A Thousand Years of Living Heritage at Taos Pueblo, New Mexico

© Courtesy of Taos Pueblo Tourism

A Thousand Years of Living Heritage at Taos Pueblo, New Mexico

History is alive in Taos Pueblo, New Mexico, where ancient structures made of earth and straw have seen a thousand years of seasons and change. A designated World Heritage Site, Taos Pueblo invites visitors to walk through history and practice sustain able tourism with the Red Willow people.

ANCIENT ROOTS AND SACRED LANDS

Taos Pueblo is not only built on the land—it’s a part of it. This historic community has thrived for over a millennium, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in North America. For over a thousand years, these multi-storied adobe structures, made of sun-dried earth, clay, and straw, with thick walls that provide insulation against both heat and cold, have sheltered generations. Some structures in the community are believed to date back to around 1000-1450 A.D.!

Central to the tribe’s spiritual and cultural identity is Blue Lake, a sacred body of water located in the nearby mountains. For the Taos people, Blue Lake is much more than a natural resource; it’s a life-giving entity and a powerful symbol of their cultural and spiritual heritage. It has traditionally served as a place of ceremony, reflection, and reverence for the Taos Pueblo people, embodying their belief that all life is interconnected. It is also the location of one of the region’s most defining moments: the fight for Blue Lake.

Throughout the early 20th century, the federal government seized this sacred area and incorporated it into a national forest, denying the Taos people access to an essential part of their spiritual practices. After decades of activism and legal battles, Taos Pueblo achieved a historic victory in 1970 when President Richard Nixon signed legislation returning Blue Lake to the tribe. This landmark event was not only a triumph for Taos Pueblo but also a significant moment for Indigenous rights across the United States, symbolizing the power of persistence and the importance of cultural preservation.

on the land, the Red Willow people remained resilient, preserving their language, customs, and land despite these pressures. Today, Taos Pueblo remains a vibrant, living community that continues to embrace its ancient traditions. The Red Willow people sustain their heritage through language, crafts, ceremonies, and daily life.

Sustainable Tourism

Visitors are welcome year-round at Taos Pueblo, but exploring a living community like this one is a unique experience that comes with an important rule—when you come to visit, leave nothing behind but footsteps.

As a community rooted in respect for nature, Taos Pueblo encourages visitors to tread lightly on the land. Guests are asked to stay on marked paths, avoid littering, and honor the community’s environmental values to ensure that the pueblo’s natural surroundings remain unspoiled for future generations.

Seasoned travelers know that one of the best ways to explore a new-to-you region is to learn from the locals. In Taos Pueblo, community members lead guided tours and share their personal insights into the history, architecture, and daily life within the pueblo.

And if you have any questions about Taos Pueblo’s traditions, values, and resilience, there’s no better time to ask!

The Taos Pueblo people are artists at heart, creating pottery, jewelry, and crafts that are as timeless as the pueblo itself. When you buy a piece of Taos Pueblo art, you’re taking home a piece of history, knowing that each item is crafted with love, skill, and respect for the land and the people. Many artisans work with natural, locally sourced materials, passing down techniques that honor the environment and preserve culture.

The Spirit of Celebration

Each ceremony in Taos Pueblo carries deep meaning, connecting the community with their ancestors and the cycles of nature. One of the most celebrated events is the San Geronimo Feast Day in September. A blend of Indigenous traditions and Catholic influences, the feast day includes sacred dances, races, and gatherings that commemorate St. Jerome, the patron saint of the Taos people.

Come with an open heart, and you’ll leave with memories that are as long-lasting as the adobe walls of Taos Pueblo itself.

Find out more at taospueblo.com