The Town Too High To Die: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in New Mexico

Santa Fe , United States

The Town Too High To Die: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in New Mexico

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(4 reviews)

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Madrid produced the coal that both built the Bomb and inspired Walt Disney. Abandoned as a ghost town for many years, it was reborn as a thriving artistic community. The Oral History Tour lets you hear Madrid’s stories, as told by the people who lived them. Using smartphone technology, it plays the audio automatically, at exactly the right time and place.

All dimensions of Madrid’s peculiar, multifaceted story are explored: from an eyewitness account of union-busting violence, to that time the brand-new fire engine accidentally burned down the firehouse. The Oral History Tour was distilled from seventy hours of interviews, and endures as a preserved collective memory of this unique New Mexican treasure.

Of this two-hour tour, The Santa Fe Reporter wrote, “It’s a deep dive into the fascinating history of the little town. You’ll find interviews with locals, some of whom have lived in Madrid their whole lives, and a narrator with a soothing voice ... it works exceedingly well.”

Available options

The Town Too High To Die: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in New Mexico

What's included

Lifetime access to History Tour of Madrid: The Town Too High To Die tour

VoiceMap Application

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Detailed itinerary

The ghost town of Madrid is quite alive and filled with art and history.

Hear the hidden stories of Madrid delivered from its residents straight to your phone as you explore the town.

Established in 1899, The Mine Shaft Tavern is a roadside saloon that offers New Mexican food, draft beer & live music.

The Old Coal Town Museum is a tribute to mining-town life and has a vast range of mining memorabilia including old mining equipment and also old shop fittings and hospital paraphernalia.

What's not included

Smartphone

Transportation

Food/Drink

Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route

Available languages

Audio guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 3.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Before arrival, please install the VoiceMap mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart at any time and complete at your own pace. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

1. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
2. Create an account
3. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
4. Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE
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• You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.
• This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.
• When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.
• Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About Santa Fe

Santa Fe is the capital of New Mexico and is renowned for its Pueblo-style architecture, vibrant arts scene, and rich history. The city's unique blend of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo cultures creates a distinctive cultural landscape that appeals to history buffs, art enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike.

Top Attractions

Santa Fe Plaza

The heart of Santa Fe, this historic plaza is surrounded by shops, galleries, and restaurants. It's a central gathering place and the site of many festivals and events.

Historical/Cultural 1-2 hours Free

Loretto Chapel

Famous for its miraculous staircase, this chapel is a must-see for its unique architecture and religious significance.

Historical/Religious 30 minutes Small donation

Georgia O'Keeffe Museum

Dedicated to the works of Georgia O'Keeffe, this museum offers a deep dive into the life and art of one of America's most celebrated painters.

Museum/Art 1-2 hours $20 (adults), $10 (students), Free (children under 17)

Bandelier National Monument

This ancient pueblo site offers a glimpse into the lives of the Ancestral Pueblo people. Visitors can explore cliff dwellings and petroglyphs.

Historical/Nature Half day $20 per vehicle

Canyon Road

A scenic and historic street lined with art galleries, boutique shops, and restaurants. It's a great place to experience Santa Fe's vibrant arts scene.

Art/Cultural 1-2 hours Free to explore

Must-Try Local Dishes

Green Chile Stew

A hearty stew made with pork, potatoes, and green chiles, a staple of New Mexican cuisine.

Dinner Contains meat, can be made vegetarian

Blue Corn Enchiladas

Enchiladas made with blue corn tortillas, filled with cheese or meat, and topped with a red or green chile sauce.

Dinner Contains dairy, can be made vegetarian or vegan

Posole

A traditional soup made with hominy, pork, and red chile sauce, often served with toppings like lettuce, cheese, and sour cream.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat, can be made vegetarian

Biscochitos

A traditional New Mexican cookie flavored with anise and cinnamon, often served with coffee or tea.

Dessert Contains gluten and dairy

Popular Activities

Hiking Mountain biking Skiing Rafting Spa treatments Yoga classes Scenic drives Wine tasting

Best Time to Visit

September to October

The fall season offers pleasant weather, beautiful fall foliage, and fewer tourists compared to the summer. It's ideal for outdoor activities and cultural events.

15-25°C 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Mountain Time Zone (GMT-7)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Santa Fe is generally a safe city for visitors, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night.
• Use reputable tour operators and transportation services.

Getting there

By air

Santa Fe Municipal Airport • 10 miles (16 km) from downtown
Albuquerque International Sunport • 65 miles (105 km) from downtown

By train

Santa Fe Depot

By bus

Santa Fe Depot

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is affordable and convenient for getting around the city. Buses are equipped with bike racks.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Railyard District Historic Eastside South Capitol

Day trips

Taos

75 miles (120 km) north of Santa Fe • Full day

A charming town with a rich history and vibrant arts scene, offering a mix of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo cultures.

Bandelier National Monument

22 miles (35 km) north of Santa Fe • Half day

An ancient pueblo site offering a glimpse into the lives of the Ancestral Pueblo people, with cliff dwellings and petroglyphs.

Chimayo

30 miles (48 km) north of Santa Fe • Half day

A small town known for its historic church, El Santuario de Chimayo, and its traditional weaving traditions.

Festivals

Santa Fe Indian Market • Second weekend of August Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta • Late September Santa Fe Fiesta • Labor Day weekend

Pro tips

Visit the Santa Fe Farmers' Market for fresh produce, local crafts, and a taste of the city's local culture.
Explore the historic adobe architecture and vibrant arts scene in the Railyard District and on Canyon Road.
Take a day trip to Bandelier National Monument to explore ancient pueblo sites and learn about the Ancestral Pueblo people.
Try local foods and beverages, such as green chile stew, blue corn enchiladas, and biscochitos.
Attend a cultural event or festival, such as the Santa Fe Indian Market or the Santa Fe Opera, for a unique and memorable experience.