assignment for \"Where Columbus Found the New World,\" November 1986 A haze of smoke veils the silver snouts of the \"Flying Tigers,\" an F-105 squadron which was on temporary duty at Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii Flight crews used black-powder charges to start each jet's powerful engine (Photo shot on assignment for \"Of Planes and Men—U.S Air Force Wages Cold War and Hot,\" September 1965 were carved into sandstone cliffs by the Nabataeans around 312 B.C the city—once a hub of commerce—became less important as trade routes developed along the Red Sea and Nile River Petra is now protected as a World Heritage site \"Jordan: Kingdom in the Middle,\" February 1984 Chateau Gaillard lies in ruins near the town of Les Andelys It was built by Richard the Lion-Hearted—King of England and Duke of Normandy—as a strategic redoubt against the king of France In 1204 French soldiers storming the castle broke England's grip on Normandy (Photo shot on assignment for \"The Civilizing Seine,\" April 1982 The transparent shells of tiny Cypridina hilgendorfii found in the coastal waters and sands of Japan hold a creature that emits a luminous blue substance when disturbed the Japanese harvested these creatures for soldiers to use when reading maps and messages at night (Photo shot on assignment for \"Nature's Night Lights—Probing the Secrets of Bioluminescence,\" July 1971 Within days of being deposited on a leaf overhanging a stream tree frog eggs grow into recognizable tadpoles perhaps triggered by a chemical change in the tadpoles they slide off to a life of their own in the water (Photo shot on assignment for \"Nature's Living Christ of the Abyss stands 30 feet (9 meters) down in the Atlantic in Florida's John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Visitors to the sanctuary don masks and fins or view the sea life through the glass bottoms of tour boats (Photo shot on assignment for \"The Lower Keys A vaulted grotto with a skylight shelters the ruins of cliff dwellings tilled corn in the valley below and retreated to the heights at night Whether fleeing enemies or a prolonged and widespread drought near Salt Creek in Utah's Canyonlands National Park also shows evidence of disastrous flash floods at that time Visitors today know the huge alcove as Paul Bunyan's Potty (Photo shot on assignment for \"Canyonlands Realm of Rock and the Far Horizon,\" July 1971 boats glide past rice fields on the meandering Turag River near Dacca Hundreds of watery highways interlace the heartland of this low-lying South Asian country (Photo shot on assignment for \"Bangladesh—Hope Nourishes a New Nation,\" September 1972 Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker All menu items at Tule Tree are made fresh before the guest and packed up for a portable on-the-go meal or a relaxing break in the dining area With authentic recipes procured from Mexico by the menu's creator The Tule (pronounced "too-lee") Tree concept received its name from the historic Arbor del Tule located in the town center of Santa María del Tule in the Mexican state of Oaxaca It has the stoutest trunk of any tree in the world and is sometimes known as the "Tree of Life" because of the many images of animals that are said to be visible in the tree's trunk The mere size of Tule Tree overstuffed burritos call to mind images of the broad base of the Arbor del Tule is a leading travel-center business in 41 states and Canada operating under the TA and Petro Stopping Centers brands with 242 convenient locations off interstate highway exits Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here Get today’s need-to-know convenience industry intelligence Sign up to receive texts from CSP on news and insights that matter to your brand Features include helping maximize and forecast sales operational strain and program cannibalization are all concerns says Richard Poye of Food Trends Think Tank Modern oral nicotine pouches continue to stand out as a key driver for 'other tobacco product' segment CSP’s Top 202 details the largest chains in the convenience-store industry and the biggest M&A stories of the past year Welcome to a deep dive into the c-store landscape The industry’s largest distributors by sales volume The latest information on products and trends in the convenience-store and foodservice industries Peek inside new convenience stores to uncover the best in retail store design across North America Corporate retail news affecting the convenience-store industry Do not sell my personal infoPrivacy PolicyCode of ConductContact UsRSS Clara Ricciardi is the Senior Spanish Language and Community Engagement Liaison at the Denver Art Museum Clara has been at the DAM since 1996 and her favorite artwork is the sculpture of Saint John Nepomuk in the Latin American art collection Laura Noriega is one of the 22 designers featured in Have a Seat: Mexican Chair Design Today This exhibition is included with general admission which is free for members and everyone 18 and younger You can see her chairs (and sit on them!) through November 3 Clara Ricciardi: I would love for you to tell us how did you came up with the design idea for the chair Your Skin Laura Noriega: In 2012 I was doing research in Kyoto I won a residency scholarship to do research under the theme of modern design and artisanal techniques I had already been working in Mexico for several years with artisan communities because it is what I am most passionate about: the materials I explored all the crafts I could: bamboo weaving But from the moment I arrived I was very curious about the manufacture of tatami mats because of their similarity to Mexican petate mats; phonetically because they both have three syllables: ta-ta-mi because of the nostalgia of seeing how a culture like Japan managed to maintain its tradition of doing their activities on the floor I used to go to some communities and sit on the mat placed on the floor I remember the aroma of the spaces that were contained within the mat And in Japan it is the same (olfactory experience) when you arrive at a traditional space where they have tatami mats The tatami mats are made of a fiber called igusa That is because people only know these mats as tatamis I went to the south of Japan; I saw the plantations of this fiber And all this made me reflect on the sensory memory that we all have that objects and materials evoke in us and that transport us to places In my desire to take a little piece of Japan with me back to Mexico I decided to make an object that would fulfill the same function as the tatami That is how this idea of making this chair began to take form Manufactured by Tributo in Zapopan and Guadalajara The seat textile was handwoven in a pedal loom in Santa María del Tule Oaxaca by Artesan Alfredo Hernández Orozco Photo: Gallery view in Have a Seat: Mexican Chair Design Today The objective was to make a low chair that could be visually very light that would rise almost flying from the ground I was thinking about how in all cultures there are textures and there are textiles and materials and aromas that transport us to that nostalgia with which we want to fill our spaces so that it would be easy to exchange this outer “skin” working with cabinetmakers for the wooden structures The seat that the museum currently has was woven by hand In Mexico I developed a catalog of different textures for the chair We currently manufacture this chair with leather The goal was to have a seat with all the possible personalities that can occur anywhere in the world And another little detail about the chair that few people know: When you sit down on it It is the same thing that happens with the palm That detail in the design is in honor of the natural fibers thinking that you are integrating Mexican culture into this chair I was looking for artisans who would weave the palm fibers in a thinner and cooler way so I could shape the petate before the fiber breaks because when the fiber dries it hardens and breaks CR: Are your artisans who make petates located in Oaxaca or are they in another area of Mexico that still make petates The ones I have been visiting to develop this seat are in Michoacán due to the proximity to Guadalajara (where the artist lives) Check out the Have a Seat Exhibition Guide to learn more about the designers in the show A state champion tree on UL’s campus may get a bit more room to grow even larger The university is considering moving a greenhouse to make room for the big Montezuma cypress Workers have already torn out four concrete parking spaces and university officials are working on plans to create a deck with seating around the big tree Visitors can find the tree near the backside of the Edith Garland Dupré Library Montezuma cypress are native to Mexico and Guatemala and also found in south Texas and south New Mexico but they don’t appear in Louisiana unless they’re brought from elsewhere Nobody’s really sure how this one came to be planted at the Lafayette campus It’s now 60 feet (18 meters) tall and 16 feet (5 meters) around with branches spreading out 80 feet (24 meters) across The Louisiana Forestry Association declared it a champion tree – that is the largest of its kind in the state – late last year and this is definitely one that’s made its presence known,” said Gretchen Lacombe Vanicor director of the university’s office of sustainability Both the tree and the greenhouse date from the 1950s a professor from 1941 to 1965 who often traveled to Central and South America an instructor at ULL’s school of geosciences and a self-described “tree wacko.” “The bricks are starting to crack and fall off We now have foundation failure because of the tree that really can’t be fixed,” she said “We’re going to relocate it nearby – somewhere the greenhouse will not be damaged by the tree and the tree won’t be damaged by the greenhouse.” Foret said tearing out part of the concrete parking lot gave the roots room to breathe and absorb nutrients “It was getting crowded and compacted against the greenhouse foundations the sidewalk,” he said in a phone interview It’s not the biggest of its kind in the United States and is nowhere near the world’s biggest 28 feet (8.5 meters) around and spreads across 90 feet (27 meters) The world’s largest may be near a church in Santa Maria del Tule in Oaxaca with branches spanning 144 feet (43.9 meters) across It’s possible that someone in Louisiana has a larger Montezuma cypress in their yard “and they’ll knock us off our throne,” Foret said a consultant for large-scale native plant gardens He said a university student gave him a seedling she had found growing in a gutter near ULL’s greenhouse in about 1995 it was as tall as a native bald cypress he’d planted in 1983 Foret said the champion status has made people more aware of the university’s tree Now they look up and stop and rest in the shade and do their homework,” he said You will also start receiving the Star's free morning newsletter The 2,000-year-old ahuehuete tree dwarfs the town of Santa Maria del Tule making the mission church next door look like a toy Here's a remarkable Mexican contender for the title of 'world's largest tree.' Here’s a remarkable Mexican contender for the title of “world’s largest tree.” this spectacular ahuehuete (pronounced ah-way-way-tay) also spreads so wide it can’t be captured properly in a photo Its leaf canopy shades an entire park and at least 20 people are required to encircle the extraordinary collection of trunks Not that human contact is allowed any more Located in the town of Santa Maria del Tule the tree has become such a tourist attraction a fence was installed recently to keep out the busloads of reverent gawkers it’s a Montezuma bald cypress and at least 2,000 years old But “bald” is hardly an accurate description There’s so much feathery green foliage cascading over the trunks No one knows why this particular specimen (there are many ahuehuetes in Mexico) has survived so long in a very dry area Local indigenous people claim mystical powers concerned Americans recently donated an underground watering system to keep the most extraordinary manifestation of mother nature in the New World alive and well If you happen to be visiting Oaxaca (as I did this past Christmas) stop by the “Tule tree.” It’s truly amazing soniaday.com Sonia Day is a freelance contributor to the Star Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: Account processing issue - the email address may already exist Invalid password or account does not exist Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account AnnualApril 1 April Fool’s Day (USA) April 14 Día de las Américas April 14-15 New Year celebration (Laos)Lao New Year April 18 World Heritage DayICOMOS International Day for Monuments and Site April 20 Founding of Santa Maria del Tule, Mexico April 20 Founding (1970) of Cancún, Mexico April 21 Birthday: John Muir (1838 – 1914) (Scotland and USA) April 22 Earth Day April 23 Saint George’s Day (England) April 23 International Spanish Language Day // El Día Mundial del Idioma Español April 23 World Book and Copyright Dayunesco.orgWikipedi April 25 Anzac Day (Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand) April 25 Founding of Oaxaca City April 25 World Penguin Day April 27 Freedom Day (South Africa) April 27 World Tapir Day April 30 Children’s Day (El Día Del Niño) (Mexico)Children’s Day April is Citizen Science month April National Park Week (USA) Last Friday in April Arbor Day (USA) International Noise Awareness DayCenter for Hearing and Communication – Facebookquiet.orgYou Have to Make Some Noise to End It Translating: What’s on the calendar in April?Spanish: ¿Qué hay en el calendario en abril?German: Was steht im April auf dem Kalender WikipediaApril Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value" Theme: NewsUp by Themeansar If someone asks if they can borrow a “Hamilton” or a “Sawbuck,” do you know what they’re asking for because it has Hamilton’s portrait or Sawbuck for the resemblance of the Roman numeral X Please continue to read and hopefully I can make the connection clear While doing research on some famous trees from around the world I came across four that I want to highlight today I cannot print the pictures of any of them so I went to a standby favorite of mine the old oak tree between the Freeport Library and the Union Dairy It is not quite as big and impressive as my first tree from around the world but it is beautiful and strong in its own right The first tree is an oak that lives in the heart of Sherwood Forest It has a circumference of 10 meters and believed to be 1,000 years old legend shares the rumor that Robin Hood would have hidden under the dense branches there is a historic tree at Rikuzentakata that was cut down in order to preserve it The tree is the lone survivor from a coastal forest after a tsunami struck the country reassembled using a carbon spine and replanted in the same spot The third tree is found in the Mexican state of Oaxaca Its claim to fame is that it is believed to be the “stoutest” tree in the world as this magnificent tree is slowly dying from root damage the fourth tree today is actually a group of trees found right here in the United States were the many trees flanking the buildings I started wondering what kind they were and who planted them There is a detailed explanation online for all the beautiful trees that grace these buildings the White House gardens are opened for tours twice a year so put on your imagination hat and join me The tour begins at the East Gate near the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden There are beautiful magnolia trees that were planted by Andrew Jackson and later a Saucer magnolia planted by John F planted a red oak that still has a child’s swing hanging from a branch A fantastic cedar of Lebanon was planted by Jimmy Carter and a large Atlas cedar shows off a tree house There is a lovely willow planted by Lyndon Johnson a Japanese maple planted by Grover Cleveland a white oak from Herbert Hoover and a scarlet oak planted by Benjamin Harrison a little leaf linden was planted by Franklin Roosevelt in 1937 It is noteworthy that all the trees are still thriving nicely long after the presidents themselves have moved on I would like to finish this historical tour with a quote from one of those presidents I often became bored and lost interest because of all the dates we were suppose to learn If the history of trees around the White House had been the focus I am astounded everyday to see the beautiful trees around the world and it surely would take more than a lifetime to learn about them all; it would take forever I will continue learning and sharing about trees Thanks to all of you who are along for the ride Have a tree-if-ic life and take the time to look at that currency just a little closer before spending it notice how it seems more interesting and precious because of the trees Send your ideas to Tree Tales, P.O. Box 330, Freeport, IL, 61032 or vonniemaple@journalstandard.com I never stayed anywhere longer than a few months usually traveling extensively within that time Oaxaca state lies in a mountainous region that stretches down to the southwestern border of Mexico I fell in love with the vibrant atmosphere eclectic architecture and the overall vibe of the city Known for its delicious mezcal and sumptuous mole, Oaxaca is also a hub for beautiful textile and ceramic crafts Lately there has been a wave of new boutique hotels With many structures dating back to the 16th century the city has a strong connection to its history a wave of new builds and renovations has added a contemporary flare I knew I wanted to be outside of the hustle and bustle of the historic center which was becoming busier and more expensive every year I eventually decided on a spot about a thirty minute walk from downtown with a more residential feel and beautiful views of Oaxaca city buying in the area was relatively straightforward first making a deposit and then following with the rest of the full amount a couple of months later which also helped make these transactions smoother although it is possible to buy without being a resident it became easier to get temporary residency through a process called normalization It is clear that since the pandemic there are many more people looking to move to and buy property in Oaxaca city explains that “there are many factors why