The most striking of the Pueblo villages, and perhaps the oldest continuously occupied community in the USA, is Acoma Pueblo, and more particularly, Sky City. 60 miles west of Albuquerque, N.M., the "People of the White Rock," first established their adobe homes atop this isolated butte 360 feet above the arid plain below sometime in the 12th Century, long before the invading Conquistadors in the 16th Century. A perfect fortress against marauders, the few thousand locals who worked the land below and maintained the hidden stairways and tunnels to the 70 flat acres above, were prosperous farmers and traders with indigenous groups as far away as the Aztec and Mayans in Central America, with established trails from ocean to ocean. For anyone who has visited Israel and climbed Masada overlooking the Dead Sea, Acoma Sky City feels like a brother citadel. The climb is not as long, but the sense of history and humanity is as powerful. You can now take a motorized vehicle to the summit, but that would be cheating you out of a most challenging and unique experience. Go on foot, from narrow stone step to the next; grabbing handholds where strategically placed, and duck down to squeeze through narrow vertical shafts to the next level, until emerging on top where ancient adobe homes and wide dusty plaza greet you. Walk around allowing your imagination to return you to the 14th Century when Acoma was a center of civilization, and you could see 100 miles in all directions from the rim. read more

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Don't bother. The "pueblo" is just a bunch of mis-matched houses patched with modern materials like vinyl windows, concrete blocks, bricks, and tar paper. Window air conditioning units abound. Cars are parked willy-nilly everywhere so there is no way to take a decent photo. The tour was supposed to be at least 45 minutes but the tour guide (not very informative) was shooing us back onto the bus at 25 minutes. The history of the pueblo is interesting but the present-day reality, not so much. Serious disappointment. read more

Wow. WOW! This is one of the coolest things, like, ever! My parents moved to Albuquerque a few years ago and are eager to show us new things in and around their new hometown. Acoma Pueblo and Sky City are the coolest things I have seen in New Mexico (so far!). We actually visited on Easter, and they were open for tours and visitors that day. That helped us make the most of our long holiday weekend in the Southwest! I don't know if I have the words to describe just what a wonderful and enriching experience my visit to Acoma was! When my parents told us about it, I balked a little that, having already visited once, they would be willing to spend another $25 per person to go again with us. But let me tell you, I would gladly pay that again on another future visit myself! The tour actually starts in the Sky City Cultural Center & Haak'u Museum. There is a good amount of parking behind the building. Once you go inside, you buy your tickets. Each ticket includes a photography pass for a single camera per person. That means your phone OR a self-contained camera. They will put a sticker on your device that indicates it can be used. You can pay extra for another photo device, but I used my phone and still got amazing pictures. The sticker is fairly easy to remove, especially if you have a smooth phone case. And be respectful of their photo rules: no pictures in the church, cemetery or on feast days. And ALWAYS get permission from a resident before taking their photo. Tours leave once an hour, on the half hour. If you are really early, don't worry. You can walk around the museum while you wait, or after you get back from the tour. There are interesting exhibits to peruse. When we were there, they had a really cool exhibit of comic strips about native life. It is absolutely worth taking some time to explore. Acoma Pueblo is the oldest continuously inhabited community in North America, having been around since 1150AD! The community and homes sit atop a mesa in the desert (hence Sky City). None of the homes at the top of the mesa have electricity, running water, or sewer. I can't give you the history or current information as well as the tour guide can. Suffice it to say, it is fascinating and awesome! The culture and the traditions are vibrant and worth learning about and worth preserving! For those with mobility concerns, everyone is taken via bus to the top of the mesa and are welcomed to take it back to the cultural center at the end of the tour. Once on the mesa, though, just take your time on the rough road and watch your step. We opted to walk back to the cultural center at the end of the tour. You can either walk down the main road...or basically CLIMB down the side of the mesa, using stairs and foot- and handholds carved in to the rock. Which was the first way inhabitants got to the top! Going down that way really reinforces the wonder of how the pueblo became and remained a place to live! Both in the courtyard of the cultural center and along the streets during the tour, community members are there selling local goods and handicrafts. But remember...no electricity...no card readers up there. Bring cash if you think you might like to buy some pottery! They aren't pushy about it either. If you want to get more information on an object, they are happy to tell you about it, just ask! Overall, this was one of the best tours I have ever done and an amazing afternoon. Really, I cannot recommend it enough to anyone visiting New Mexico. Put it in your plans! It has been almost a year since my visit and I am still blown away by the memory. read more

