700 Year Tour - Half Day Mesa Verde Cultural Tour
Active
4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Experience all this UNESCO World Heritage site has to offer on this 4 hour small group tour. It provides you with an overall historical view of the Ancestral Puebloans architectural, horticultural, cultural, and religious dimensions of their lives in the Southwest. The interpretive tour guides are all National Association for Interpretation certified. Choose from one of two departure times when you book.
Available options
Mesa Verde Tour PM
Experience an overall historical view of the Ancestral Puebloans 600 A.D. through 1200 A.D. Comfortable air conditioned coach and Nat'l Institute of Interpretation certified guides.
Mesa Verde Tour - AM
The 700 Years Tour provides you with an overall historical view of the Ancestral Puebloans’ architectural, horticultural, cultural, and religious dimensions of their lives in the Southwest.
What's included
National Association for Interpretation certified Interpretive Guide
Driver
Local taxes
Transportation by air conditioned coach
Detailed itinerary
1
The tour starts at either 8am or 1pm from Far View Terrace, Mile Marker 15, 45 minutes inside Mesa Verde National Park where you will board a comfortable and air conditioned coach. Experience a chronological journey starting with a pithouse village (A.D. 600), the development of pueblos and underground ceremonial rooms called kivas (A.D. 900-1100), to the Classic Pueblo era of cliff dwellings dated from the 13th century. