Taos Pueblo: UNESCO World Heritage Site & Gateway to Tiwa Pueblo Culture

Located in northern New Mexico, Taos Pueblo is one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in North America. This Native American community is home to Tiwa Pueblo peoples and is considered a sovereign nation within the United States. Taos Pueblo is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its outstanding architectural and cultural value.

Let’s take a moment to explore just a bit of the fascinating history and culture, and a few tourist activities of Taos Pueblo.

Who Are the Tiwa Puebloans?

The Tiwa Puebloans are a Native American tribe that is indigenous to the southwestern United States. The Tiwa people have lived in the region for nearly a thousand years, predating Spanish and other explorers.

The Tiwa Tribe is made up of several distinct groups living in several geographic regions of New Mexico and Texas. Each group has its unique history, traditions, and cultural practices. The Tiwa people are known for their distinctive adobe architecture, which features multi-story buildings with no windows on the ground floor.

Taos Pueblo is a sovereign nation within the United States, meaning it has its own government, laws, and customs. The Pueblo has its own tribal council, which governs the community and makes decisions on its members’ behalf.

Today, the Tiwa Tribe is an integral part of the Southwest’s cultures, and visitors to the region can learn about their history, traditions, and contributions to the region’s heritage. Taos Pueblo is a particularly important site for the Tiwa people, as it represents a physical and cultural center of their community.

What is Taos Pueblo?

The Pueblo is situated at the base of the Taos Mountains, in a valley surrounded by gorgeous natural scenery.

It’s a cluster of adobe buildings built around a central plaza—and actually is home to about 150 people today, with many more from the Tiwa Pueblo peoples living in the surrounding areas.

The buildings are made of adobe bricks (a mixture of mud and straw) and are coated with a layer of whitewash made from ash, water, and powdered gypsum. The structures feature traditional wooden vigas (ceiling beams) protruding from their walls, and the roofs are flat and made of layers of mud and straw. Some buildings are up to five stories tall, with individual, unconnected units used as living quarters.

We don’t actually know the exact age of Taos Pueblo, but archaeological evidence suggests that people have lived in the area for more than a thousand years, with the pueblo being built somewhere between 1000 and 1450.

The people of Taos Pueblo have maintained their traditional way of life despite centuries of contact with outsiders—for example, the traditional language spoken there has not been written down, and those living in the pueblo do not use running water or electricity.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Taos Pueblo was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992, recognizing its outstanding cultural and architectural value. The site was recognized for its unique adobe architecture, which represents a significant contribution to human creativity, and for its importance in the history and culture of the Native American peoples of the Southwest.

Tourism

Taos Pueblo is a popular tourist destination and welcomes visitors throughout the year. Guided tours are available, and visitors are encouraged to learn about the history and culture of the community. The Pueblo is also home to several galleries and shops selling traditional arts and crafts.

Guided Tours

Guided tours are available and highly recommended, as they provide an opportunity to learn about the history and culture of Taos Pueblo. Tours are typically led by community members and include visits to areas of significance throughout the village.

Traditional Dances and Other Events

Visitors can observe traditional dances and other events held throughout the year. These are an important part of the community’s cultural heritage and are a great way to experience the unique traditions of the Pueblo—see information about events here.

Arts and Crafts

Taos Pueblo is home to many beautiful arts and crafts, including pottery, jewelry, and weaving. Visitors can browse the shops and galleries in the Pueblo and purchase handmade items directly from the artists.

Photography

The unique adobe architecture of Taos Pueblo provides an ideal backdrop for photography. Visitors are allowed to take photos of the buildings and the surrounding landscape, although there are some restrictions on photography during religious ceremonies.

Hiking and Outdoor Activities

Taos Pueblo is located in a beautiful area of New Mexico, and there are many opportunities for hiking and outdoor activities in the surrounding area. Visitors can explore the Taos Mountains, go fishing in the nearby streams, or even take a once-in-a-lifetime hot air balloon ride.

Food and Dining

Surrounding Taos Pueblo, you can find many fantastic restaurants serving local and traditional cuisine, including fry bread, green chili stew, and bison burgers. These dishes are not only delicious but also provide an opportunity to experience the unique flavors and culinary traditions.

Have you had a chance to visit Taos Pueblo? Share your story with the Frayed Passport community!

About the Author

As the editor-in-chief of Frayed Passport, my goal is to help you build a lifestyle that lets you travel the world whenever you want and however long you want, and not worry about where your next paycheck will come from. I've been to 20+ countries and five continents, lived for years as a full-time digital nomad, and have worked completely remotely since 2015. If you would like to share your story with our community, or partner with Frayed Passport, get in touch with me at sarah@frayedpassport.com!

Featured image by Rob Robinson from Pixabay