It was nice to go back to Acoma after years of not seeing it. The traditional adobe homes and the views from the mesa are spectacular. You pay $20 (adult) and get a 1 1/2 hour tour of the city on the mesa. A shuttle takes you to the top of the mesa and you get a very informative tour about the history and certain parts of the culture of the people of Acoma. The fee for the guided tour includes a permit for picture taking (with some limitations) and on a bright and clear day, you can get some great shots. During the tour you also have the opportunity to purchase art pieces from the vendors on the mesa. Through the tour one experiences and learns about such a unique history. This is a must-see for anyone who has an appreciation for culture. read more

I made sure to visit the Acoma sky city during a long weekend in New Mexico a few months ago, and am finally clearing the rest of my queue from that vacation. This is way out of the way from the city (about an hour without traffic), but I'm super happy I made time to see it: our tour was highly interesting to see how people lived - and how some still do at least some of the time - plus you get a seriously amazing view of the New Mexican desert the whole time you're up there. Extra points: the visitor center has a surprisingly affordable, and surprisingly *quality*, place to grab lunch. That said, I wouldn't really recommend the green chili stew - it was rather bland compared to others I had that vacation. I *would* highly recommend the fry bread dish we had, that was covered with taco stuff. It was both delicious, and crazy large - it could easily feel two people, unless they were both mega-hungry. read more

This was the highlight of my trip to northwestern New Mexico. It is an incredibly beautiful setting, and the people were tremendously kind and interesting to talk to. Yes, improvements have been made to the homes over the years. This isn't a museum, this is a living breathing place. As other reviewers have said, bring cash to buy some of their beautiful pottery (they have an ATM in the visitor's center). I also echo the encouragement to take the steps back down. It was such a fun experience! Thank you to the people of Acoma Pueblo! read more

If you're gunning for a quintessential experience in the Land of Enchantment, Acoma Pueblo is a must. If you live in Albuquerque, it's a half-day trip; just over an hour to get there, the tour runs 90 minutes, and you'll never forget it. I recently visited for a second time and the place simply delivers everything that makes this spectacular state shine. Want history? The pueblo was established in 1150 (that's more than a few days before Columbus sailed the ocean blue). And that's just the tip of the iceberg butte. Look, the entire ordeal is going to blow you away, beginning with the swooping drop into the pseudo-valley dotted with psychedelic rock formations, and your entrance to the cultural center and museum. I won't give away too much, but three biggies about this Sky City are worth serious note: 1) No running water, never had it. 2) No electricity, never had it (save a few generators) and 3) The freaking Mission, which is stupefying, and when you learn about how it was constructed, you'll simultaneously admire the story and hate on the Conquistadores with a passion that seethes. Along the way you'll be peppered with tables of pottery from current residents at fair prices and you'll be shocked at the expertise of the craftsmanship. You will not be ripped off, promise. The "city" itself is essentially vacant these days, save some elderly residents (what we midwesterners call "snow birds", but this isn't exactly a retirement community) and the artists showcasing their work. Photography is allowed by permit only. The actual clan of residents only visit during feast day and Christmas, and that's a good thing, because it feels kinda awkward to tour the place with a bunch of white folk, wondering if you're, uh, just getting all up in their grill. Not exactly. Yeah, invading, but you're welcome. And if you dare, finish the tour by descending the rock staircase. I totally advise caution, here. It's steep. Grandma cannot go. And the kids... make sure they're at least five or six years old. It's just a touch scary, and like the rest of the tour, you'll never, ever forget the journey. read more

This is indeed a unique place. Some other pueblos and reservations welcome guests but none have such a special setting or offer such a wonderful visitor experience. You get an hour and a half tour walking through the ancient yet living pueblo up on the mesa and get to meet artists and their wares. (The people are very welcoming and friendly but not pushy about their wares. If you want to shop there is some beautiful pottery. If you just want to look, that's fine too.) Can't say enough about a visit here. If you're in Albuquerque for a few days or plan on passing through New Mexico on I-40, you don't want to miss the chance to spend 3-4 hours at the pueblo (the Sky City and then the wonderful museum and cultural center that sits down below the mesa). Special shout out to Marisa who did a wonderful job as our guide! read more

If you are visiting (or living in) ABQ you MUST see the Acoma Pueblo. The reason I wanted to visit New Mexico was to see the local culture. Our visit to Acoma was the highlight of our trip. You must go to the Visitor Center. The road will dead end there. Be sure to get there before 3:30 to go on a tour. We had heard you can walk down but you must go on one of the earlier tours. If it is raining they may cancel. It stormed right before we were scheduled to go up but thankfully it stopped raining. The visitor center has an art gallery + gift shop and be sure to watch the film about the history of the people & area. The tour is 1.5 hours. They will take you by bus and a tour guide will explain what you are seeing, their culture and ceremonies. The view is fantastic. You might see locals on the mesa as some are selling pottery and food. Go. You won't regret it! read more

