Costilla: Lakes, History, and Rio Costilla

Costilla combines impressive landscapes, water-based activities, and a remarkable local history. The Rio Costilla area is located in the communities of Costilla and Amalia in northern Taos County, New Mexico. Those planning a trip involving nature, fishing, and cultural discoveries will find several distinct options here for shaping their daily itinerary.

Rio Costilla: Mountains, Cabins, and Traces of Mining

One of the area's prominent landscape features is Big Costilla Peak, which is one of the most striking summits in the Rio Costilla area. At the same time, the region preserves visible traces of its past: Old log cabins once used by miners and early settlers can still be seen throughout the Rio Costilla area. Ruins of gold mines are also part of this historic landscape. Travelers who want to experience not only nature but also learn about earlier forms of settlement can take this aspect into account when choosing their activities.

Lakes and Creek for Fishing Experiences

The waters around Costilla offer anglers a variety of opportunities. Fishing for native trout is possible at Latir Lakes. You can also fish for native trout at Little Blue Lake and along Costilla Creek. This makes it possible to combine different nature experiences without every family member having to pursue the same travel interest: While some travelers may prefer spending time by the water, others may be more interested in the mountain landscape or historical traces.

When planning a visit to Costilla Creek, you should observe the applicable regulations. Fishing there is regulated by the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish. Camping at Costilla Creek is also subject to regulations administered by the RCCLA. In addition, a day permit authorizes visitors to camp in designated areas of Rio Costilla. This information helps you choose the right type of stay before planning a specific activity: You can look for a vacation apartment or vacation home as accommodation, or combine your stay with camping in a designated area.

Sagrado Corazón and a Living Tradition

A cultural attraction in Costilla is Sagrado Corazón. The church was built around 1890, is made of adobe, and has a cruciform floor plan. Its architecture makes it a special destination for travelers interested in regional architecture and the history of the area. The feast day of Sagrado Corazón takes place on the first Friday in July. If you plan your trip around this date, you can include this established part of the local tradition in your considerations.

The Right Accommodation for Your Travel Style

When looking for accommodation in Costilla, it is worthwhile to first determine the character you want for your trip. Fishing at the lakes or along Costilla Creek, the mountain landscape of the Rio Costilla area, historical discoveries, and a visit to Sagrado Corazón each offer different focal points. A vacation apartment may appeal to travelers who view Costilla as a base for a varied stay; a vacation home is an appropriate search term for those who prefer this type of accommodation.

Additional Places to Include in Your Search

If you would like to expand your travel plans to include additional places, you can also include Valdez, Taos, Arroyo Hondo, El Prado, Red River, Ranchos De Taos, Taos Ski Valley, and Questa in your accommodation search.

Back to the higher-level travel overview: Taos.