Hopi Tours
Touring on Hopi Tribal lands
The Hopi occupy an area of approximately 2,439 square miles in northeastern Arizona at an elevation of 5,800-6,000 feet. The Hopi people live in 12 villages located in four regions referred to as First Mesa, Second Mesa, and Third Mesa. While language custom and tradition are similar, each region has features that are unique from other regions. Traveling across Hopi is easy – simply follow Arizona State highway 264 which connects the Upper Village of Moenkopi with the other villages. You will travel through some of the most open and pristine land in the American west.
Tourists are welcome to visit the Hopi villages independently but the very best way to tour Hopi is with a tour guide who is certified by the Hopi Tribe. These guides are exceptionally knowledgeable about the traditions and culture of the Hopi. They know the Kachina Doll carvers, basket makers, silversmiths and other artists and can introduce visitors to the artists and explain the significance of the art.
The Hopi villages are living villages – the original homes are still intact and have been continuousl
y occupied for centuries. When visitors enter the villages they are entering into the current lifestyle of the people in the villages.
You will meet Hopi artists when you tour the villages. Authorized Hopi Guides know basket makers, silversmiths, carvers, painters, potters, and weavers who will invite you into their home workshops.
You will also meet artists on the Walking Tours in Walpi and Sipaulovi, where artists sell their art in the streets of the villages. You can be assured that the art you find on your visit to the Hopi mesas will be authentic and will be some of the most beautiful Native American art you have ever seen!
You will be entering into villages where people live, out of respect for this close proximity to the residents’ personal lives, certain restrictions are requested of visitors - Prohibited are: photography, sketching, videotaping, and audio recording of the village or landscapes, Wandering near shrines or kivas, picking up loose feathers, hiking , climbing and exploring in non-designated areas, alcohol, drugs, and carrying of firearms. Some social ceremonies are open to the public. Visitors are asked to show respect by dressing appropriately and by not discussing ceremonies.