Acoma Pueblo

Explore the oldest community in North America at the Acoma Pueblo in New Mexico. The Acoma Pueblo, 13 miles from Casa Blanca, New Mexico, is said to be the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in the United States. Today, though still considered a "living" pueblo, the Acoma Pueblo is open for tours.

The Acoma Pueblo was built in the 12th century, structured high atop a 367 foot sandstone mesa in New Mexico, located there partially to defend against raiders. The Acoma Pueblo has limited access because of its sheer cliffs, and access used to be available only through a hand carved staircase in the cliff side. In 1629, Spanish settlers built the San Esteban Rey Mission in the Acoma Pueblo, carrying 30 foot beams 30 miles from Mount Taylor Mountain and the dirt for its graveyard up the mesa from the valley below. The people of the Acoma Pueblo have signed treaties with the Spanish, Mexicans and Americans, attesting to their sovereignty.

Today, visitors to the Acoma Pueblo are invited to walk through the visitor center, take a tour of the site, and stay and play at the hotel and casino. The Sky City Cultural Center is a visitor center and museum at the Acoma Pueblo, with plenty of historical artifacts for exploration. The guided tours of the Acoma Pueblo are the only way to experience the site itself, with tour guides providing a mountain of useful information. The 132 room, alcohol-free Sky City Casino Hotel, located a short distance from the Acoma Pueblo itself, provides plenty of entertainment for visitors in the area. After the tour, visitors to the Acoma Pueblo can find food at the authentic American Indian style Yaak'a Café, the hotel's buffet, or the McDonald's across the street from the hotel.

To get to the Acoma Pueblo, visitors should take I-40 to Indian Route 23, then continue south for 12 miles. Visitors to the Acoma Pueblo should also be advised that taking pictures is prohibited without express permission. Visit the Acoma Pueblo and see ancient history blend into the present!