Travel Tips

Travel Tip: Indigenous Culture

Locations in this article:  Albuquerque, NM

Sometimes getting the local experience means looking back at our past, and in some destinations, that means immersing yourself in Native American history and culture.

And there are now more and more ways to explore the culture of America’s “First Nations” and indigenous people.

In the Southwest, there are opportunities all across New Mexico to learn about indigenous cultures.

Just west of Albuquerque is the Acoma Pueblo, which is thought to be the oldest continuously inhabited community in the country.

The only way to access it is by guided tour, led by a tribal member.

Or you can head even further off the beaten path to the town of Española, where the Puye Cliffs showcase examples of ancient Pueblo architecture and settlements.

Meanwhile, the Moenkopi Legacy Inn and Suites near Tuba City, Arizona is the first hotel to be built in Hopi tribal land in 50 years.

Take advantage of private guided tours to Hopi villages, and check out the petroglyphs of nearby Dawa Park.

And if you really want to get involved, why not join a volunteer vacation on a Native American reservation?

Global Volunteers has a longstanding program with the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in Browning, Montana, that runs every week between the end of May and August.

You’ll find more great ways to explore local culture in our Cultural Travel section.

And check out the rest of our Daily Travel Tips here.