Top Santa Fe Cultural Tours

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Experience the best of downtown St. Louis on a private walking tour led by a knowledgeable local guide. Explore historic streets, scenic plazas, and iconic landmarks as you discover how the city became a gateway to the American West. Walk through the heart of the city and see architectural highlights, historic buildings, and vibrant public spaces while hearing stories of riverfront life, early expansion, and the people who shaped St. Louis’ identity. With a relaxed pace and a personalized approach, this private tour is perfect for first-time visitors, history lovers, families, and curious travelers looking for an engaging introduction to one of the Midwest’s most dynamic cities. * Itinerary may vary depending on pace, weather, and group preferences.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

This tour is operated by local tour company Vigilante Guides. 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 and Puye. The morning will start with a guided tour at Puye Cliff Dwellings led by the Santa Clara people. Walk amongst pottery shards and arrow heads, the only place in the region where you will get first hand insight into this ancient civilization that dates back 1000 years. Quick stop for lunch at Pig in the Fig where you can order a meal of your choice. In the afternoon, we'll visit Bandelier Cliff Dwellings for an immersive experience walking 2-3 miles, climbing ladders into ancient caves, and full on guided experience led by a true local.

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

Experience Santa Fe like a local on our 3.5-hour Small Batch E-Bike Tour, an intimate adventure blending history, culture, and scenery. With a maximum of just four guests, you'll enjoy a relaxed pace, personalized attention from your local guide, and plenty of opportunities to stop for photos. Ride comfortable e-bikes through Santa Fe's charming streets as you visit iconic landmarks like the historic Santa Fe Plaza, the Loretto Chapel, the picturesque Acequia Madre neighborhood, Canyon Road, and Museum Hill. Along the way, you'll discover Santa Fe's rich Native American, Spanish, and Mexican heritage, admire its distinctive adobe architecture, and explore one of the country's most celebrated art districts. This small-group experience offers an effortless and memorable way to discover the history, culture, and hidden gems that make The City Different so unique. Please note all riders on this e-bike tour must be 18 years of age or older for safety reasons.

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 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 4 and a maximum of 12 participants - Comfortable shoes and a bottle of water are recommended for this walking tour

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.

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.

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, including the distinctive New Mexico State Capitol.

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.