not only locals but also foreigners are becoming more and more convinced to invest in the state of Oaxaca they are investing in the outskirts of the capital city while foreigners are investing within the capital city due to its tourism and gastronomic appeal While it is true that the prices are not cheap Aquino considers the key areas that are growing include “the city center Etla and some of the most emblematic neighborhoods: Xochimilco and Jalatlaco.” In my opinion San Felipe and Guadalupe Victoria are also areas with significant development Each of these areas have their own identity and are suited to different living and working requirements a wave of friends have moved further from the center to areas like Etla The “Etlas” are several small communities about a half hour’s drive from Oaxaca city Many people have moved there to be part of the creative network that has grown there It is also an area with more water than most which is a sought after commodity in Oaxaca is a peaceful suburb famous for its massive Montezuma cypress tree The town boasts market stalls and restaurants as well as a bike track that takes you into Oaxaca city Most of my friends with children have moved to San Felipe founder and editor of the Qué Pasa Oaxaca cultural guide explained that she considered San Felipe “because we have a lot of friends there and it’s close to schools Even though it’s kind of famous for wealthy politicians there are lots of young families there because there are a lot of houses with gardens.” Oaxaca city’s two most emblematic neighborhoods are Jalatlaco and Xochimilco; east and north of the historic center With cobblestone streets and striking street art Price per foot changes drastically depending on the distance from the city center Aquino estimates a price per square foot in Oaxaca’s historic center at 2500 pesos while the nearby area of Xochimilco is 1500 pesos per square foot If the property has a luxury amenity such as a pool notes that “Real estate values in Mexico are the sum of the value of the land and construction.” “Land in Jalatlaco,” Williams says “is valued at around US $100 per square foot Construction is valued from zero for a tear-down to around US $75 per square foot for the finest quality construction and finishings.” “I can think of only a half dozen that are empty now and none of them are for sale,” Williams told me general director and CEO of the real estate investment company Silmexico explains that prices in Oaxaca’s historic center start at US $180,000 for a two-bedroom Homes in a great location on one of the neighborhood’s main streets in the main square command anywhere from US $800,000 to $1.5 million The carefully preserved colonial architecture “gives a magic touch that every owner wishes to obtain It’s surprising that there are still places like Jalatlaco since it looks like it did 100 years ago.” Value also depends on the legal and preservation status of the structure or land  Restoration should be carried out in compliance with guidelines provided by the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH’s) Oaxaca division which dictates the preservation of primary features and the original layout Guadalupe Victoria is an up-and-coming area of Oaxaca that has ejido status there has been considerable construction in the area who has several projects in Guadalupe Victoria describes ejidos as self-governed and largely independent — from Oaxaca City are still run by the founding families but allow sale of land to outsiders and all sales are registered with the ejido Van den Bout found the process relatively straightforward the terms of buying land with ejido status can vary “Any ejido that is comunal would be virtually impossible to purchase into Every resident would need to agree to the sale and agree in perpetuity Your ‘purchase’ could be reclaimed at any time and living there often requires a form of community service Most ejidal land beyond those near Oaxaca city The coast of Oaxaca is an area with similar complications when it comes to buying land. Per the Mexican Constitution, foreigners cannot own land within 100 kilometers of a land border and 50 kilometers of a beach. It is possible, however, to acquire property in this restricted zone through a fideicomiso (trust) or by constituting a  Mexican company you will be designated as the primary beneficiary Aquino explains that “there are several companies offering this service and it actually works very well it provides much more peace of mind and confidence for buyers.” If you are considering buying property in Oaxaca Van den Bout suggests “looking closely to be sure the land can be legally sold and a deed will be issued in the buyer’s name.”  Aquino recommends buying privately when possible ideally with a certified real estate agency “Certified agencies are attached to a government institution that fulfills the function of safeguarding the rights of sellers and buyers.” Real estate brokers such as Remax or Silmexico take on the task of investigating the legal status of the property to prevent the client from having problems in the future There are also excellent land use attorneys in Oaxaca ADVERTISE WITH MND COMMUNITY GUIDELINES Subscription FAQ's Privacy Policy Mexico News Daily - Property of Tavana LLC Switch to the dark mode that's kinder on your eyes at night time Switch to the light mode that's kinder on your eyes at day time by 2015-03-30, 2:01 PMupdated 2022-03-23, 4:38 PM warmth and protection to all living things It even gives shade to those who wield an axe to cut it down” – Buddha The cherry blossom is Japan’s unofficial national flower It has been celebrated for many centuries and takes a very prominent position in Japanese culture Around late March the whole nation excitedly waits for the first buds to appear on cherry trees The Angel Oak Tree is a Southern live oak (Quercus virginiana) located in Angel Oak Park on Johns Island near Charleston, South Carolina The Angel Oak Tree is estimated to be in excess of 400-500 years old and produces shade that covers 17,200 square feet (1,600 m2) From tip to tip Its longest branch distance is 187 ft is located in the town center of Santa María del Tule in the Mexican state of Oaxaca It has the stoutest trunk of any tree in the world although the trunk is heavily buttressed giving a higher diameter reading than q true cross-sectional of the trunk It is so large that it was originally thought to be multiple trees but DNA tests have proven that it is only one tree The tree is estimated to be between 1,200 and 3,000 years old The Lone Cypress Tree near Monterey is probably the most famous point along the 17-Mile Drive a scenic road through Pacific Grove and Pebble Beach General Sherman is a Giant Sequoia located in the Giant Forest of Sequoia National Park in California The famous trees of the Giant Forest are among the largest trees in the world five of the ten largest trees on the planet are located within this forest At 11.1 meter (36.5 ft) along the base he General Sherman tree is the largest of them all The tree is believed to be between 2,300 and 2,700 years old Japan sits an incredibly gorgeous wisteria tree that’s often referred to as the most beautiful in the whole world the tree is the main attraction at the flower park as visitors flock to see it in full bloom the 143-year-old tree has branches that are supported by beams which creates a a stunning flower umbrella The most distinctive feature of rainbow eucalyptus trees is the unique multi-colored bark Patches of outer bark are shed annually at different times This then darkens and matures to give blue Rainbow eucalyptus grace the Keahua Forestry Arboretum on Kuamoo Road (Highway 580) on the island of Kauai A cluster of “the grandest of all” baobab trees (Adansonia grandidieri) can be found in the Baobab Avenue The amazing baobab (Adansonia) or monkey bread tree can grow up to nearly 100 feet (30 m) tall and 35 feet (11 m) wide The Boab Prison Tree is a large hollow tree just south of Derby in Western Australia It is reputed to have been used in the 1890s as a lockup for Indigenous Australian prisoners on their way to Derby for sentencing In recent years a fence was erected around the tree to protect it from vandalism The American elm is an extremely hardy tree that can withstand winter temperatures as low as −42 °C (−44 °F) Trees in areas unaffected by Dutch elm disease can live for several hundred years The species are shrubs to large trees ranging in size from 20 to 30 m (66 to 98 ft) tall The flowers are produced in conspicuous large panicles each flower with a five-lobed blue to purple-blue corolla; a few species have white flowers This species thrives in full sun and sandy soils which explains their abundance in warmer climates lightning strikes—and growing bulky and strong is the second most massive tree known on Earth Tree removal is an often overlooked but necessary task for any home. If you find yourself in need of professional help, look no further than Arlington expert tree company Report Unleash your creativity and share you story with us Enter your account data and we will send you a link to reset your password To use social login you have to agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website Here you'll find all collections you've created before Nature and environment news and inspiration for people who love to get outside Untangle the thorny process of cottage succession with expert advice from lawyer Let’s hear it for nature’s overworked that turning leaves tell us to pull out the sweaters that winter holidays will always mean a balsam fir or a pine-scented candle So we’ve rounded up some of our favourite record-breaking trees from across the globe to pay homage to the oldest and strangest of our oxygen-producing friends Species: Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens)  Redwoods exist primarily in state parks in California The exact location of the Hyperion is unknown and remains protected to prevent human disruption or damage El Arbol del Tule (9.38 metres in diameter) Species: Montezuma Cypress (Taxodium mucronatum) and their girth is a result of the root system retaining water Deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001 scientific estimates have the tree clocked in at around 3,000 years old Species: Giant Sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum)  this lonely mesquite tree that is literally in the middle of the desert has survived more than 400 years which has no known water supply in a vast and barren desert looks absolutely astounding in any and all pictures It is literally the most isolated tree in the world it has been deemed “The Tree of Life” by locals who believe it is the original location of the Bible’s Garden of Eden Species: Rainbow eucalyptus (Eucalyptus deglupta) Reddish-brown strips peel into bright green This cyclic process means that this species of eucalyptus will never be monochromatic The latest cottage-country news, trending stories, and how-to advice Fix-it info, project ideas, and maintenance tips from our DIY experts Need-to-know info about buying, selling, and renting cottage real estate Untangle the thorny process of cottage succession with expert advice from lawyer, Peter Lillico Oaxaca City conjures up visions for me of a region packed full of culture The Mecca of Mexican food (and the birthplace of Mezcal) was the inspiration behind London-based chef Thomasina Miers’ popular restaurante chain Wahaca so you can see why I was so excited to visit and a good base for if you decide to explore the coastline too I spent five days wandering round these vibrant streets to find the best street food Here are my tried and tested recommendations Hotel Azul de Oaxaca Hotel AzulHotel Azul was our first stop in Oaxaca City and we were welcomed on arrival with a shot of Mezcal with an orange segment to chase (this is business as usual for hotels in Mexico and definitely does make you forget any tiredness from your journey very swiftly) It’s a colonial-style building and the outside facade is partly covered in full bloom bougainvillea There is a grand courtyard in the centre surrounded by tall ‘organos’ - a popular local cactus Azul exudes a wonderful warm energy and the atmosphere was relaxed and calm The rooms are designed simply with navy bathroom tiles tall ceilings and a window overlooking the courtyard I fell in love with their breakfasts of blue corn melted cheese tortillas fresh mango and papaya and signature Oaxacan hot chocolate I suggest that you save room for a little of everything and perhaps get a coffee and sit on the roof terrace which catches the sun throughout the day (it’s also perfect for a sundowner) Despite being located in the middle of town it is remarkably quiet and you can happily read a book while sunbathing on their stylish white wicker seating This the ultimate place to stay when in the city so be sure to book in advance Casa Antonieta Casa AntonietaThe second hotel I stayed at in Oaxaca was the new well-located Casa Antonieta (my full name in Spanish a 16th-century listed-building with just six bedrooms At the entrance you are greeted by a wall of hanging plants in wicker baskets and towering stone columns while at the back there is an inviting courtyard – perfect for afternoon reading The interiors have been designed by the owner and have a Mexican-Moroccan influence with green tiled bathrooms bunches of local pink flowers and basket drop lamps is worth visiting even if you’re not a guest The café is great if you want to have a break from the classic Oaxcan breakfasts and go for a healthier açai bowl and apple kombucha They bring in a few pastries from famed local bakery Boulenc which is an added bonus I loved the coffee and the Mama Pacha chocolate – seriously stock up on this stuff it’s so good and I didn’t realise until I was half-way down the Oaxacan coast… Boulenc Bakery Boulenc bakeryI love the feeling when you stumble on something amazing I couldn’t see how this could be a Oaxacan specialty It doesn’t look like much from the outside but this is honestly one of the best bakeries I’ve been to The shop is small with one long counter made out of distressed wood with a grey and while tiled floor I went crazy and ordered about five different pastries and on my last day I went back to get snacks for the road trip through the mountains They open for breakfast through to dinner but all you really need is a brownie The latter is filled with actual almond butter and I can still taste that buttery vanilla pastry whilst walking along the hot Porfirio Díaz street pestos and a whole range of chilli oils to take home Quince LetrasI went here for dinner on my first night in Oaxaca as it had been recommended by a few locals and was just across the road from Hotel Azul Once you walk in you there is a striking cobalt blue wall with yellow shelving filled with terracotta pots and ceramic tiling Some of the tables are surrounded by the iconic ‘organo’ cacti and the owners play mariachi music They serve local cuisine such as mole negro with chicken vegetable sopas (soups) and a rather yummy chocolate tamale with vanilla ice cream and figs Los Amanitas Mezcaleria Los Amantes MezcaleriaThis is the home of mezcal and I urge you to try at least one shot in Los Amanitas Mezcaleria In Mexico they sip the shot instead of downing it in one which means that you get to really taste the flavours The bar has a number of different kinds of the famous agave plant liquor and their owner will find the right one for you The space is narrow but with a tall ceiling and shelving filled with glass bottles and ceramic urns There are multi coloured tassels hanging from the lights and there is often a man playing the guitar and singing a sad drunken song it felt like I was in a film and someone from Narcos was about to walk in Just across the road there is also Hotel Los Amantes which has a buzzing roof terrace for cocktails and a pretty view of the colourful rooftops Many people talk about the chef Alejandro Ruiz’s menu and how he is pushing forward the cuisine in this region I tend to prefer less fancy food and just focus on the quality but I thought this was a nice location if you were looking for something a little more upmarket Ruiz has taken the classics and give them a slightly modern twist but without over-complicating them My favourite part of the meal was the theatrical performance of the chef making tomatillo salsa with charred onions and chillis in a molcajete (pestle and mortar) It’s almost worth going here just for their tostadas and dip Itanoni RestaurantAv Belisario Domínguez 513 MexicoI read about this low-key taco spot north of Oaxaca City on the Munchies website It serves cheap but tasty tostadas including a wrap filled with chicharron (pork crackling) a lady was making fresh tortillas and cooking them on a large comal (griddle) over an open fire I adored the laidback style of this place with colourful ribbons hanging from the ceiling the smoky smell of blue corn toasting and simple seating GuelaguetazaI stumbled upon this amazing cafe after walking past the 20 de Noviembre market It’s a chocolate shop that grinds its own cacao beans and you can watch the chocolate being pressed into a dark mole pastes and offer different strengths of chocolate The locals drink hot chocolate with water which can be a little weak This is an authentic little gem down the back streets of Oaxaca ShoppingI found that there were a few little boutiques along Andador Adolfo Gurrión which is near Casa Oaxaca They are probably the most up market shops in the centre and I found some great vintage tops and white tassel earrings I think this is a good area to have a wander after grabbing a coffee from Boulenc Look out for all the streets in this area; Calle de Manuel Bravo Calle Porfirio Díaz and Calle de Mariano Abasolo bags and the locally-made green ceramic bowls in the Mercado Benito Juaréz Jardín Etnobotánico de OaxacaReforma Sur n The gardens operate English and Spanish tours so be sure to double check which one you book there is a lot of talk about plants on this tour Take a hat to avoid burning and make sure you grab some photos of the cacti wall Mercado 20 de Noviembre20 de Noviembre 512 Mercado de 20 NoviembreOn the way to the food market grab one of the takeaway grilled corns for the road chili and lime juice on top and they are totally delicious They will also keep