The Don'ts of Visiting Taos, New Mexico: A Traveler's Guide

Exploring Taos Plaza and Art Scene

• 📌 Taos Plaza is the heart of historic downtown and a great starting point, offering shops, galleries, and dining.
• 🎨 Taos is renowned for its numerous artists and galleries, with many opportunities to see and purchase artwork, including art and historical museums.
• 🏛️ Don't miss museums like the Kit Carson Museum for a glimpse into frontier life or the Taos Art Museum for its impressive collections.

Visiting Taos Pueblo

• 🛖 Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has been continuously inhabited for over a thousand years and is a must-see cultural experience.
• 🎟️ Tours are available for approximately $25 per person, offering insights into the Pueblo's history and the lives of its residents.
• ⚠️ Be sure to check operating hours before visiting, as Taos Pueblo can be closed for festivals or due to weather.
• 📸 While photography is allowed, ask permission before taking pictures of people, and note that images are for personal use only.
• 🌮 You can enjoy local cuisine at the Pueblo, including Indian tacos, Navajo tacos, and fried bread.

New Mexican Cuisine and Shopping

• 🌶️ Embrace New Mexican cuisine, known for its red and green chilies, blue corn enchiladas, green chili stew, and coffee with pine nuts.
• 💸 Be aware that Taos can be pricey for shopping and dining due to its popularity, but don't skip the shops as they feature good artists and craftsmen.

St. Francis of Assisi Church

• ⛪ The St. Francis of Assisi Church is a beautiful adobe structure, recognizable from Georgia O'Keeffe paintings, with an incredible main altar and side chapels.
• 📍 Don't drive past it; its back faces the road, so use a GPS to find it and avoid missing its stunning interior.

Safety and Altitude Considerations

• ⛰️ Taos is at a high altitude (around 7,000 ft), so take it easy and be aware that caffeine and alcohol can have a stronger effect.
• ☀️ Protect yourself from the stronger sun with SPF, a hat, and hydration; drink plenty of water, especially if hiking.
• 🚶‍♀️ If hiking, turn back if you've consumed half your water to avoid running out in remote areas.
• 🚌 Taos can be crowded, especially in summer, with tour buses; start early for day trips from Santa Fe to avoid crowds.

Local Culture and Activities

• 🤝 Taos is more than just galleries; it's a community where people are friendly and welcoming; take time to meet locals.
• 🏨 Book accommodations in advance, as options can be limited.
• 🌉 The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge offers stunning views; walk or drive across it and visit the west-side parking lot for the best vantage points.
• 🚣 Don't miss rafting and kayaking on the water when visiting Taos.
• 🥾 Explore the numerous hiking trails in the area, from easy gorge trails to mountain hikes in the Sangre de Cristo mountains.
• ⛷️ In winter, skiing at Taos Ski Valley is a popular activity.
• 🧥 Pack layers as temperatures can vary significantly between day and night.
• 🎶 Be aware of the Taos Hum, a mysterious low-frequency sound some people experience.
• 🚗 Consider driving the Enchanted Circle for beautiful scenery without strenuous activity.
• 🚂 For a unique experience, take the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad for views without the driving.
• 🌅 Visiting the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge at sunset offers an unbelievable view.