Santa Fe: Canyon Road Art & History Walking Tour (Private Tour)
Active
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Explore Santa Fe’s Canyon Road on a guided walk that blends art, history, and conversation.
Your guide will share insights into Santa Fe’s artistic evolution from historic Native traditions to contemporary works and introduce you to a selection of galleries representing both past and present. Along the way, you’ll participate in guided discussions that bring the art to life and highlight the diverse voices shaping this creative community.
Expect about five or six stops, including a historic site with gallery space. While primarily art-focused, the tour provides historical and cultural context. You’ll also learn a practical, expert-developed method for analyzing and interpreting art—making the experience both engaging and thought-provoking.
Please note that private tours are not customizable; for a tour that is customized to your interests, please contact Santa Fe Art Tours directly.
Available options
Private Tour
What's included
Bottled water
Guide with professional arts background
Detailed itinerary
1
During the tour, we'll visit four or five art galleries on Canyon Road. You'll see a variety of art, including contemporary art, outdoor sculpture, and historic painting. We'll also stop at El Zaguan, a historic site on Canyon Road, to discuss history and architecture.
What's not included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.8
10 reviews
5★
9
4★
0
3★
1
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
5.0
8 reviews
5★
8
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Service animals allowed
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Canyon Road is a historic area with uneven sidewalks. Many of the galleries have steps between interior rooms. If you have mobility restrictions, please contact us directly so that we can discuss options with you.
Minimum age is 10 years. If you have younger children, please contact us so we can discuss options with you. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Santa Fe is hot and dry in the summer and can be cold and snowy in the winter. Please dress appropriately and bring bottled water with you.
We will be walking about 3/4 of a mile. Please wear comfortable shoes.
We'll provide bottled water at one of our stops, but we recommend bringing along your own!
Public restrooms are limited on Canyon Road. Please use the restroom before arriving for the tour.
Meeting point
We will meet at Wiford Gallery, located at 403 Canyon Road.
Free street parking is available along Canyon Road and nearby Delgado Street.
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.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