hunger at bay while you try to make a decision about where to eat lunch Everyone talks about this food market and it is brimming with culture then I enjoyed the black beans with cheese omelette at Chabelita You can also order classics like tlayudas which is a large thinly toasted taco with toppings You also have to try the pre-Hispanic drink tejate which is a mesmerising white colour made from corn and fermented cacao beans Pull up a chair and soak up the atmosphere.. Mercado Sanchez PascuasCalle Porfirio Díaz 719 If one food market isn’t quite enough for you Sanchez Pascuas is more of a low-key experience where locals hangout and there are no tourists It has some incredible chili stalls where I bought a whole bunch of different dried varieties to make salsas back home I also managed to find some decent mole pastes and they let you try before you buy I found an amazing lady who showed me how she made a mole rojo while I ate chicken saffron rice at her stall called It doesn’t get more foodie or Mexican than this Tlamanalli restaurantI had been dreaming of going to Tlamanalli after seeing it featured on Anthony Bourdain’s Part’s Unknown show on Netflix It is located about 35 minutes drive from the city centre in a village called Tecutlan four brothers and has been open for 29 years It is definitely the ladies who attract all the attention and in particular Abigail and Rosario have become famed in the region It is worth visiting just to see the kitchen covered in yellow ceramics and incredible handmade pots The chefs potter around the restaurant and have the most amazing energy about them Their smiles are infectious and you can see how much passion they pour into their work A highlight of the experience is watching them hand mash the corn on a stone grinder to make for tortillas The food is simple but the experience is unforgettable Casa VivianaWhile you are in the Teotitlán area you have to swing by this charming candle workshop They make everything in house and are popular for making intricate wedding hangings you will want to bring everything back home Santa de TuleSanta Maria del Tule is on the way to Teotitlán and is a cute little town where they have one of the oldest trees in the world To say that this tree had an amazing energy would be an understatement Liliana Palma Santos’s parents would take the family from Los Angeles back to their homeland: the small rural town of Tlacolula and squash grew alongside other native vegetables and sampled maize of all shapes and colors at the Sunday market her childhood memories inform the menu and ethos she noticed GMO flour replacing native corn in tortillas and rescuing native and heirloom corn varieties became a cause for many Mexican chefs chefs have opened restaurants celebrating native corn But the craze has unintentionally harmed locals “Native corns have been elevated to this kind of gourmet place aren’t able to access their own goods anymore.”  Palma Santos celebrates local corn varieties with the goal of still serving at least 50 percent customers from the community referring to the colorful corn cobs sold by Indigenous Zapotec women at the markets Palma Santos visited as a child All of the ingredients are locally sourced and purchased from other Indigenous families in the region and everything from the tortillas to the moles and salsas is made from scratch The small restaurant serves a variety of traditional Zapotec dishes at reasonable prices some of them using recipes from Palma Santos’s grandmother who’s been selling street food for more than 40 years.  The star dish is her grandmother’s memelas: thick oval tortillas coated with lard and slow-roasted, topped with refried beans, green or red salsa and quesillo or queso fresco. Last year, her cousin Florina, who is the restaurant’s chef alongside Palma Santos’s husband, experimented with adding spinach, beet, chapulines turning them into “rainbow tortillas” that people can not only eat but learn how to make at in-house cooking classes Check the restaurant's Instagram for their hours The easiest way to get to Tlacolula is by taking a bus or a shared taxi (you’ll recognize them because they’re burgundy) at Oaxaca City’s baseball stadium. The ride is about 45 minutes. You can find Criollito using Google Maps or you can ask to go to the rural hospital next to the restaurant.  Palma Santos strongly recommends making a reservation for big groups either by leaving the restaurant a message on Google maps or messaging directly through Criollito's Instagram page You can also ask about joining a cooking class or learning about the art of tortilla-making (from harvesting the corn to grilling the finished product).  Palma Santos is also a travel agent who centers the knowledge and businesses of Zapotec peoples. She manages an airbnb in Tlacolula, and you can DM her on her personal Instagram page if you want to join her Oaxaca tours Featuring Torres Strait Islander cuisine and Australia's first indigenous bar The only restaurant serving indigenous foods from the Amazon The dishes at this restaurant by The Sioux Chef celebrate indigenous heritage and other Lakota dishes at the brick-and-mortar incarnation of his popular food truck Tokyo’s only Ainu restaurant serves Indigenous food from northern Japan This restaurant offers the original California cuisine First Nations’ foodways are front and center at this food truck-turned-brick-and-mortar 2015•6 min readIf you’ve heard of stone soup you’re probably thinking about the fable where hungry wanderers trick locals into sharing their food the real stone soup is more celebration than deprivation it has a long and legendary story of its own AA: The first time I heard about it was when I answered Sarah’s call looking for a filmmaker for this project, so we started contacting [one another] by mail. I was really intrigued. … She told me she wanted to get deeper, and the family was willing to co-produce this project, so we got to really know the process in its different stages and in their language, [going] into this deep culinary culture. SB: There are currently three methods for preparing stone soup, and each has its own variation of flavors. The soup prepared in the large boulders at the ritual site has a mineral cast to it, and the heat and energy of the stone-on-stone preparation really does infuse the seafood. When the soup is prepared in leaf-lined openings dug in the sand on the banks of the river, the flavor is slightly more “green,” with a fresh aftertaste. The soup prepared individually in jicaras SB: The recipe for stone soup is closely guarded by the Chinantec community. The ingredients are not secret, but in accordance with its significance, the soup may only be prepared by Chinantec men, with stones designated by the elders, and may not be prepared in a large metal or ceramic pot, although that would bring added efficiency—hence, commercial viability—to the process. I would never presume to prepare stone soup without them. Unfortunately, imitations of stone soup have been prepared in both Mexico and the U.S., but are not sanctioned by the Chinantec elders and therefore are quite offensive to the community. Currently, the only place to taste stone soup outside of the Chinantec villages is the Stone Soup Family Restaurant near Oaxaca City, or at one of the stone soup pop-up events hosted by the Gachupin family.    AA: No, never. I’ve seen [stone soup made] and helped [prepare it] one time when we were shooting, but … you need the correct stones, a place to make fire, and the fresh ingredients. I love it, but out of respect, I don’t try to do it. There is a recipe, but you’ll have to see the movie to take note, or talk to the Gachupin family. Rachel Link curates content for National Geographic’s Short Film Showcase and is working on a soup recipe of her own for fall, kale pumpkin quinoa. Follow her on have been our guides since before we were human They stand tall as landmarks that helped map our world These overachieving plants have been instrumental in our success as a species we’ve chopped down or torched a lot of them But around the world there are trees that have withstood our folly and foibles for centuries and continue to bear witness to the human story—good and bad They have overseen the signing of treaties Get credit for your contribution by submitting a complete place entry with photos Follow us on Twitter to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders Like us on Facebook to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders it’s making a comeback through social platforms common foods such as tea leaves and cheese have been used to predict the future is still practiced in the Caribbean and certain parts of Latin America. Photograph By Betty Bossi/Picture Press/ReduxBySuchi RudraJanuary 11 2024Predicting the future hasn’t always been synonymous with tarot cards and crystal balls Centuries before astrology apps and dial-in psychics existed people who wanted a glimpse into the future worked with what they had—food says that this growing appetite for spirituality shows that food-related divination practices were never really off the table “More modern and liberal ritual specialists can do divination practices