An Insider’s Guide to Native New Mexico

While some of the state’s 19 pueblo communities now offer modern amenities and upscale resorts alongside cultural experiences, a select few have retained their traditional ways of life and ancient adobe dwellings set amid stunningly scenic backdrops. Many of these Pueblos, or historic Indigenous villages, lie in and around the Rio Grande River Valley, an area that encompasses the northern half of New Mexico and includes the cities of Taos, Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Pueblos that are open to the public give visitors a first-hand look at native history, culture and breathtaking desert scenery, as well as the chance to buy handmade pottery and jewelry from the artisans themselves. Here are three of the most visited pueblos, plus one informative museum, to get your journey started.

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

This museum in Albuquerque is owned and operated by New Mexico’s 19 Indian Pueblos. Exhibits showcase Pueblo culture from past to present and are dedicated to the preservation of Pueblo history and art. Inside the museum, stop for a meal at Indian Pueblo Kitchen serving traditional Native American cuisine. The museum’s Indian Pueblo Store carries a beautiful selection of traditional and contemporary handmade crafts and jewelry. The cultural center also hosts traditional Native dance demonstrations and family story time.

Taos Pueblo

Just outside the town of Taos, tour the more than 1,000-year-old Taos Pueblo. Spend time walking among the ancient adobe structures and you’ll begin to understand why some Taos Indians choose to live as their ancestors did. The connected, apartment-like structures rise up to five stories in height, and their stacked, layered design harmonizes and blends with the surrounding mountains. Residents of the Pueblo live by the tradition that no electricity or running water be allowed within the Pueblo walls. Drinking water is drawn from a stream running through the central plaza, past the whitewashed-adobe San Geronimo Chapel. Many ground-floor homes are now shops where Taos artisans sell their handmade pottery and jewelry. Guided tours are included with Pueblo admission and provide an informative overview of Taos culture and history.

Acoma Pueblo (Sky City)

West of Albuquerque off Interstate 40, Acoma Pueblo’s “Sky City” adobe village sits high atop a sandstone mesa, perched above the desert with spectacular, panoramic views. Continuously occupied since the mid-12th century, the pueblo is only accessible on guided tours. These tours are led by authorized Native guides and depart by bus from the Sky City Cultural Center. The Western Pueblo “Sky City” is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the world. Walk in the footsteps of the Acoma people past adobe homes and multistory structures built as early as 1100 A.D. and whose basic appearances have changed little over the centuries. Stroll plazas and walkways with breathtaking views. At the northern end of the plaza stands San Estévan del Rey Mission, a Spanish-Pueblo style church built in 1642 and the only Mission Church to survive the 1680 Pueblo Revolt. Throughout the village, Indigenous artisans sell handmade Acoma-style pottery decorated with intricate geometric designs.

Santa Clara Pueblo (Puye Cliff Dwellings)

Northwest of Santa Fe, Santa Clara Pueblo is famous for its blackware and redware pottery and is home to the spectacular Puye Cliff Dwellings. Cave and cliff dwellings are carved into the cliffside while some dwellings stand atop of the mesa. The mulit-level complex is built around a central plaza. Guests are invited to climb into and explore cliffside caves and walk ancient, hand-carved paths to the top of the mesa for stunning views. Accessibility accommodations to the mesa’s summit are provided if needed. Tours from knowledgeable guides are the best way to visit the Pueblo with four choices of tours offered for any adventure level. Visitors must check in at the Pueblo governor’s office upon arrival.

Pueblo Etiquette

While some Pueblos welcome visitors, others do not. Additionally, Pueblos that are open to the public occasionally close for private ceremonies and events, so advance research is needed before planning a visit. Many Pueblo dwellings are homes to Indigenous people and should not be entered without an invitation. Graveyards and ceremonial rooms are typically off-limits for guests. Since these Pueblos are sovereign nations, photographs, sketches and videos are typically prohibited or require a permit. However, some tribes may allow guests to photograph structures and surrounding landscapes for a small fee. Visitors should not photograph Native Americans themselves unless granted permission.

Where to Stay in Northern New Mexico

Most Pueblos are only open to the public during daylight hours. Surrounding cities like Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Taos offer a range of accommodations from budget lodging to luxury resorts. The area also features tribal-owned resorts offering unique cultural experiences.