One of the coolest things I've ever done! You HAVE to walk back down, don't take the bus! The stairs are really beautiful and fun (and scary) to descend. Our tour guide was very nice and made jokes. They push (and push) pottery sales and are really awkward about it and my feeling is that we are already paying $23/person to go up there so chill already. :/ The people chat and chat you up and I wanted to just do the tour, not make small talk about my life. But anyway, the tour was cool, learning about the Acoma people and seeing the beautiful sights from atop the mesa. They make a big deal about pictures, but let you in most areas (not the church or cemetery). There are cute dogs running around everywhere, too. It's worth it, go do it! read more

Acoma Pueblo - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me

The tour is one hour and a half, the price is $20.00 per person for the shuttle and you must buy an additional picture permit if you want to take a camera. The tours run every so many minutes (I think 30) so it's safe to say you can arrive any time before 3:30 p.m.(last tour) and not wait too long to go up to the mesa. You are able to explore the museum before and after the tour, watch videos of their cultural practices, ways of life and take a look at all the wonderful artifacts. Your tour starts by taking a NICE air conditioned shuttle up the mesa and exiting with a tour guide awaiting. You are given the history as you walk the pueblo, the most interesting thing I found out was that there are still some families who live on the mesa (not year round) with no running water or electricty. This place is supposedly the oldest community is the U.S. Part of the tour is entering a 300 year old Esteban Del Rey catholic church that opens up to a beautiful cemetery in the sky that is several layers high. You aren't allowed to take pictures of the cemetery but everything else you can. The church was awesome and so thick! Pay attention to the width of the walls. The view atop the mesa- AMAZING. It was interesting to hear the history of the U.S. from a Native view point while they happily share their culture and experiences. The do have Native food and pottery that you can buy it is pushed at every so many feet on top of the mesa but if you are going you should but the local food! Pottery well that just depends on if you like stuff like that. The tour ends with either taking a shuttle back down or you may choose to climb down the original way the natives would go up and down the mesa so many years ago without being detected! That was my 7 year old daughter's favorite part and my 56 year old mom was able to do it too! Me and my husband both stayed interested the entire tour! read more

Acoma Pueblo - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me

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Acoma Pueblo, established in the 12th century or earlier, is arguably the oldest continually inhabited community in the US. It is a village of (currently) a dozen families living in adobe houses on top of a mesa that is 360 feet above the valley floor. Our Native American guide was friendly, humorous, and informative. He told us about the pueblo's history, how the inhabitants lived, and showed us around the village. We visited inside the 300+ year old Esteban del Rey church. It was amazing to learn that the inhabitants could live on top of the mesa depending upon beans, cord, and squash that they grew and rainwater as the only water source. The view from the top of the mesa was spectacular. read more

When you get a chance visit Acoma. Rich in culture and nature. Bring cash because you will want some art work or pottery its all so beautiful. And this is the actual oldest Pueblo in New Mexico read more

What an amazing experience! It was $58 for the family package that INCLUDES picture permits. Everyone was so nice & informative. Our tour guide was witty! After the tour, we got a guide who brought us around to the different homes to shop and take pictures at our leisure. Plenty of opportunities to buy drinks and fry bread cheaply. read more

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Very cool if you're into history. But bring cash the vendors selling their homemade art work don't use credit cards. Very friendly people. The houses are made out of plaster and other clay like materials. They replaster the houses every 2-3 years. Sparkles was cool for a tour guide as well. read more

I cannot begin to express how wonderful this pueblo is and what a joy it was to visit and take a tour on top of the mesa. $20 is well spent with a wonderful and informative tour. Just wait till you get to the church and hear about how resolute this community has been in keeping to their traditions. I regret not walking back down. Next time ... read more