in absentia I would imagine that food-based forms of divination are easier to handle and have a wider scope for interpretation,” she says “This makes them extremely attractive to a virtual audience who can imagine how the divination result applies to them in creative ways.” Here’s what you need to know about food divination and destinations where you can sample it those friends were either witches themselves or seeking spiritual counsel from witches,” says Corvidae The size and shape of the stalks indicated your would-be beloved’s physique while its taste determined their temperament (Paganism is on the rise—here’s where to discover its traditions.) adds that rice divination is often used to commune with spirits A shaman reaches into a golden bowl of uncooked rice An even number of grains means “yes” or indicates the presence of a spirit while an uneven number means “no” or the lack of spirits an archaeologist and professor at the University of Warsaw spent time with the Ayöök people in 2007 and initially encountered only two maize diviners But a recent visit revealed a new generation of practitioners intent on keeping these ancient fortune-telling methods alive Followers of this cheesy magic use the patterns of fermentation and the shape of the cheese to answer specific questions (You can pair this with a session of wine divination known as oenomancy.) Billock says blue cheese works best but she’s divined with everything from Colby Jack to a Kraft single She teaches divination either one-on-one or at group workshops at cheese shops (Explore tarot’s centuries-old history in Milan.) In Istanbul, Turkey, you’ll find a smattering of cafés offering coffee ground readings in English along Ayhan Işık Sokak, a side street off the famous İstiklal Avenue in the Taksim neighborhood. Or get a free reading from AI-driven app Faladdin where you simply upload a photo of the sediments at the bottom of your cup of Turkish or French press java (Your daily latte or flat white isn’t going to cut it.) Take an online course on Udemy to learn how to read a coconut or kola nut, a practice from the West African Yoruba religion, which dates back nearly 8,000 years. Peruvian environmental activist and actor Ricardo Torres has married an ancient Cypress tree in Mexico as part of an ecological awareness campaign tallying up as the eighth 'marriage' to a tree for the environmental activist Surrounded by village elders, family and friends, Torres placed a ring on a branch and kissed it as guests threw rice at the newly-married 'couple' Church bells and conch shells rang through Santa Maria del Tule at about 11.30am local time on Sunday Torres has said that he will plant trees with children to reaffirm his green commitment "The wedding with the Cypress tree is the symbol of this campaign I denounce this genocide and ask the president of Mexico to stop the destruction," he added It was unclear whether the tree consented to the marriage or if it will be accompanying Torres on his honeymoon The tree is a famous 2,000 year-old cyprus tree known as El Tule It is one of the oldest and widest trees in the world Written By: Sara Oprasic Mexico Oaxaca isn’t at the top of most people’s Mexico travel itineraries Oaxaca is a city where ancient traditions flawlessly blend with modern life It’s a place where you can discover indigenous Mexican culture by touring ancient ruins and visiting some of the best natural landmarks in Mexico Oaxaca is also one of Mexico’s safest cities, making it an excellent destination for first-timers in the country. Especially because it features so many fun and interesting things to do that you’ll never want to leave. Read more: Is Mexico City Safe To Visit? Travel Warnings And Safety Tips And if it’s not the Zapotec ruins or the local art museums that make you fall in love with the city, it will be the food From the best local markets to popular Mezcal distilleries here are all the best things to do in Oaxaca The streets of Oaxaca are teeming with history and culture and it feels like there’s something new to discover at every corner Whether it’s local craft shops or relics from a different era Below are some of my favorite attractions in this historic gem.   Kick off your stay in this Mexican city with a classic walking tour of all the landmarks in the heart of Oaxaca It’s the best way of getting acquainted with the city’s top sights and a must if this is your first time here.  Walking tours of Oaxaca usually take 2-3 hours Some of the places that are included in all tours of Oaxaca are the main city square of Zócalo, Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzman the Benito Juarez monument at Parque Juarez El Llano A stroll down Macedonio Alcala is the highlight of any walking tour of Oaxaca The historic cobblestone street is lined with art galleries and restaurants and boasts colorful buildings Practical Information: Walking tours of central Oaxaca normally last for 2-3 hours and cost $25-40.   Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán is one of Oaxaca’s most famous landmarks The monumental church is located in the heart of the city and it is included in most walking tours of Oaxaca.  It’s an interesting-looking building but it doesn’t appear that special on the outside That is until you pass through the gates and glimpse the lavish interior The walls and ceiling are adorned with beautiful paintings The altar is almost entirely covered with gold and it looks absolutely magnificent.  Practical Information: Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán is open from 9 AM to 7 PM Entrance to the church is free of charge.  Mexico is an excellent destination for culinary tours and experiences I’m a little biased because I love Mexican food but Oaxacan cuisine is some of the country’s best the traditional Oaxacan sauce made with chiles But there are seven classic versions of Mole Book a cooking class in Oaxaca and other Mexican dishes using traditional methods Tortillas,and fried plantain are some of the foods you can learn how to make After you’ve gotten your hands dirty and learned how to prepare some of the best Oaxacan foods you’ll get to devour the fruits of your labor that’s my favorite part of any cooking class.  Practical Information: Cooking classes in Oaxaca usually last 4-6 hours and cost $100-150.  The majestic Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca is one of the city’s most important museums for old Zapotec artifacts It’s located on former monastery grounds adjacent to the Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán.  Head upstairs to see the exhibit of treasures discovered at Monte Alban as it’s a highlight of the collection The artifacts displayed include wooden figurines Even the architecture of the museum building is a work of art and warrants paying attention to the walls and ceilings as you explore the different areas of the building You can even glimpse the Ethnobotanical Garden from some of the museum rooms.  Practical Information: The Museum of Cultures Oaxaca is open from 10 AM to 5 PM driving to a nearby town just to look at a tree sounds weird The Tree of Tule is a Montezuma cypress tree over 1,400 years old It’s also the widest tree in the world with an estimated circumference of approximately 42 meters.  The Tule Tree is so big that it was once considered multiple trees and the tests confirmed that it’s just one massive tree its height is almost impossible to measure accurately Laser measurements from 2005 estimate the tree’s height to 35.4 meters.  Practical Information: Santa María del Tule is a 20-minute drive from the city center of Oaxaca The town is on the way if you’re traveling to Mitla.  The Oaxaca Textile Museum is a charming little museum you can easily visit during a walking tour of the city center It’s only a couple of minutes from the historic Zocalo square and whatever temporary exhibit is displayed at the moment The museum has a small collection and it shouldn’t take you more than 20 minutes to tour the place.  Practical Information: The Oaxaca Textile Museum has a free admission Monte Alban is the most important archeological site in Oaxaca If you have time for just one historic landmark in Mexico It’s just a 20-minute drive from central Oaxaca and is interesting enough to keep you busy for the better part of the day.  I highly recommend visiting the area with a local guide to better understand the site’s significance Monte Alban served as the Zapotec capital from 500 BCE to 800 CE and would later become an important center for the Mixtec as well.  This historic site has survived the rise and fall of multiple Mesoamerican civilizations and offers invaluable insight into their history and heritages the views from the complex are excellent; you can see almost all of Oaxaca from here which puts into perspective just how big the city is.  Practical Information: Monte Alban is open from 10 AM to 4 PM The Ethnobotanical Garden of Oaxaca is located behind the Santo Domingo de Guzmán church With a curated collection of plants native to Oaxaca it’s a great place to visit if you want to escape the city streets for a little while.  