ALANP

Driving from Santa Fe to Taos, is it possible to see Bandelier National Monument AND the Picuris Pueblo along the way? I would only spend maybe 3-4 hours at Bandelier, but was wondering if I can do both along the way. We are staying only 3 days in Sante Fe, then two nights in Taos. Then from Taos drive to ABQ for a flight to Phoenix. (1:35pm flight) How long a drive from Taos to ABQ, any idea?

Thanks, Alan

martym

Sure you could see both--though Bandelier is not "on" the road to Taos as I think about it. You could go first to Bandelier then back-track a little back toward Santa Fe and take the high road to Taos--where I believe Picuris Pueblo is located.

Taos to Albuquerque would be about 2 1/2 to 3 hours at the most by the "low road."

DebitNM

Depending on where exactly in Taos you depart - getting to ABQ airport will take closer to 3 hour +. I would leave Taos plaza area at about 8:30 am. {I prefer to have a little extra time, just in case. I don't like to worry while on vacation about making flights, so I tend to add a bit extra time for travel}.

IF there is a traffic issue on
I-25, there isn't much else in the way of alternate routes until you get just north of ABQ; so plan accordingly.

Also, any particular reason why Picuris Peublo instead of Taos?

Deb

ALANP

I prefer Picuris Pueblo over Taos due to all the tourism I think I will run in to at Taos. I like to stay away from the crowds so I'm thinking Picuris might me worth visiting. Am I foolish to pass up Taos Pueblo? I welcome your response. Thanks for the Albuquerque travel advice.

ElendilPickle

When will you be in New Mexico?

We had a very small group - maybe 10 people - when we toured Taos Pueblo. You can only go in with a guide from the pueblo, so there aren't hordes of tourists all over the place.

Taos Pueblo's multi-story buildings are iconic; I wouldn't miss the place.

Lee Ann

sylvia3

I've been in Taos Pueblos without a guide a few times. Wandered around all we wanted, took photos (paid at the entrance to do so), talked to artists in "residence." The only thing off limits was the church, which had a ceremony going on at the time.

DebitNM

IMHO Taos and Acoma are the 2 must see pueblos. They are very different and each shows us the lives of each group - as they have been for generations.

I have not been to Picuris. I have been through a number of the lesser pueblos and for the most part, they are simply villages where people live and are not really set up to have visitors.

Taos is not overrun with tourists, it is not a tourist trap. It is the home to many Native Americans who graciously share their lifestyle with visitors.

Be sure to obey the etiquette of visiting a pueblo. {Ask before taking a photo of a person, do not walk into homes unless invited or they are clearly marked as a place for the public, do not clap if you are lucky enough to see a dance or other ceremony. etc}.

I would really suggest that you rethink you plan about which pueblo to visit. Taos is special.

http://www.legendsofamerica.com/NA-PuebloEtiquette.html

Deb

ALANP

Thank you everyone for your input and great ideas. It looks like we will be visiting Taos Pueblo as well. We will be in New Mexico Oct. 8th-13th. 3 nights in Santa Fe and two nights in Taos. Alan

ElendilPickle

I'm glad you decided to include Taos Pueblo.

Are you planning to visit the Balloon Fiesta while you're in Albuquerque?

Lee Ann