Top Santa Fe 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.

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.

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.

This one of a kind walking tour will help you understand the significance of Our Lady of Guadalupe in the history of our unique city. Following on the research I have done, this walking tour tells the story behind about a dozen art installations, murals, and tiles featuring her image. Have your cameras ready because each stop, planned or not, is an opportunity to capture beautiful images and share them with the hashtag #whereslupita, joining thousands of people worldwide in the documentation of this powerful and iconic image.

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

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.

Step into the vibrant heart of Santa Fe on this private walking tour, where history, culture, and architecture come alive. Begin at the iconic La Fonda on the Plaza, a historic luxury hotel filled with Southwestern art. Stroll through the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, admire the quaint shops and galleries at Sena Plaza, and marvel at the miraculous spiral staircase in Loretto Chapel. Wander through the historic Barrio De Analco District, admire the San Miguel Chapel—believed to be the oldest church in the U.S.—and explore The Oldest House, a museum preserving centuries of local heritage. Finally, view the unique architecture of the New Mexico State Capitol (Roundhouse), rounding out a tour that blends cultural storytelling, photo opportunities, and insider local insights. This private experience is family-friendly and suitable for all ages, making it perfect for history enthusiasts, culture seekers, and first-time visitors to Santa Fe.

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.

Walk through the vibrant city of Santa Fe while discovering its long, dramatic history against a backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty. Native tribes, Spanish colonists, and the young United States all vied for both territory and cultural supremacy here. This was a world of proud Indigenous peoples and zealous Catholic missionaries, of ancient stability and modern expansion. In its history, Santa Fe tells the story of America like few other cities can. On this tour, we’ll trace the city’s journey from Pueblo homeland to Spanish colony to the capital of the American Southwest. We’ll also meet the creative minds who made Santa Fe’s art scene one of the most distinctive on Earth. And we’ll explore the rich architectural gems of the city, from adobe homes and studios to a mysterious Gothic staircase and the oldest church in the continental U.S. NOTE: This is a self-guided outdoor walking tour. Your purchase does not include entrance to any attractions highlighted on the tour.

Discover the rich history of chocolate on this immersive 3-hour tour in Santa Fe, the oldest capital city in the United States. Explore the evolution of chocolate from ancient elixirs to modern delights. Sample unique offerings at four local chocolate shops, each showcasing a distinct aspect of Santa Fe's culinary scene. Delve into the stories of chocolate’s cultural significance while enjoying a flavorful journey through time. - Explore four local chocolate shops with unique specialties: Kakawa Chocolate house, Chocolate En La Plaza, Chocolate and Cashmere and Senior Murphy's. - Learn about chocolate’s history from ancient Central America to modern treats - Tour duration of 3 hours with a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 12 participants - Comfortable shoes and a bottle of water are recommended for this walking tour

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Explore downtown Santa Fe's best eateries on a half-day walking tour led by an informative guide. Get a taste of new developments in Santa Fe’s food scene and sample classic New Mexican flavors as you explore the historic downtown Plaza area. Your guide shares commentary about the city’s history and the mix of Native, Hispanic, and Anglo cultures that have shaped its food culture.

Enjoy all the beauty New Mexico has to offer on our Scenic Train ride! New Mexico is known around the world for its beautiful landscapes. So why not take in those gorgeous views from the comfort of our beautifully restored passenger cars. You and your family can enjoy first class service and amazing vistas while our train takes you out across the high desert to the views overlooking the Galisteo Basin. The Santa Fe Scenic Train departs and returns to the Santa Fe Depot. Each ticket includes a seat in our enclosed train cars, a complimentary champagne welcome as the adventure begins, and live entertainment! Additional snacks and drinks can be purchased. This train has no depot stop, you are onboard the duration of the ride. Outside food and drink are prohibited.

Get a taste of Santa Fe, and explore the Railyard Arts District by foot, on this small-group guided walking tour. Follow your local culinary expert guide through the neighborhood, then sit down for a three-course lunch showcasing the difference between Mexican and New Mexican flavors at a local favorite restaurant, complete with margarita pairings.

NEW!!! From the #1 traveller ranked tour/activity operator in Santa Fe. Explore Santa Fe’s renowned Margarita Trail on this guided walking tour, where history and flavor come together in the country’s Margarita capital. Join the ONLY tour in SF that earns you 3 passport stamps in 2 hours while checking out some The Trail’s most beloved participants. Sample some of the city’s best expertly crafted margaritas featuring local spirits and fresh ingredients paired with yummy bites. Along the way, your guide will share stories of Santa Fe’s rich culture, tequila traditions, and the lore around the origins of New Mexico’s iconic state cocktail. PLEASE NOTE: We are unable to make dietary substitutions on this tour.

Experience the Land of Enchantment with this bundle of self-guided driving and walking tours across New Mexico. This bundle includes tours of: Carlsbad Caverns National Park White Sands National Park Santa Fe Delve deep into the depths of the Earth as you explore Carlsbad Caverns, a national park like no other. Witness a five-alarm sunset on the dunes of White Sands. And revisit the Pueblo Revolt as you stroll the historic streets of Santa Fe. This bundle features the very best that this southwestern state has to offer! After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

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.

Meeting point is across from the Plaza Cafe. Hosted by tour company Vigilante Guides. We provide a local experience and help travelers and locals alike see all the main attractions in and around the Plaza and Downtown Santa Fe including the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Laredo Chapel, San Miguel Chapel, Oldest House, Plaza, etc. If you are a history buff or wanting to take a deep dive into the millennial old city, this is the tour for you!

Discover Santa Fe's vibrant history and culture on an interactive scavenger hunt. This engaging adventure leads you through the city's highlights, from the oldest state capital in the U.S. to the picturesque Santa Fe River. Explore artistic landmarks inspired by Georgia O'Keeffe while learning fascinating tidbits about the area's indigenous roots and its connection to the Manhattan Project. With no time limits and an easy-to-use app, you can enjoy this unique experience at your own pace, making it perfect for families, friends, or couples looking to explore in a fun and exciting way.