Step inside the garden and you’ll feel like you’ve walked right into a jungle Visitors can explore the garden only on guided tours It’s important to note that tours in English take place only at 11 PM and are double the cost of tours in Spanish.  Practical Information: The Ethnobotanical Garden of Oaxaca is open for visitors from 10 AM to 5 PM Tours in Spanish are 50 pesos but tours in English are 100 pesos per participant.  The Museum of Oaxacan Painters is probably the best free museum in the city It boasts a collection of works from local graphic artists and it’s one of the best places to visit if you want to discover authentic Oaxacan art.   Amazing paintings are exhibited at the museum but also colorful figurines and sculptures so there’s merit in returning to this museum even if you’ve visited it previously.  Practical Information: The Museum of Oaxacan Painters is open from 10 AM to 6 PM The markets in Oaxaca are primarily known for food and spices they’re by far the best place if you want to mingle with locals and spend your money on unique Mexican items.  Mercado Benito Juárez and Mercado 20 de Noviembre are the two main local markets in Oaxaca The markets are across the street from one another so you can easily tour both in a single afternoon I recommend coming here hungry and exploring the wide selection of local Oaxacan food.  Insider Tip: Vendors at the local markets usually try to upcharge their items for tourists Learn some Spanish so you can get better deals when shopping in Oaxaca.  Practical Information: Mercado Benito Juárez is open from 9 AM to 5 PM on work days Mercado 20 de Noviembre is open every day from 7 AM to 7 PM Entrance to both markets is free of charge.  Chocolate has a very long tradition in Oaxaca Cacao beans have been grown in this state for centuries and Oaxaca is one of the country’s largest chocolate producers.  you can eat the chocolates you’ve created You don’t have to get your hands dirty if you don’t want to Just order a delicious hot chocolate at a classic Oaxacan restaurant and while you’re at it try mole with cacao It’s the state’s most famous dish.  Practical Information: Hot chocolate is served in all Oaxacan restaurants and cafes Chocolate-making classes usually last for 2-3 hours.  Hierve el Agua is one of the best natural landmarks you can discover in Mexico The geological site is famous for rock formations that look just like waterfalls It’s an impressive site that might just be the highlight of your trip to Oaxaca.  the nature preserve also features springs and pools just keep in mind that the water is quite cold The views of the surrounding landscapes are wonderful and a big reason why so many people visit the place.  Insider Tip: Hierve el Agua can get very crowded during the day when the tourist buses arrive Visit the place later in the afternoon (4-5 PM) ideally after you’ve toured Mitla.  Oaxaca State is home to many small artisanal towns and villages All those colorful items you see at the city’s markets are made in those towns and you can go straight to the source for an even better selection of vibrant local handicrafts Many artists also hold workshops where you can learn about their craft and see if you’d be any good at it.  Teotitlán del Valle and Santo Tomás Jalieza are best known for handmade rugs and textiles while San Antonino Castillo Velasco artisans create gorgeous embroidered pieces San Bartolo Coyotepec and Santa María Atzompa are famous for handmade black and green pottery And San Martín Tilcajete is renowned for alebrijes Practical Information: Santa María Atzompa is the closest artisanal town to Oaxaca (20-minute drive or 1-hour bus ride).  Mezcal has been produced in Oaxaca for centuries The state is the largest producer of the drink and more than 90% of Mezcal sold in the world comes from here I really don’t think it counts if you visited Oaxaca if you didn’t at least try it once!  The best way to learn about Mezcal in Oaxaca is to tour a distillery They’re abundant in the small towns and villages just outside the city and are often included in tours of Mitla The distilleries in Santiago Matatlan are the leading in the state and they’re only a short detour from Mitla.  Some of the best Mezcal tours in Oaxaca start in agave fields and end with delicious tastings Learn about every step of Mezcal production while trying all the different iterations of the local drink Just don’t do it on an empty stomach Practical Information: Santiago Matatlan is 10 minutes from Mitla and 55 minutes from Oaxaca City.  Benito Juarez National Park is a 10-minute taxi drive from downtown Oaxaca It’s the best destination near the city for hiking If you want to escape the crowded streets of Oaxaca and spend some time in nature this is one of the best destinations close to the city.  The park also offers the opportunity to spot some native Oaxacan flora and fauna The hiking trails are marked and perfectly safe and will take you to some fabulous viewpoints There’s also a playground for children here and several interesting sculptures are scattered throughout the national park.  Practical Information: Benito Juarez National Park is open from 8 AM to 6 PM Yagul is another excellent archeological site in Oaxaca The place is not to be missed if you’re on a mission to uncover all the best historic landmarks of this Mexican state Yagul is on the way when driving from Oaxaca towards Mitla or Hierve el Agua so you can easily visit on the same day as one of the other attractions.  This archaeological site is less famous than Monte Alban and Mitla so it usually features much smaller crowds Come here to discover the remnants of a former Zapotec city-state; if you’re lucky you might have the entire place to yourself.  Practical Information: The Yagul archaeological site is open from 10 AM to 4 PM The archeological site of Mitla is one of the best historic attractions near Oaxaca de Juarez It’s approximately an hour’s drive from the city center and you can combine this day trip with visits to other popular landmarks in the area as you’ll pass close to several notable sights.  Mitla is a top destination in Mexico for Zapotec and Mixtec ruins The name “Mitla” is Nahuatl language and it roughly translates to “Place of the Dead” indicating the site’s function as a sacred burial ground Although it was first established by the Zapotec the influence of Mixtec culture is evident in the area.   The UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for ancient tombs and geometric mosaics that adorn most of the complex. The blend of Zapoted and Mixtec architectural styles is a wonderful sight and makes this area one of the best for understanding the culture of ancient Oaxaca. I recommend doing a guided tour of the complex so you can learn a lot about Mitla’s history and significance.  Practical Information: Mitla is approximately an hour’s drive from central Oaxaca The admission fee to the site is 80 pesos.  Puerto Escondido is a beach town in southern Mexico and a very popular destination for a seaside vacation you can drive to this charming town in about three hours and enjoy a day on the beach.  The town is known for fabulous resort hotels And because it’s pretty much a resort town it’s a very safe destination in Mexico Come here for swimming and sunbathing during the day Practical Information: This beach town is roughly a three-hour drive from Oaxaca Buses take 9-10 hours to travel between the two towns on average The Day of The Dead festival is one of the most important in Mexican culture. It’s a big event in every city in Mexico whose spirits are believed to return home to spend time with their families.  Day of the Dead is celebrated with parades Locals don colorful costumes as they take to the streets and celebrations last well into the wee hours of the morning.  Because the festival lasts for only two days you’ll have to plan your trip around it if you really want to attend Remember that Oaxaca is jam-packed during Dia de Los Muertos and hotels are booked out months before the festival.  Practical Information: The Day of The Dead Festival begins on the eve of October 31st and lasts until the 2nd of November.  vendors from all over the state flock to Tlacolula for the weekly farmer’s market It’s about 45 minutes outside Oaxaca city and a great place for souvenir shopping.  Oaxaca state is known for its many artisanal towns that produce unique handicrafts The artisans bring all their latest and greatest creations to the Sunday market which is one of the biggest in the state.   If you’re not able to visit the individual towns and villages Street food vendors are also at the Sunday market offering all the best Oaxacan local dishes this is one of the best things to do near Oaxaca.  and colectivo (shared cars) can take you from Oaxaca to Tlacolula Expect to spend 30-45 pesos for a ride in a bus or colectivo but up to 300 pesos for a private taxi transfer Parque Nacional Huatulco is a wildlife preserve on the southern coast of Mexico If you’re staying in Oaxaca for a while consider coming here for two or three days It’s an excellent destination for a beach getaway But it’s also four and a half hours from Oaxaca City so not the easiest place to visit if you have limited time in Mexico.  