Explore Navajo Tips for Travelers

Tips for Travelers

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Cultural Protocol

For your safety and for the protection of the beautiful natural and cultural resources of the Navajo Nation, there are a few tips that we would like to offer you while you are visiting the Navajo Nation.

On the Navajo Nation, you’ll find many vibrant, working communities. Please respect the privacy and customs of the residents and the integrity of the structures at all times.

Enter a home only with an invitation.
Understanding curiosity about culture you may be tempted to knock on a resident’s door and ask to be shown around, however this action would be considered an invasion of privacy.
Respect Navajo culture by leaving Navajo sacred sites undisturbed and using normal speaking tones rather than loud voices.
Please observe quiet hours from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. in all public areas.
The use of teepees on the Navajo Nation is strictly for religious purposes, please show respect to these people.

While traveling on the Navajo Nation, remember that you are in a sovereign, self-governing nation, and just as you would in any other country, please obey all tribal laws and regulations.

Some areas are marked off limits, or you may be told that an area is off limits. If in doubt please ask.
Please stay on the designated trails and established routes unless accompanied by a tour guide. Rock climbing and off-trail hiking are prohibited. Off-road travel by all terrain vehicles, dune buggies, jeeps and motorcycles is prohibited on backcountry roads.
Animals, plants, rocks, and artifacts should be left undisturbed.Please help keep the Navajo land clean, by placing trash and debris in a trash container.Please keep in mind the use of alcoholic beverages and firearms are both strictly prohibited on the Navajo Nation.

Please be respectful when it comes to photography. Cameras are welcome only in certain areas of the Navajo Nation. Please secure permission before photographing, videotaping, sketching, or audiotape recording any event.

When taking a photo, please keep in mind a gratuity is greatly appreciated.
Special permits are required when photographing for commercial use.
Although pow-wows and dances are sometimes exhibited for the benefit of tourists and in public forums, please keep in mind that such occasions are of a religious nature, and should be accorded the same difference as a church or prayer service, even if tribal members behave informally.

Visitors are welcomed with open arms in Navajoland, however, the Navajo people do like to be treated with respect.

Please try to be unobtrusive when visiting a Navajo performance or event. Please try to be patient and considerate.
Please applaud only if it is apparent it is an acceptable custom.
Please understand some traditional ceremonies are not open to the public, so if you are asked to leave, please do so quickly and quietly.

When you are on Navajo land, you’ll quickly notice how many people speak the Navajo language. However, English is also spoken by the vast majority of Navajos, so please communicate freely in English.

If you encounter a Navajo who does not speak your language, you should find no problem finding someone eager to interpret.

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Navajos have
developed one of
the richest of
Indian religions
centered around curing
rites. These are called “Sings” or “Chants”.