Nambé Pueblo

Visiting Nambé Pueblo

Nestled in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the Pueblo of Nambé is a living Native American community that is famous for its beautiful public ceremonies and traditions, strong agriculture, traditional textiles, and world-renowned pottery. Aside from our magnificent natural wonders like the Nambé Falls & Lake, the Pueblo also encompasses nearly 20,000 acres consisting of towering cottonwoods, junipers, scrub oak, and an occasional outcropping of sandstone. We welcome all visitors to our home.

 

Hours:

Monday to Friday: 8:00AM – 5:00PM

Closures: The Pueblo of Nambé is subject to unexpected closures due to religious activities, an unexpected death in the community, or other reasons deemed necessary by our traditional leadership. Please call ahead to confirm before visiting. The Pueblo of Nambé is a living and active community, therefore there are rules and regulations that you must follow during your visit.

 

Driving Directions:

 

Visitor’s Code of Conduct

Please follow these rules of etiquette when visiting Nambé Pueblo:

  • Call ahead to confirm event dates, as well as access to tribal lands. There are times when tribal leaders need to restrict access to the Pueblo because of private ceremonies and other reasons.
  • Although Nambé Pueblo is open to the public during daylight hours, the homes are private. Like any village, the Plaza is home to those who live there and should be respected as such.
  • Nambé Pueblo requires a permit to photograph, sketch or paint on location. At certain times, photography is completely restricted. Please check with the Nambé Pueblo Governor’s Office for the permitting process. Once a permit is obtained, always ask for permission before taking a photograph of a tribal member. REMEMBER: cameras and film can be confiscated.
  • The carrying or use of weapons, alcohol, or drugs in the Pueblo is strictly prohibited.
  • The Pueblo of Nambé values its traditions, customs, and religion. Tribal dances are religious ceremonies, not public performances. It is a privilege to witness a ceremony.
  • Silence is mandatory during all Pueblo dances and ceremonies. This means no questions about the ceremonies or dances while they are underway; no interviews with the participants; no walking across the dance plaza; and no applause during/after the dance or ceremony.
  • Many areas within the Pueblo are sacred and restricted for use by Pueblo members only. These areas include, but are not limited to; rivers, Kivas, ceremonial rooms, churches, and cemeteries. Please abide by the “No Trespassing” and “Restricted Area” signs.
  • Many of the structures are hundreds of years old. Do not scale walls or climb on top of buildings.
  • Nature is sacred to Nambé Pueblo. Littering is strictly prohibited.
  • On feast days and other public observances, enter a Pueblo home as you would any other – by invitation only. It is courteous to accept an invitation to eat, but not to linger at the table, as your host will want to serve numerous guests throughout the day. Thank your host, but a payment or tip is not appropriate.
  • Please obey all traffic and speed limit signs.  Children and pets play near the roads. Also be cautious of livestock on or near main roadways.
  • Observe all signage indicating OFF LIMITS while visiting Nambé Pueblo.
  • If organized tours are offered, please remember to stay with your tribal guide at all times.
  • Do not remove artifacts, pottery shards or other tempting items.
  • Tribal communities do not use the clock to determine when it is time to conduct activities. Acts of nature, as well as the sequence of events that must take place (some not for public viewing) usually determine start and finish times of ceremonies.