Taos Pueblo is the only living Native American community designated both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Historic Landmark. Located just north of Taos, New Mexico, its multi-storied adobe dwellings have been continuously inhabited for over 1,000 years — making it one of the oldest continuously occupied settlements in North America and a place of profound cultural and spiritual significance.
The pueblo’s earth-toned buildings, constructed from sun-dried adobe bricks and timber, rise against the dramatic backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Guided tours, offered year-round, provide insight into the history, traditions, and daily life of the Taos Pueblo people. Artist and craft shops within the pueblo sell handmade pottery, jewelry, leather goods, and paintings directly from community members. The San Geronimo Chapel, rebuilt after its destruction in 1847, stands at the center of the community.
Taos Pueblo is best for history seekers, cultural travelers, and anyone drawn to the artistic heritage of the American Southwest. The surrounding town of Taos adds over 80 galleries, the Kit Carson Home and Museum, and the San Francisco de Asís Church in Ranchos de Taos — immortalized by Georgia O’Keeffe and Ansel Adams. The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, ten miles west, offers vertigo-inducing views 650 feet above the river.
Visitors should note that Taos Pueblo is a living community with rules to respect: restricted areas protect privacy and sacred sites, and photography of residents requires permission. Admission is $25 for adults. The pueblo is a short drive from Taos Plaza and easily combined with visits to Taos Ski Valley and the Ojo Caliente hot springs.
