Top New Mexico Culture

The historic Santa Fe Plaza and downtown area has a 400-year old history filled with the lore and legends of conquistadors, scientists, artists, outlaws, and Pueblo peoples. Access this history on your phone through our GPS-enabled walking tour. Start and stop on your own schedule—access to the tour never expires. Learn about the annual Zozobra celebration, what "Christmas-style" means, and where to find the oldest church in the United States.

Skip hours of route planning and take a haunted tour of Old Town Albuquerque to learn about the many ghosts who call the city home. Legends, folklore, ghost stories, and history come to life as you depart on an intriguing excursion through 313 years of haunted history. Historic buildings and dark alleys conceal long-forgotten secrets of battles, murders, hangings, hidden cemeteries, and more.

This tour is operated by local tour company Vigilante Guides. A 12th generation New Mexican will lead your tour offering local knowledge and insight. This will be an unforgettable journey and highlight of your trip to New Mexico. Discover the soul of northern New Mexico on a full-day, luxury tour from Santa Fe to Chimayó, Taos Pueblo, and the Rio Grande Gorge. Travel in comfort aboard a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with a local guide who brings the region’s culture, history, and landscapes to life. Visit the sacred Santuario de Chimayó, the largest pilgrimage site in the United States. A sacred place with healing earth and a story that is unlike any other. Stop by the Vigil store where you can shop and purchase local spices and chiles. Explore the living history of Taos Pueblo with a Pueblo guide, and stand in awe at the dramatic Rio Grande Gorge. Enjoy a locally sourced lunch in Taos and relax with small group service, all-inclusive convenience, and unforgettable views along the way.

Albuquerque is world renowned for its hot air balloon festival. Most visitors only watch balloons from the ground but this tour offers the chance to soar into the air yourself. Watch the sun rise as you fly over the Sandia Mountains and toast the experience with a glass of bubbly. Note that the weight restriction for passengers is up to 275 pounds.

Watch daylight appear above the Rio Grande Valley during a sunrise hot-air balloon ride from Albuquerque, and see the first rays illuminate the rugged Sandia Mountains. Take in stunning aerial views and dip low enough to skim the Rio Grande, then rise back up above the desert landscape. Touch down after your flight, and celebrate with sparkling wine before returning to your launch site.

On our historic journey you will see the not to miss sites in Taos, restaurants, churches, artist shops, historic buildings and you’ll learn the story of the people that made Taos what it is today and why it has the nickname as the Soul of the Southwest. Go at your own pace. The tour never expires. Go anytime, 24/7, the tour is all outside.

Step beyond the turquoise jewelry and postcard-perfect adobe facades to uncover the raw, contested, and beautifully blended history of Old Town Albuquerque. This immersive walking tour peels back the layers of a tricultural epicenter where Spanish colonial ambition, Indigenous resilience, and Anglo-American enterprise collided. From the geometric precision of a 1706 plaza to a jarring American Foursquare mansion, and from a grand Catholic church to a hidden grassroots chapel, you will discover how three distinct worlds fought, adapted, and ultimately forged a unique high-desert identity. - A 2.0 km self-guided tour with 6 stops over 84 min - Ideal for travelers interested in History & Memory and Identity, Migration & Globalization - Immersively told in a podcast style by experts and locals - Matching audio content, AI guide and navigation through the app

Journey along the legendary High Road to Taos, where you’ll discover the rich history and vibrant culture of Northern New Mexico. This self-guided tour allows for an immersive experience as you explore ancient pueblos, historic churches, and picturesque mountain villages at your own pace. With the WalknTours app guiding you, enjoy fascinating stories behind each breathtaking stop, from the sacred El Santuario de Chimayó to the artistic community of Truchas. Perfect for families and travelers seeking both adventure and cultural depth. - Self-guided audio tour with GPS navigation for easy exploration - Visit historic sites like Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage site - Plan for 5-8 hours to fully enjoy the scenic route and attractions - Family-friendly experience suitable for all ages, blending culture and nature

NOTE: This walking/driving tour includes a 5-mile hike. Download GuideAlong's audio tour of White Sands National Park to explore the breathtaking dunes, mountain views, and cultural history of the world's largest gypsum dunefield. Enjoy the Alkali Flat Trail, Dune Life Nature Trail, and the Interdune Boardwalk. This tour includes both walking and driving segments. Discover stories of fossilized footprints, native warriors, a salt war, and atomic bomb creation as you explore New Mexico’s glittering white sands. Enjoy the freedom to explore offline at your own pace, spending more time at places that interest you and bypassing any that don’t. Location-based stories, tips, and directions play automatically Travel at your own pace Tour offline using GPS. No cell service or WiFi is needed Suggested itineraries for half, full, or multi-day use No time limits or expiry, and free updates Purchase one tour per vehicle.

