Taos Pueblo

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the Americas, Taos is the northernmost of the New Mexico Pueblos and the most iconic, with two large adobe structures that are around 1,000 years old. A large plaza sits between the two structures, with a small creek running through the middle. While most inhabitants of the pueblo live in modern housing on the outskirts of the reservation, there are still a sizable number who live at least part time in the historic village and keep the traditional ways alive; Guided tours take visitors around a portion of the village, including into the San Geronimo Chapel and past the ruins of the old church, both on the grounds of the pueblo, with the guide explaining some of the history and culture of the pueblo, and how the pueblo operates in the present day. For anyone interested in learning about Native American culture, the tour is a very rewarding experience. Snacks and handmade wares are available from some curio shops run by local artisans in the village, with moccasins, boots, drums, mica-flecked pottery and silver jewelry being specialties; Photography and sketching is strictly regulated, with a separate fee required. Don't photograph residents without permission, and don't enter doors or homes that are not clearly marked as businesses. The pueblo also operates a small casino near the entrance to the historic village, which is mainly notable for being entirely non-smoking.

• history
• family

Address

120 Veterans Highway

Getting there

north of town; follow signs from Paseo del Pueblo

Hours

Mon-Sat 8AM-4:30PM, Sun 8:30AM-4:30PM; closes occasionally for religious ceremonies, including an extended closure in early spring, usually around Easter

Price

$16 adult, $14 senior/student, children 10 and under free (additional fee for photography)

Website

taospueblo.com (opens in a new tab)