Taos, also called New Mexico’s Soul of the South West is a historical desert town nestled at the foot of the majestic snow-tipped Sangre de Cristo mountains, and has the rumbling white waters of the Rio Grande flowing 10 miles west of the town. This art colony is home to the only living Native American community that has been termed both a National Historic Landmark and a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
If you are someone who is thrilled by the sounds of adventure sports or would love to get lost exploring art, history and culture, then this city should be the next destination on your list.
Best time to travel to Taos
Taos sees flocks of tourists all year round. The best times to visit, though, are from May to early June and September through November.
This is because the weather here is at its most pleasant during these months. It is neither scorching hot or biting cold; these times see little to no showers that may ruin your plans. Flight tickets, tour packages and accommodation prices are also reasonable for these few months of the year.
Where should you stay?
Taos has a wide range of accommodations available. From quaint inns to luxury five-star hotels, resorts and rustic cabins. Whatever your budget might be, you can be assured that there will be something for you here. The Historic Taos Inn is located in Taos, a few steps away from the Taos Plaza. It is made up of several adobe houses dating from the 19th century, one of which was the home of Thomas “Doc” Martin. If you happen to stay there, don’t forget to try the famous Chile Rellenos and Award-Winning Green Chile at Doc Martin’s, a restaurant located in the former offices of Doc Martin.
Where should you head to?
Taos Pueblo
Taos Pueblo is the ancient Pueblo belonging to a Taos-speaking (Tiwa) Native American tribe of the Puebloan people. These adobe dwellings have been continuously inhabited for over a thousand years, and most of the existing structures were built sometime between 1000 and 1450 A.D. A World Heritage Site, this is the largest multistoried Pueblo structure still existing – the north-side of which is said to be one of the most photographed and painted buildings in North America. There are around 150 people still living in the pueblo who you might be able to meet and buy some handmade goods from!
San Francisco De Asis Church
The San Francisco De Asis church was built in the early 1800s and was a center of community life in Ranchos de Taos. It’s the only original church which remains intact in the Taos area, complete with its huge adobe buttresses and two bell towers facing front, the church is designed as a seamless blend of native adobe and Spanish architecture. You might also want to head in and check out the ‘Mystery Painting’ of Jesus as it mysteriously glows in the dark!
Taos Plaza
If you decide to take a walking tour, you will be able to see the 22 historical markers, adobe buildings, and go through the historic Taos Plaza which lies in the heart of Taos. A gathering place of locals and tourists, it is the center of trade, old local store house galleries, restaurants, shops and live concerts. You could also choose to take the spooky Ghost tour to learn more about the haunted past of Taos. Who knows, you might experience something spooky, too!
Museums
This travel destination has been a home and inspiration to many artists and a tour of the museums will help you understand the blended culture, art and rich history of the town. Although there are several to choose from, you cannot miss The Harwood Museum of Art that has a permanent collection of works by more than 400 local artists. The Blumenschein Home and Museum celebrates the lives and art of Ernest Blumenschein who became one of Southwest’s best-known painters of pueblo Indian genre.
The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge
Sit tight and experience a spectacular sunset or sunrise over the bridge that is one of the 10 highest in the country. The Rio Grande Gorge was once named the nation’s most beautiful steel bridge. It has featured in several movies like Natural Born Killers, White Sands, Wild Hogs, Terminator Salvation, etc.
You cannot miss
Taos Ski Valley
If you are visiting Taos during winters then you can’t miss the Taos Ski Valley which offers 110 trails for skiing and snowboarding, but keep in mind, most of these trials are for experts. You can also go snowshoeing, cross-country skiing trails, and ice skating. Apart from this, there are 3 other Ski Resorts, a drive away from Taos.
Outdoor Adventures
Here you can find a variety of adventure sports available for you. From river rafting to kayaking, hot air balloon to ziplining, camping to rock-climbing, llama trekking and so much more! If you’re an adventure junkie, then Taos is the perfect place for you to spend your weeks in, getting to be one with nature and experiencing her thrills!
Look out for
Taos has something or the other going on throughout the year, but here are some of the events you might not want to miss:
-Taos Pueblo Pow Wow
-Taos Winter Wine Festival
-Taos Mountain Balloon Rally
-Yuletide in Taos
-Taos Fall Arts Festival
Ready to pack your bags and explore this historic beauty?
You’ll also like our travel guide on Los Cabos in Mexico.
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