Get oriented to Santa Fe’s unique history, architecture, and culture on this top-rated walking tour. Explore the Santa Fe plaza area on foot, passing landmarks like the Loretto Chapel, Palace of the Governors, and Bario de Analco, plus places off the beaten path that most visitors miss. Hear stories not found in any guidebook, and get tips on how to make the most of your Santa Fe vacation.

Taste the highlights of Santa Fe during this food-themed walking tour. Meet your guide in the centrally located Santa Fe Plaza, and come hungry: you’ll visit multiple local food businesses, where you can enjoy enough samples to add up to a generous meal (plus drinks on the side). As you go, you’ll also see landmarks like the San Miguel Chapel and the Palace of the Governors.

Explore acres of monumental works at the ancestral home to over seventy monumental works by Allan Houser spanning various forms of sculpture including unique stone and casted bronze depicting the love, culture, religion and shared plight of Native Americans. The Apache Ethnographic Exhibit at the Allan Houser Foundation showcases the intricacies of the ancient arts of quilled beading and embroidery featuring pieces curated from generations of family artifacts, baskets, bone jewelry, hand crafted musical instruments and traditional weaponry. The Allan Houser Gallery at Haozous Place offers an expansive selection of unique pieces for sale and casted editions of bronze sculpture, charcoal drawings, and an extremely rare collections of watercolor work from his earlier periods. Guests may visit the outdoor "Walkabout" exhibit featuring work by Bob Haozous including work dedicated to the ongoing pursuit of political progress and judicial equity for Native Americans.

Step into the sun-bleached, neon-lit streets of Albuquerque, where the fictional underworld of 'Breaking Bad' collides with the authentic, beating heart of a city in transition. This immersive walking tour peels back the cinematic filter to reveal the true stories behind the iconic filming locations. From the historic adobe walls of Old Town to the fading Americana of Route 66 and the gentrifying corridors of East Downtown, you will explore how a television masterpiece captured the genuine economic desperation of a post-industrial city—and how that very fiction sparked a real-world cultural and economic renaissance. - A 7.0 km self-guided tour with 7 stops over 177 min - Ideal for travelers interested in Pop Culture & Media Landscapes and Social Fabric & Everyday Life - Immersively told in a podcast style by experts and locals - Matching audio content, AI guide and navigation through the app

Discover 400 years of rich history and culture on the Historic Downtown Santa Fe Walking Tour. Guided by NM History museum-trained docents, this two-hour journey uncovers the captivating stories behind the city’s diverse architecture, from ancient Pueblos to the iconic state capitol building. Explore eighteen historic sites and gain insights into significant events, such as the Pueblo Revolt and the Manhattan Project. Engage with Santa Fe’s vibrant past in a small group setting that ensures a personalized experience, all while supporting the New Mexico History Museum. - Two-hour guided walking tour through Santa Fe’s historic downtown - Visit eighteen historic sites - Small group sizes led by knowledgeable, museum-trained docents - All proceeds support educational programs at the New Mexico History Museum - Private, custom tours are available

⭐ Top-Rated Vacation Photoshoots 2025 We’re not just photographers, we’re storytellers capturing your holiday exactly as it feels. With over six years of experience photographing travellers around the world, our small team specialises in authentic, natural photography that truly reflects your trip. In Santa Fe, we combine creativity with local knowledge to show you hidden gems, secret angles, and the best light. You’ll not only get beautiful, professional photos but also insider tips to make the most of your time here. We’re proud to be recognised among the top-rated photography tours of 2025, trusted by travellers worldwide for our relaxed style and stunning results.

Experience one of Santa Fe’s most intriguing interactive adventures at Meow Wofl’s House of Eternal Return. Pay for your ticket in advance to avoid last-minute hassles and guaranteed admission. Explore the strange family home that leads to mysteries and clues amid immersive dream worlds that will you have journeying through time and space in one of the most incredible and unique art experiences in the country.

