Acoma Pueblo

Acoma Pueblo (Haak’u - A Place Prepared)

Located west of Albuquerque, Acoma Pueblo is a Keres-speaking community with an iconic mesa-top village called “Sky City”. The village’s adobe homes and San Esteban del Rey Mission sit 350 feet (35 stories) atop a sandstone mesa overlooking the surrounding valley. Acoma is also known for distinctive thin-walled pottery, traditionally formed by hand and decorated with intricate geometric, plant, and animal designs. It is arguably second to Taos Pueblo in terms of popularity among tourists.

Sky City

Acoma Sky City is one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in North America. The mesa-top village contains traditional adobe homes, plazas, kivas, and the historic San Esteban del Rey Mission. Access to the village is controlled by the Pueblo and is generally available only through an authorized guided tour. Tour schedules and closures can change because of cultural observances, weather, or community events, so confirm availability before traveling.

Feast Days & Public Ceremonies

Some events may be open to visitors, while others are private, restricted to community members, or closed without notice. Access, schedules, and photography rules can change, so visitors should confirm directly with the Pueblo before attending. Cameras and recording devices are not permitted during feast days or ceremonial events.

• February, dates vary — Officers’ Feast Day
• Easter Sunday — Easter dances
• First Sunday in May — Santa Maria Feast Day in McCarty
• August 10 — San Lorenzo Feast Day in Acomita
• September 2 — San Esteban Feast Day and harvest dances
• December 24–28 — Luminarias and Christmas dances; times and locations vary

Getting There

Acoma Pueblo is west of Albuquerque and south of I-40, between Grants and Albuquerque. Take I-40 to Exit 102 and follow signs roughly 16 miles south to the Sky City Cultural Center and Haak’u Museum.

Grants is the closest major base for hotels and other services, while Acoma also makes an easy detour from an I-40 or Route 66 trip.

Visiting Respectfully

New Mexico’s pueblos are living communities, not museums. They are sovereign tribal nations with their own governments, laws, and traditions. When visiting, remember that you are a guest on tribal land.

• Obey all posted signs and respect areas marked as private or off-limits.
• Do not photograph people, homes, religious activities, or ceremonies without permission.
• During dances and ceremonies, remain quiet and avoid crossing ceremonial areas.
• Do not remove pottery shards, artifacts, plants, or other objects from pueblo lands (you will be cursed).
• Observe all posted speed limits and traffic laws. Going 5 mph over can get you a ticket.

Explore More Tribal Communities

Want to visit more of New Mexico’s pueblos and tribal lands? See our ranking of the best tribes and pueblos to visit in New Mexico, based on public access, cultural attractions, recreation, lodging, and other visitor amenities.