Lounge on the pristine beaches and swim in the crystal clear waters Most beaches are in secluded bays and the waters are pretty calm Snorkeling is also very popular in the park thanks to the coral reefs that are teeming with marine life Private and shared snorkeling tours are available and the latter is a great way to save money and meet other travelers with similar interests.  Practical Information: Parque Nacional Huatulco is roughly four and a half hours from Oaxaca Admission to the park is free of charge.  If you can’t get enough Zapotec ruins in Oaxaca the Aztompa archaeological site is another historic place to add to your itinerary Located on a hill just a 20-minute drive from central Oaxaca it’s a place you can easily visit on quick day tours Santa María Atzompa is at the foothill of Aztompa and you can tour both destinations in a few hours.  The ruins at this site are similar to those at Mount Alban but with one major difference – Aztompa is much smaller and attracts fewer crowds This place is practically deserted compared to Mount Alban and it’s a great destination for travelers who want to discover Zapotec ruins but without the crowds that are common in the more famous areas.  Practical Information: Atzompa Archeological Site is roughly a 20-minute drive from downtown Oaxaca Admission to the site is free of charge.  Museo de Sitio Casa Juárez will be interesting for some If you’re generally interested in history and politics try to squeeze a tour of the museum into your itinerary But if that’s not something that interests you very much the first and only indigenous Zapotec president of Mexico and it features period furnishings and interesting artworks Visitors can also tour the small but charming garden and gain some insight into what life was like in Oaxaca more than 150 years ago.  Practical Information: Museo de Sitio Casa Juárez is open from 9 AM to 6 PM every day except Monday Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad (Basilica of Our Lady of Solitude) is another grand church in Oaxaca city the basilica is dedicated to the patron saint of Oaxaca The church is off the beaten path and not too popular with tourists so you shouldn’t encounter large crowds during the visit.  The walls are adorned with dazzling artworks Practical Information: The Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad is 10 minutes from the main city square and entrance is free of charge.  the Ex-Monastery of Santiago Apóstol is an architectural marvel worth visiting which work incredibly well together at this mesmerizing place.  The complex features multiple monastery buildings Roam around the grounds and pay attention to the details of Mudéjar decorations Don’t forget to examine the lovely murals which seamlessly blend indigenous Mexican mythology with Roman Catholic iconography.  Practical Information: The Ex-Monastery of Santiago Apóstol is open from 10 AM to 5 PM The Rufino Tamayo Museum of Pre-Hispanic Art is a popular attraction among art lovers who wish to gain a deeper understanding of local culture The museum houses the personal collection of Olga and Rufino Tamayo One of the main reasons why they wanted to open a museum was to prevent the illegal sale of these artifacts on the black market.  Each of the pieces exhibited here offers insight into the culture of the indigenous people in Mexico The museum’s five rooms house more than 1,000 artifacts and the entire place can be toured in under an hour.  Practical Information: The Rufino Tamayo Museum is open from 10 AM to 5 PM The entrance is free of charge.   You need at least four days to explore Oaxaca and its surroundings thoroughly 2-3 days are enough for the top sights in the city limits but allow for 1-2 days for day trips for important landmarks west and south of the city.  The best time to go to Oaxaca is between April and November because this is the dry season in Oaxaca. The city is especially popular at the beginning of November when the Día De Los Muertos festival takes place. It is also one of the best places to celebrate Christmas in Mexico. Oaxaca is famous for it delicious food but the most famous ones are mole Mezcal and hot chocolate are Oaxaca’s best drinks.  it’s safe to travel to Oaxaca if you take all the standard precautions Oaxaca is one of the safest places in Mexico and generally one of the best tourist destinations.  The best time to visit Oaxaca de Juarez is in late spring or early fall The city is most popular from April to November and many tourists make it a point to come to the Mexican city for the Day of the Dead festival which takes place at the start of November This is the most popular time to be in Oaxaca which also translates to large crowds.  If you want to go when there aren’t as many tourists around It’s the start of the rainy season in the city and the crowds are generally much smaller.  try to fly to Oaxaca International Airport It’s the closest airport to Oaxaca City It’s serviced only by airlines from North America and Latin America with direct flights from the Mexico City airport.  Taxis are available at the airport and can transport you into town for approximately 395 pesos ($25) You can haggle with the taxi drivers and it’s generally best to agree on a price before the ride.  Walking is the best way of getting around central Oaxaca You can visit most tourist attractions in the heart of the city on foot but you’ll need to rely on a different mode of public transport to visit the landmarks that lie outside of Oaxaca City Buses run to popular tourist destinations but they’re not reliable a 20-minute drive equates to a 2-hour bus drive so I don’t recommend relying on the bus if you’re trying to be efficient.  Consider getting a rental car if you’ve traveled to Mexico previously and you know what to expect on the road it might be more hassle than it’s worth The roads are not in the best condition and the traffic can be a nightmare especially in the central parts of the city Having a car is great for driving to places like Mitla but keep in mind that you can just as easily book tours and let someone else figure out the transportation.  You need at least four days in Oaxaca for a proper tour of the city There’s a lot to do and see in the city and it takes at least 2-3 days to visit all the notable buildings and landmarks in the Oaxaca city center The rest of the trip can be spent touring historic landmarks and archaeological sites throughout the state.  you could include a short stay on the coast Spend a night or two in the Huatulco National Park to end your trip to Mexico with a relaxed beach vacation.  Oaxaca is one of the safest cities in Mexico and it’s generally a great destination for tourists The most common crimes are petty theft and pickpocketing which could be said for virtually any other major city in the world you shouldn’t have any negative experiences while you’re in Oaxaca.  And what do I mean by standard precautions Don’t wear flashy jewelry and designer clothes and always keep an eye on your valuables Wear a money bag under your t-shirt or a crossbody bag that you’ll always keep one hand on whatever you do don’t go to the observatory It’s a hotspot for muggings at knifepoint Centro is the best neighborhood for first-time visitors in the city All the popular tourist attractions will be a short walk from the hotel as well as the city’s best bars and restaurants Staying in Centro is particularly great for trips during the Day of the Dead festival when the streets of Oaxaca are particularly crowded Here are some of the best hotels in Oaxaca for all budgets:  So now that you know all of the incredible attractions outdoor adventures and about the Oaxacan Culture make sure to add Oaxaca to your Mexico itinerary you will find it is worth going a little off the beaten path for lot of reward Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly Book Your Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We have used them for years and have found that they have the best flight deals Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor. Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO Learn a Language: We recommend and love both Rosetta Stone and Babbel Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it Book Your Activities: Looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more? Then we recommend Get Your Guide. Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling Why Loreto, Mexico Should Be Your Next Baja Escape 21 Fun Facts About Mexico That May Surprise You 15 Reasons to Visit Mexico In 2024 Sara loves writing about travel as much as she loves traveling. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, spending time with her cats, and crossing items off her bucket list. She’s yet to cross off Japan, Tromsø, and Hogsmeade. You can see what she’s up to on her Instagram Page Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id" "aceb5ec82bf0740185312f900b32e849" );document.getElementById("bb6e812255").setAttribute( "id" and website in this browser for the next time I comment About Dave and Deb Contact Us Privacy Policy Work With Us Press and Media Best Travel Tips How to Save Money for Travel The Ultimate Travel Packing List Travel Safety Tips How to Travel on a Budget