Top Santa Fe Cultural Tours

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 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.

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.

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.

Explore Santa Fe’s rich tapestry of art and history on this self-guided walk through the city’s iconic landmarks. Wander between adobe structures, vibrant plazas, and renowned galleries as you uncover tales of cultural exchange and conflict that have shaped this unique high desert capital. Discover the blending of Pueblo traditions, Spanish colonial influences, and modern artistic expressions along the way. With each stop, learn about significant events like the Pueblo Revolt and the city’s evolving identity, creating a deeper understanding of Santa Fe's distinct character and heritage. — Self-guided walk through Santa Fe’s historic and artistic sites — Discover the influence of Pueblo, Spanish, and Anglo cultures — Learn about the city’s history, including the Pueblo Revolt — Uncover stories that make Santa Fe a unique cultural destination

Struggling to make sense of Santa Fe’s vibrant Canyon Road on your own? This guided walk turns that challenge into a rich, immersive experience. Join a local guide to slow down, look closer, and really connect with the fascinating artistic district. Explore a handpicked selection of galleries and a historic site, and learn how Native traditions evolved into today’s dynamic art scene. Enjoy lively conversation and an easy-to-learn method for interpreting art, plus, get an insider understanding of the area's culture and history.

Discover the scenic highlights of Santa Fe’s Old Town, and learn about the New Mexico capital’s centuries of history, on this private walking tour. Choose from several convenient daily tour times, and meet your guide in Santa Fe Plaza. You’ll see landmarks like the Palace of Governors and San Miguel Chapel, will learn about the city’s characteristic adobe buildings, and will even enjoy a taste of local delicacies.

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.

Explore ancient history and stunning landscapes on a full-day tour to Bandelier National Monument and Puye Cliff Dwellings. Travel in comfort with a local guide aboard a luxury Mercedes-Benz Sprinter as you journey through the ancestral lands of the Pueblo peoples. Walk among cliffside dwellings, ceremonial caves, and petroglyphs at Bandelier. Lunch will be included. In the afternoon, visit Puye Cliff Dwellings for an immersive experience into the lives of the ancestors of Santa Clara Pueblo. This small-group tour offers rich cultural insight, breathtaking views, and all-inclusive ease.

Every day, we offer a leisurely ride through the heart of Santa Fe from our central location at the Santa Fe Railyards / inside the historic Santa Fe Depot. This signature two-hour experience showcases the beautiful culture, art, history, and panoramic landscapes of 'The City Different' as our professional, local tour guides offer an intimate look at the many unique landmarks and local treasures along the route. This ride is enjoyable for all skill levels, and families (riders 4’8” and up) are welcome! Traditional pedal bikes are included; please inquire about E-bike upgrades.

Experience the haunted history of Madrid, New Mexico, on this self-guided audio tour. Once a thriving coal-mining town, Madrid is now an iconoclastic artistic village, but its past lingers in the form of ghostly residents. Discover tales of the frightened red-headed girl seen in a basement, the predatory spirit known as The Croucher, and the infamous "Death Stairs" at the town's most haunted house. Visit eerie hotspots like the Mine Shaft Tavern, where good, bad, and pure evil linger, and Java Junction, where the upstairs is always “occupied.” Learn why the Engine House Theater is the heart of the town’s supernatural disturbances. As you explore, you’ll also encounter landmarks like the historic general store, the Coal Miners Museum, and local galleries showcasing Madrid’s artistic revival. Immerse yourself in the ghostly tales and eerie encounters at the very locations where they happened, and decide for yourself what to believe about Madrid's haunting history.

On this 2.5-hour walking tour, we’ll explore how author Willa Cather was inspired to write her "best book" (her words), "Death Comes for the Archbishop" by retracing her steps through Santa Fe in 1925 and 1926. Our walking route covers about 1.5 miles, mostly on sidewalks, but also climbs a hill to the Cross of the Martyrs with its outstanding view of the city below. During our time together, we'll explore aspects of the novel, such as Kit Carson, Padre Antonio José Martínez, and of course Archbishop Jean-Baptiste Lamy, New Mexico's first Catholic archbishop and the real-life inspiration for the fictional Bishop Latour in Cather's book. We will learn about Sister Blandina Segale who helped set up a hospital in Lamy's house, and visit the last remnant of Lamy's six-acre garden behind the St. Francis Cathedral in the peaceful Stations of the Cross Prayer Garden.

