Chaco Canyon, located in northwestern New Mexico, is one of the most fascinating and mysterious archaeological sites in North America. Between 850 and 1250 AD, the Ancestral Puebloans built massive stone “Great Houses,” vast ceremonial centers, and an advanced road system in this desert landscape. The largest structure, Pueblo Bonito, had more than 600 rooms and stood several stories high—an incredible achievement for its time.br br The Chaco people were not only master builders but also skilled astronomers. Many of their structures were aligned with the sun, moon, and stars, marking important events like solstices. Despite the harsh environment, they grew corn, beans, and squash, and traded turquoise, pottery, shells, and even exotic macaw feathers with distant regions. At the heart of their culture were kivas, sacred circular chambers for rituals and ceremonies, which highlight Chaco’s deep spiritual importance.br br By the late 1200s, Chaco Canyon was abandoned, possibly due to drought, resource shortages, or social change. But its legacy lives on through modern Pueblo peoples, who still regard it as a sacred ancestral site. Today, Chaco Canyon is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering visitors a chance to walk among the ruins, learn from its history, and marvel at one of the most remarkable civilizations in the Americas.br br 👉 Join us as we explore the history, mystery, and legacy of Chaco Canyon—the ancient heart of the Ancestral Puebloans.