Southern New Mexico Pueblos

Acoma Pueblo is popularly known as Sky City. It was built on top of a 357-foot sandstone mesa many hundreds of years ago for strategic defense against raiders. Spanish conquerors learned the hard way of this defensive stronghold when they entered New Mexico in the 1500s. Acomans claim that their 70-acre village is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the United States.

Visitors who wish to visit Acoma Pueblo must receive permission. Tours, camera permits and guides are available at the Sky City Cultural Center at the base of the mesa, (800) 747-0181, (505) 469-1052. www.skycitytourism.com

Sky City is located 60 miles (96 km.) west of Albuquerque on I-40 at Exit 102 and 12 miles (19 km.) south on Indian Route 23, Exit 108.

Cochiti Pueblo (Kotyete)
PO Box 70
Cochiti, NM 87041
(505) 867-3211
Reservation Population: 1,502
Language: Keres

Tribal members of Cochití Pueblo enjoy a modern lifestyle. The ancient Keresan pueblo, with a church dating back to 1628, leases land to the town of Cochití Lake.

The late Cochití native Helen Cordero created the first storyteller figurine in 1964 after listening to inspirational stories told by her grandfather. Little did she know how popular her "dolls" would become. Also famous are deep-toned, Cochití-made ceremonial drums, which resonate on July 14, the pueblo's San Buenaventura Feast Day.

Plan to play at the top-rated 18-hole Cochití golf course, (505) 465-2239, 465-2230 (for tee times), or visit nearby Cochití Lake, boasting numerous water recreational activities, with a generous shoreline of 21 miles as well as campgrounds; (505) 465-2300.

The pueblo is situated 22 miles (35 km.) south of Santa Fe on I-25 and another 14 miles (23 km.) north on N.M. 16 (between Albuquerque and Santa Fe).

Santo Domingo Pueblo (K'i-Wa)
PO Box 99
Santo Domingo Pueblo, NM 87052
(505) 465-2214
Reservation Population: 3,446
Language: Keres

Because Santo Domingo Pueblo is located near the ancient Cerrillos turquoise mines, the village people have a distinguished history of making fine jewelry and heishi. The Santo Domingo people are still great traders, very much like their Mesa Verde and Chaco Canyon ancestors. Many roadside stands with jewelry, pottery and silverwork for sale can be found during a visit to this pueblo. Look for these special items and others during the Santo Domingo Arts and Crafts Market held each Labor Day weekend. More than 350 Santo Domingo artists, traditional dances and food booths are a part of the festivities.

This traditional Keresan pueblo also hosts an internationally known ceremonial dance on Aug. 4 that honors the pueblo's patron saint, St. Dominic. It attracts more than 2,000 Native American participants in a dramatic Corn Dance.

While visitors are welcome to the pueblo, the Santo Domingo people are adamant about preserving their traditional way of life. A cultural center and small museum provide opportunities for visitors to learn more about the pueblo, which Census 2000 figures totaled about 3,166 people. There's no admission fee, but donations are appreciated. The pueblo also has a small museum and a gas station off of the Santo Domingo exit on I-25 between Santa Fe and Albuquerque.

The pueblo is located 25 miles south of Santa Fe, off I-25 at the Santo Domingo exit.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

San Felipe Pueblo (Katishtya)
PO Box A
San Felipe Pueblo, NM 87001
(505) 867-3381
Reservation Population: 2,398
Language: Keres
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Santa Ana Pueblo (Tamaya)
02 Dove Road
Bernalillo, NM 87004
(505) 867-3395
Reservation Population: 624
Language: Keres
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Zia Pueblo (Tsia)
135 Capitol Square Drive
Zia Pueblo, NM 87053-6013
(505) 867-3304
Reservation Population: 638
Language: Keres
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jemez Pueblo (Walatowa)
Office of the Governor
PO Box 100
Jemez Pueblo, NM 87024
(505) 834-7359
Reservation Population: 1,734
Language: Towa
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sandia Pueblo (Na-Fiat)
Box 6008
Bernalillo, NM 87004
(505) 867-3317
Reservation Population: 3,944
Language: Tiwa
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Isleta Pueblo (Sieh-Wibag)
PO Box 1270
Isleta, NM 87022
(505) 869-3111
Reservation Population: 2,979
Language: Tiwa
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Laguna Pueblo (Kah-Waik)
PO Box 194
Laguna, NM 87026
(505) 552-6654
Reservation Population: 3,845
Language: Keres
------------------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Zuni Pueblo (Halona-Wah)
PO Box 339
Zuni, NM (505) 782-4481
(505) 782-4481
Reservation Population: 8,854
Language: Zuni