This evening stroll will give an entirely different take, look and feel to the oldest Capital City. “The absolute best tour we've ever taken and we travel the world” “Great way to start the day and visit to Santa Fe” This is performance and experience NOT to be missed and an absolute must do tour. Get one of the most in-depth understanding of Santa Fe, the surrounding area, and the state of New Mexico at large. Victor Romero has deep family roots to northern New Mexico dating back before the arrival the of Spanish over 400 years ago. A truly outstanding New Mexican storyteller of his people, their culture and experience of New Mexico Victor will leave you in awe and laughing as you make your way through this historic and culturally packed city. Victor is a true gem and ambassador of the city of Santa Fe. This tour is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED *A high paced tour as to help acclimate our guest to the 7,200 ft elevation. Drink plenty of WATER the week of travel to help.

Join Ana Pacheco as she delves into four centuries of Santa Fe history. Through her thirty-one years as a writer and historian Pacheco has created books, articles, blogs, videos, and five-star walking tours of her beloved hometown. In the last three decades she has pieced together the puzzle that makes Santa Fe the most historically significant city in the U. S. Your two-hour walking tour includes a signed copy of one of Ana Pacheco’s books. Ana Pacheco is the only local history tour guide in Santa Fe. Her family settled in the state capital in 1692. She was the Santa Fe City Historian from 2015–2017. Pacheco is the author of eight books on Santa Fe and New Mexico history.

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, 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.

As a 12th generation New Mexican, you will be guaranteed a high level, local all inclusive experience you can't get anywhere else. In the short 2 hours you will see everything Santa Fe has to offer and more. We not only see the sights, but we indulge in local culture, legends, and tons of history while getting to know the city and the people around us. Riding in comfort and luxury will add to the experience by taking in sights, sounds, and surroundings. Don't think twice as you won't want to miss this local experience. Our small group setting ensures an intimate and personalized experience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in Santa Fe’s charm. From iconic markets, to historic landmarks, we uncover the city different all from the comfort of our Mercedes Benz Sprinter. Winter is here, so let us show you in warmth telling you the story of Santa Fe and New Mexico by a true local.

With so much to explore, it can be hard to know where to begin in Santa Fe. This private walking tour removes the guesswork for an ideal introduction to the city’s historic plaza, charming adobe buildings, parks, and art galleries. Finish at the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, with included admission so you can explore the life of this artist who immortalized northern New Mexico landscapes.

Discover the rich culture and stunning landscapes of Santa Fe on our 3.5-hour Small Batch E-Bike Tour. This unique experience navigates through historic landmarks, from the Santa Fe Plaza to the Loretta Chapel, all while riding modern Lectric e-bikes. Led by expert local guides, you’ll also explore the city’s vibrant art scene and its breathtaking views along Canyon Road and Museum Hill. Ideal for most skill levels, this intimate tour is capped at just 4 guests, ensuring personal attention as you cycle through the enchanting streets of The City Different. Please note all riders on this e-bike tour must be 18 years of age or older for safety reasons.

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.

Join Christian for a fun and informative walk through thousands of years of history and adventure! Native culture, Spanish and Mexican influences, and the pioneering spirit all blend together in an intoxicating mixture that is Santa Fe.

If you’re drawn to Santa Fe for its arts scene, get a fantastic introduction on a private tour of Canyon Road, the city’s the most famous art district. With dozens of galleries to choose from, it can be intimidating to know where to start, but an artistic guide removes the guesswork and takes you to the most essential galleries. See the best pieces, and get tips on how to interpret both historic and contemporary art.

Learn the ins and outs of Santa Fe and visit its most charming and interesting places with a charismatic guide. No matter where you turn, Santa Fe's history, stories, and traditions abound. See the oldest church in the United States, learn the state's moniker, and hear about what makes a dish "Christmas-style." This is a great tour for those who want to get to know as much of the city as possible in a short amount of time.

Whether it's your first time in Santa Fe or you want to delve deeper into the city’s history and legends, enjoy a private walking tour of must-see highlights plus hidden corners. Learn fascinating trivia and stories as you wander cobblestone streets and colorful alleyways that wind through the downtown plaza area and beyond.