"Pueblo Of Taos" a Taos Pueblo Travel Page by MarkJochim

Taos Pueblo is the largest multi-story pueblo structure in the United States and has been occupied for nearly 1,000 years. The two main buildings - Hlauuma (north house) and Hlaukwima (south house) - were constructed between AD 1000 and 1450 and appear much as they did when the Spanish explorers arrived in 1540.

Around 100 Taos Native Americans live in the old pueblo full-time; about 2,000 others live in conventional homes on the pueblo's 95,000 acres.

The setting really is beautiful with the 13,161-foot Wheeler Peak (the highest mountain in New Mexico) looming just to the north. The scenic Rio Pueblo de Taos flows between the two main buildings and is the community's primary source of water for drinking and irrigating.

During the summer months and warm weekends, the pueblo can be very crowded. Still, it is possible to seek out quiet spots. Also, many tourists don't show the necessary respect to the residents of the pueblo. Please, please remember that people do live here and you shouldn't just barge into someone's home. There are signs for restricted areas; any door that isn't clealy labeled as a curio shop shouldn't be entered. Also, if you want to photograph tribal members, ask permission first. Do not wander around in the ceremony and do not wade into the river - it's sacred and the community's only source of drinking water.