I'd visited 20 years ago, really liked it, and was last week traveling with a friend who'd never been to New Mexico. I'd liked it the first time, and really loved it this time. Since I'd been there last, they built a terrific new cultural center with nicely detailed historical exhibits, a cafe and a gift shop. Additionally there are places just outside where members of the Pueblo sell the crafts they produce (mostly jewelry and their highly and deservedly esteemed ceramics). The tour guides are super well informed and provide detailed and interesting information about the history (and pre-history) of the Acoma Pueblo. The viewage from the mesa is beyond spectacular. The mesas in the distance and partially eroded cliffs conjure up as many images as ancients perceived in the patterns of the constellations. The only drawback is that the tours can be too large and it's hard to keep the tour group together (especially when members of the pueblo who live ON the mesa are selling their crafts at various locations). Moreover, it allows tourists with neither respect nor sense of decorum to surreptitiously photograph members of the Pueblo without their consent (contrary to the rules). I know I'd NEVER photograph anyone anywhere as if they were a part of the scenery, an object, if you will. There's a real graciousness members of Acoma Pueblo show to visitors in sharing their story and their mesa and it's heartwarming. read more

Absolutely beautiful! My only reason for taking away a star - didn't get to hear the whole tour because we looked around and took pictures, and the group was large AND the "steps" down to the end. They should really warn you that they are steep and slippery, slightly treacherous, and you shouldn't be carrying much. Half of my party was over 60, and we all took the steps. We made it, but thanks only to the kindness of our group...definitely a team effort! Our thighs were killing us the next day, lol. And maybe it's the NY in me coming out, but they don't even make you sign a waiver!! Shocked. read more

This was a great tour with insight into the life of the Acoma people, both now and historically. The visitor center was beautiful, and a great introduction to what one sees atop the Mesa where the pueblo of the Acoma is. We went during the hot part of the year, but it was nice and breezy atop the Mesa in the village. Still, bring water and wear sunblock and a hat. Take the trail down - it is awesome. Also, the cafe has a nice fusion of Native American food and Mexican/American. I maybe recommend this tour for ages 5 and up. We managed with our youngest, but he was still awfully distracting. read more

My visit to this fascinating village was made amusing by the fact the guide was angry with me because I talked to a resident and was lingering. But just for a very quick word because of course I knew to stay with the group. The height, the dust road, no green thing growing. The only color was in the home of the resident I spoke to. The curtains fluttering out of an open window were beautifully gay and colorful. The trip was well worth the time and the gift shop had some very interesting books and post cards. Certainly if you are in that area you must take the tour. read more

This is great place to visit. Probably wouldn't bring very young or very elderly. Tour guides ate from the community. The tour moves along at a decent pace and if you have questions they are archival in their level of knowledge. Follow the rules. This is their land. Their laws. You need to be respectful. Get a camera permit. Two people, permit, tour. 46 - and I tipped the guide 5$. You can hike down or ride. Nice people. They invite you back. Didn't have time for the museum which is included in the price. Pay attention to guide. If you can stand close. Unbelievable views. Prepare for heat, although I didn't think it was bad. Hat, water a must. read more

Very informative trip. The museum is very well organized. Our guide Rudy was very knowledgeable and expkained the history of Acoma very well. A must see if you go to New Mexico. read more

The museum was really good, The museum food was excellent, but the tour of the pueblo on top of the mesa was moving, spiritual and entertaining. Highly recommended! read more

I was excited to visit this Pueblo and learn a little more about Acoma people. After taking great deal of time to plan my husbands birthday weekend in Albuquerque, this stop was high on our list. The cultural center and tour were informative and engaging, however I was mostly disappointed with Pueblo's inconsistent policies. When I arrived to purchase our tour tickets, I was told that I needed to change my shirt (I was wearing a sleeveless shirt) out of respect for the elders along the tour. After driving an hour from my hotel, I didn't have a change of clothes but was told I could buy a $30 t-shirt from their gift shop. I was furious because I had done my research and there was no information about a specific dress code. To add insult to injury, I noticed three other women walking around with sleeveless shirts on such as mine. When I approached one of them, she stated that no one said anything to them about what she was wearing. I assumed the other women were not told about the sleeveless policy as they were boarding and getting off tour buses wearing sleeveless shirts in plain view of many Cultural Center employees. While on the tour, I noticed that one of the natives had her shirt rolled up exposing her arms. I hate to bring race into the conversation, but it was not lost on me (and the woman I approached) that the other women who were allowed to wear their sleeveless shirts were White. So why was I (the only Black person touring the cultural center) asked to change my clothes? When I mentioned this inconsistency to one of the employees, he joked that the rule was a way of making me buy one of their t-shirts. I wasn't amused and wanted to say that if the Pueblo had wanted me to spend money, I would have felt inclined to spend more if I hadn't been forced to follow a rule that they didn't enforce with their other patrons. Unfortunately, a powerful cultural experience was tainted. From reading the other reviews, it seems as if the administration does a poor job of updating the public on their policies and changes in their schedule. Travel at your own risk. read more