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Resources & References

Resources & References

New Mexico, USA

Digital Resources

Essential apps for the destination

  • Google Maps/Apple Maps

    These are useful for navigation, whether driving or walking. Download offline maps for areas with potentially limited cell service.

  • Google Translate

    For language assistance, download offline Tiwa and Spanish language packs. This enables quick translations.

  • NCRTD "Blue Bus" App

    Use this app for real-time bus schedules and tracking of the free public transportation system.

  • Weather App

    A reliable weather app, like AccuWeather or The Weather Channel, aids in preparing for daily conditions in Taos's variable climate.

  • Yelp/TripAdvisor

    Useful for discovering restaurant and attraction reviews from fellow travelers.

Useful websites for additional planning

  • Taos Pueblo Official Website (Taospueblo.com)

    This site is a source for current hours, unexpected closures due to ceremonies or weather, and specific visitor rules. Always check this site prior to your visit.

  • Taos.org (Taos Tourism Council)

    This is the official tourism site for Taos. It conveys general information about attractions, events, and accommodations.

  • New Mexico Tourism Department (Newmexico.org)

    Conveys general state tourism information, valuable for planning broader regional travel.

  • RidetheBlueBus.com (NCRTD)

    Displays comprehensive public bus schedules for the Taos area.

  • NM Roads (Nmroads.com)

    This site displays current road conditions in New Mexico. It is notably valuable during winter months due to snow.

Print Resources

Recommended Guidebooks

Consider "Fodor's New Mexico" or "Moon New Mexico" for in-depth state information and regional details.

State & Local Maps

A detailed road map, like a Rand McNally New Mexico Folded Map, is useful for scenic drives.

Books on Taos

Literary works like "Death Comes for the Archbishop" or "The Man Who Killed the Deer" share regional insights.

Local Publications

The Taos News

  • The local newspaper displays current events, community news, and local listings.

Gallery Guides & Visitor Magazines

  • Find these at visitor centers.
  • They often include maps and information on current exhibitions and events.

Further Reading & Exploration

Documentaries & Films

  • Search for "Taos Pueblo" documentaries on PBS or historical channels. These convey visual context and historical depth.

Music & Art to Experience

  • Listen to Native American flute music. Explore works by the Taos Society of Artists. This establishes the mood and appreciation for the local arts scene.

Online Communities & Forums

  • Travel forums, like TripAdvisor or Reddit's r/NewMexico, can share specific questions and real-time advice from other travelers.

Emergency & Medical Information

Emergency Numbers & Contacts

Emergency Contacts

  • All Emergencies (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 911
  • Holy Cross Medical Center (Taos Hospital): (575) 758-8883
  • Poison Control Center: 1-800-222-1222
  • Your Home Country's Embassy/Consulate: Keep contact information handy if traveling internationally. This is important for lost passports or other consular assistance.

Hospital & Clinic Locations

  • Holy Cross Medical Center: 1000 Kryston Lane, Taos, NM 87571. This is the primary hospital in Taos.
  • QuestCare Urgent Care Taos: 229 Don Fernando Street, Taos, NM 87571. Suitable for non-emergency medical needs.

Lost Document Procedures

  • Passport: Contact your country's embassy or consulate without delay to report the loss and begin the replacement process. File a police report with local authorities.
  • Credit Cards: Call your bank or credit card company without delay to report loss or theft and cancel cards. Have their international contact numbers stored separately.
  • Driver's License: Contact your local DMV or licensing authority for replacement procedures.

Natural Disaster Protocols: Wildfires

Wildfires

  • Abide by evacuation orders from local authorities.
  • Tune into local news for updates.

Winter Storms

  • Monitor road conditions via nmroads.com.
  • Avoid driving during active blizzards or severe snowfall.

Natural Disaster Protocols: Flash Flooding

Flash Flooding

  • Do not drive through flooded roads or arroyos.
  • Seek higher ground promptly.

General Readiness

  • Keep your phone charged and have a portable charger.
  • Carry a basic first-aid kit.
  • Stay informed through local alerts and news.

Preparing for Local Culture

Media for Cultural Context

  1. Search for documentaries or films about Taos Pueblo to gain visual context and historical depth.
  2. Listen to Native American flute music to set a mood for cultural appreciation.
  3. Explore works by artists from the Taos Society of Artists.

Online Learning & Community Insights

  1. Visit online communities or travel forums (like Reddit's r/NewMexico) for real-time advice from other travelers.
  2. Look for resources to learn basic Spanish phrases, valuable for general interactions in New Mexico.

Trip Planning Tools

Checklists

Utilize comprehensive checklists for planning stages, from initial research to departure preparations.

Budgeting Tools

Track expenses and identify cost-saving opportunities for dining, accommodation, and activities.

Itinerary Planners

Craft a flexible itinerary to maximize your time while allowing for spontaneous experiences.

Critical Alert: Emergency Contacts

Always keep emergency numbers and your home country's embassy contact readily available, especially when traveling abroad.

Affiliated Resources

Travel Planning & Security

Online Language Learning

  • Babbel

    Acquire conversational Spanish for daily interactions. Visit Babbel.com

  • Cultural Immersion

    Beyond words, gain insights into local customs and distinctions.

  • Pronunciation Practice

    Refine your accent for clearer communication.

Secure Connectivity

  • NordVPN

    Encrypt your internet traffic, particularly on public Wi-Fi. Learn more at NordVPN.com

  • Access Global Content

    Maintain access to your preferred streaming services and websites.

  • Privacy Protection

    Protect your personal data from potential cyber threats.

Travel Organization Gear

Packing Cubes

Optimize luggage space and keep your belongings neat and categorized.

Travel Wallets

Securely carry passports, tickets, and multiple currencies in a single, organized place.

Luggage Locks

Provide an extra layer of security for your bags during transit and storage.

Digital Guides & Planning

Mobile Navigation Apps

  • Utilize Google Maps or Apple Maps for directions, even with limited cell service via offline maps.
  • Plan routes for walking, driving, and public transportation.
  • Discover points of interest, restaurants, and local services in Taos.

Online Research Tools

  • Browse the official Taos Pueblo website for the latest visitor rules and ceremonial closures.
  • Check Taos Tourism Council (taos.org) for events, attractions, and local accommodation listings.
  • Refer to NM Roads (nmroads.com) for real-time road conditions, especially important during winter.
  • Utilize RidetheBlueBus.com for schedules of the free public bus system.

Social Media & Community

Staying Informed

  • Follow official Taos Pueblo accounts for current updates on access and events.
  • Connect with Taos Tourism social media for general news and announcements.
  • Look for local news outlets on social media for community happenings.

Traveler Communities

  • Engage with travel forums like TripAdvisor for peer-to-peer advice and tips.
  • Join subreddits specific to New Mexico (e.g., r/NewMexico) for local insights.
  • Discover hidden gems and local favorites from experienced travelers.

Online Learning

For those interested in photography, consider online courses from platforms like Skillshare. This can enhance your ability to capture the beauty of Taos Pueblo respectfully.