Acoma Pueblo Day Tour
Visit "Sky City" One of the oldest continuously occupied communities in the U.S.
Full-Day Tour Available in Albuquerque, NM:
Friday
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
March 1 - November 30: (Not offered in July and August)
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FLY DIRECT to Albuquerque, Santa Fe, or Taos Learn More ›
MEET AT: Hotel Chaco in Old Town Albuquerque
RETURN TO: Hotel Chaco in Old Town Albuquerque
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Comfortable shoes
Hat and/or sunglasses
Sunscreen
Layered, weather-appropriate clothing
Water
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Acoma Pueblo entry fee, with photo taking privileges
Viewing of local native short film in Sky City Cultural Center Cinema
Hands-on local artisan immersion
Take home your art made with Acoma artist
A native picnic lunch prepared by Y'aak'a Cafe
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Gratuity for your inspired guide.
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At high elevations and in a dry climate, proper hydration, warm breathable layers, and sun protection is a necessity. New Mexico weather can also change without much notice.
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1 = Easy | 3 = Moderate | 5 = Difficult
Easy – Leisurely-paced walking tours with minimal physical exertion. Includes cultural explorations such as gallery visits, shopping tours, or cooking experiences. Suitable for all fitness levels.
Mild – Slightly more active than Level 1, these tours may include some walking on uneven terrain or short, easy hikes. Includes beginner-friendly outdoor activities and luxury glamping experiences with minimal hiking.
Moderate – Involves a mix of walking, hiking, or light physical activities such as kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). Also includes the luxury stargazing glamping tour, which involves moderate exploration. Suitable for those with a reasonable fitness level who enjoy being active.
Challenging – Requires a higher level of fitness and stamina. May include longer hikes, paddling for extended periods, or multi-hour activities in rugged terrain. Some glamping experiences that involve more intensive exploration also fit here.
Difficult – Physically demanding adventures designed for experienced and fit participants. These could involve full-day strenuous hikes, technical outdoor activities, or rugged backcountry experiences.
2 GUEST MIN / 10 GUEST MAX
$300 per person + tax*
“This was a fantastic tour! The Heritage Inspirations guide, Lewis, was fabulous. He is so insightful and knowledgeable and had waters and snacks at the ready. Then, once we got to Acoma, our tour guide, Brandon (Turtle), was fantastic. Then, we enjoyed a lecture by a local artist and topped it all off with a great Puebloan taco for lunch. 10/10 experience!! I cannot recommend it enough!! ”
- Elizabeth S
What to Expect: Acoma Pueblo Day Tour
Acoma Pueblo, occupied since 1144 – 1150 AD, counts as the oldest continuously inhabited community in the United States. If part of what you expect to experience on your trip to New Mexico, is a sense of Native peoples’ lives, traditions, art, culture, etc. then Acoma is the perfect opportunity to get a touch of an ancient yet presently existing past.
First, you’ll meet your guide at Hotel Chaco’s lobby and they’ll get you set up for the hour drive West along I-40 to Acoma Pueblo’s Visitor Center, where you will then meet your personal interpretative guide. The first stop will be to tour the Pueblo, referred to as Sky City because of the rocky 367-foot outcrop it sits atop.
As you shuttle through the Pueblo for your one and half hour tour, you’ll get to see the Puebloan motif decorated San Esteban del Rey mission church, honor the Pueblo’s burial grounds, hear all about their history and culture, and meet artisans selling their wares.
After you’ve either shuttled or walked (recommended!) back down to the Visitor’s Center, you’ll get to explore the Haak’u museum, watch their 17 min film “Connection to the Land” in Cultural Center Cinema, and enjoy a”Meet the Artist” experience following the video, and finally indulge in a specially prepared gourmet lunch.
One thing you’ll get from us, that you’ll get nowhere else, is a scenic interpretive journey from the Pueblo to Albuquerque. Your guide will drive your through Acomita, or Little Acoma, regaling you with stories based on local knowledge.
So, if you can’t imagine visiting New Mexico without being seeped into tribal lands, architecture, history, and art, then this trip is for you. Visit an ancient continuously occupied village atop a sandstone bluff overlooking towering monoliths and get a feel for living history!
Enjoy Local Cuisine By:
Y'aak'a Cafe
The Y'aak’a Cafe offers a diverse menu of Acoma traditional foods as well as contemporary American dishes prepared by our own tribal member. Large-paned windows provide natural lighting and spectacular views of the Pueblo and Cultural Center. The covered patio offers respite from the sun and a venue for outdoor dining. When winter ushers in frigid temperatures, the corner fireplace warms one's heart and soul.
Meet Acoma Pueblo Guide
BRANDON VALDO (Turtle)
My name is Brandon Valdo, also known as Turtle to my family and my people. I am Heritage Inspirations Exclusive Tour Guide. I’m from the Pueblo of Acoma. I’m 39 years old and have lived in Acoma all my life. I’m a father of two children and have worked at the Acoma SkyCity Cultural Center as a tour guide for 7 years. I enjoy my Acoma history and my way of life and most of all enjoy teaching guests about the history. My grandma Pearl Valdo and her parents were the first ones along with many families in the 1950’s to start tourism to Acoma. Since then it has been the first business in the pueblo. I feel very connected to my past and have taken on where my family has left off. Learning many traditions and learning the language as I grew up with my family and there is so much more to learn to pass on to my children. The story of my people and my ancestors is an awesome part of who we are as Acoma People. I look forward to meeting you all.