There are many Santa Fe tours out there, but this is the only one lead by a homegrown historian and author of eight books on the city. Take advantage of the guide’s deep knowledge of Santa Fe history and culture to gain a new perspective on landmarks like the Loretto Chapel, Canyon Road, Cross of the Martyrs, Route 66, and more. The tour delves into topics not often covered, including the Manhattan Project, spirituality, and Santa Fe’s role in World War II.

Discover the Santa Fe you won't find on any other tour, through three unforgettable experiences which you can choose from. The Indigenous History of Santa Fe takes you beyond the plaza to the Pueblo communities whose presence predates the city by centuries. Hear the stories and perspectives too often left out of the standard narrative. The Women Who Built Santa Fe centers the figures whose work shaped and sustained this city, yet rarely make it into guidebooks. Walk the same streets, but hear a different story about who truly made Santa Fe what it is. The Ghost History Tour uncovers the haunting side of the city. Explore the eerie legends, restless spirits, and dark chapters hidden beneath Santa Fe's beautiful surface. Every 90-minute tour is intimate, walkable, and pay-what-you-can, because this history should be accessible to everyone. Your storytellers don't just recite dates, they share connection and context that makes the past come alive in ways guidebooks never capture.

Explore Albuquerque’s historic Old Town at your own pace with this GPS-enabled smartphone walking tour. Visit landmarks including San Felipe de Neri Church and Old Town Square, as well as hidden courtyards and the candy shop made famous by *Breaking Bad*. Along the way, gain insights into Indigenous cultures, conquistadors, settlers, and trade history—while enjoying total flexibility to pause, explore, and return anytime.

Discover what makes the city different in Santa Fe, and visit non-touristy sights you’d miss by exploring on your own. On this small-group walking tour of Santa Fe, you’ll learn about the unique history of Santa Fe with your local guide as you head to downtown highlights including the Plaza, Loretto Chapel, the oldest church, San Miguel, and Sena Plaza, one of the city’s oldest homes.

Discover the world of J. Robert Oppenheimer and Soviet spies on this engaging two-hour walking tour in Santa Fe. Led by museum-trained docents from the New Mexico History Museum, this tour illuminates key locations related to the Manhattan Project and Cold War espionage. Explore the back-room office for the Manhattan Project, learn about vital spy craft techniques, and hear compelling stories tied to this historic period. With insights into the motivations of spies and the secrets exchanged, this tour provides a rich educational experience in a captivating setting. Private, customizable tours are available by request and docent availability. - Two-hour walking tour led by museum-trained docents - Discover key sites of the Manhattan Project and Soviet espionage - Hear true stories and anecdotes from a pivotal historical era - Tours available on select dates throughout the month from April to November - Private, custom tours are available

Discover the haunted history of Old Town Albuquerque on this self-guided walking tour. Explore eerie tales and ghostly legends at iconic sites like Casa de Armijo and San Felipe de Neri Church, where spirits like the Hatchet Lady and a Confederate ghost are said to roam. Enjoy the flexibility of exploring at your own pace while hearing captivating stories through professional narration. Download the tour for offline use, and even activate an EMF reader for a thrilling ghost-hunting experience. Perfect for history buffs and curious adventurers alike, this tour offers a unique journey into the supernatural side of Albuquerque. - Self-guided tour lasting 30-60 minutes, covering less than a mile - Explore at your own pace with engaging audio narratives - Visit iconic sites including haunted homes and historical landmarks - Ideal for those who love stories and prefer a private experience

This private e-bike tour explores the historic and cultural heritage of Santa Fe through a refined journey. Ride across Old Town where ancient traditions and architectural influences define the city’s identity. Begin near the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, a landmark shaped by classical design and spiritual legacy. Pause at the Cross of the Martyrs to admire views connected to history older than the United States. Continue toward the Randall Davey Sanctuary, where natural beauty meets early artistic heritage. Follow the Santa Fe River paths that reflect agricultural and cultural foundations of the region. Explore the Railyard Arts District where contemporary creativity blends with deep-rooted heritage. Conclude in a peaceful setting that reflects the enduring spirit of this cultural destination. Please note: The program and attractions may vary based on booking date/time and crowd conditions, ensuring each visit is a unique experience.