Place guide

Cochiti Pueblo

A Pueblo known for storyteller pottery and the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks

📍GPS: 35.608359, -106.348072

Scenic view of Cochiti Pueblo

Cochiti Pueblo (Kotyit - People from the Mountains)

Located along the Rio Grande between Albuquerque and Santa Fe, Cochiti Pueblo is a Keres-speaking community with deep roots in the region. The Pueblo is especially known for its revival of storyteller figurines and its other handcrafted art. San Buenaventura Mission remains one of the village’s most recognizable historic landmarks. Nearby, Cochiti Lake and Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks make the area a popular stop for outdoor recreation and sightseeing.

Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument

Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument is known for its unique cone-shaped rock formations, narrow slot canyon, and scenic mesa-top views. The monument is open to the public, but advance reservations are required. Visitors must obtain both a timed-entry reservation through Recreation.gov and a Cochiti Pueblo Tribal Access Pass, as access to the monument passes through Cochiti Pueblo lands.

Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument

Cochiti Lake

Cochiti Lake is a reservoir on the Rio Grande, popular for boating, fishing, and picnicking. The lake is surrounded by scenic views and offers opportunities for birdwatching and outdoor recreation.

Cochiti Lake

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.

  • Easter Sunday — Easter dances
  • July 14 — San Buenaventura Feast Day
  • December 24–28 — Christmas dances; times and locations vary

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.

Nearby places

Kewa Pueblo

About 7 miles away

A large Keresan pueblo known for Heishi jewelry.

Madrid

About 18 miles away

A funky old coal-mining ghost town turned arts village along the Turquoise Trail.