Acoma Pueblo

Sky City stands on a mesa about a hundred and ten metres above the plain and is among the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in North America - the Acoma say Sky City was founded in the 11th century, with buildings on the mesa as early as 1144. Access is controlled by the tribe: visitors go through the cultural centre at the base and up by bus with an Acoma guide, and there is no independent wandering. About thirty people live permanently on the mesa, which has no electricity or running water, with the wider community below. San Esteban del Rey mission, built between 1629 and 1641, was built by the Acoma on Spanish orders, with pine carried from Mount Taylor more than sixty kilometres away. Photography requires a permit and some areas prohibit it entirely.

What to look for

• A village on a 110-metre mesa - with buildings from at least 1144.
• San Esteban del Rey mission - pine carried more than sixty kilometres from Mount Taylor.
• About thirty permanent residents - with no electricity or running water.
• Access only with an Acoma guide - no independent visiting.

When to go

April to October; the pueblo closes for ceremonies on set days. Half a day.

Things to know

The pueblo closes without much notice for ceremonial days - always check. Photography permits are charged and some areas are entirely off limits. This is a living community, not a monument. The mesa top is exposed and hot in summer.

Nearby

El Malpais is south-west; Laguna Pueblo is east.

Key facts