The Red Willow people of Taos Pueblo have called the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains home for more than 1,000 years. It’s the oldest continually inhabited community in the U.S., a National Historic Landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. When visiting Taos Pueblo, remember you are in a sacred and private space, not a tourist attraction. For detailed rules, see taospueblo.com/visiting-taos-pueblo.
The main part of the Pueblo was built between 1,000 and 1,450 A.D. Its residents speak Tiwa, the language of their forefathers. They live much as their ancestors lived, though they have doors and windows while early residents entered by ladder and through the ceiling — a protection against invasion.
A guided tour of Taos Pueblo is highly recommended. Tours touch on the highlights of the culture, history and people of the region and last 20–30 minutes.
Visitors to this historic place will find colorful shops offering Native-made, handcrafted works from jewelry to pottery to paintings, plus delicious foods at Dawn Butterfly Cafe and Tiwa Kitchen. All sales are tax-free.
taospueblo.com
