Taos

A historic artistic town nestled near mountains, known for the UNESCO World Heritage Taos Pueblo, vibrant art galleries, and scenic mountain landscapes perfect for skiing and hiking. Taos preserves authentic Hispanic and Native American culture while offering outdoor recreation and bohemian charm.

Things to do

• Taos Pueblo Tour — Explore the multi-story adobe dwellings of this living Native American pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site continuously inhabited for over 1,000 years.
• Ski Valley — Experience world-class skiing and snowboarding on the slopes of Taos Ski Valley with stunning views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
• Art Gallery District Walk — Stroll through over 80 galleries concentrated in the historic plaza and surrounding streets, showcasing Native American art, contemporary works, and local talent.
• Rio Grande Gorge Hike — Trek through dramatic canyon trails along the Rio Grande with breathtaking views of the 800-foot gorge and opportunity to spot wildlife.
• Taos Plaza Historic District — Walk the charming Spanish colonial plaza surrounded by adobe buildings, local shops, and restaurants that reflect centuries of settlement history.
• Wheeler Peak Summit — Hike New Mexico's highest peak at 13,161 feet for panoramic mountain vistas and alpine meadows.

Food to try

• Red Chile Enchiladas — A Taos staple featuring corn tortillas filled with cheese or meat and smothered in locally-grown red chile sauce, often served with beans and rice.
• Carne Adovada — Tender pork marinated and slow-cooked in red chile, a traditional northern New Mexican dish found in many local restaurants.
• Sopapillas — Fried pastry pillows served warm with honey, a beloved dessert throughout the region with roots in Spanish colonial cuisine.
• Blue Corn Tortillas — Hand-rolled tortillas made from locally-ground blue corn, reflecting Native American tradition and available fresh at markets and restaurants.
• Local Trout — Fresh-caught trout from mountain streams, often prepared simply grilled or pan-fried in restaurants near the Taos Box.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Pueblo Sacred Spaces — Photography and recordings are typically prohibited inside kivas and certain areas of Taos Pueblo; always ask permission before photographing residents or ceremonies.
• Festival Season — Time your visit around Taos Pueblo Powwow (July) or Fiestas de Taos (September) to experience authentic Native American and Hispanic celebrations with traditional music, dance, and food.
• Spanish and Tiwa Language Presence — The region speaks Spanish alongside English, and Tiwa language is still used by pueblo residents; learning basic Spanish phrases shows respect for the community.
• High Altitude Adjustment — Taos sits at 7,000 feet elevation; take time to acclimate, stay hydrated, and move slowly on your first day to avoid altitude sickness.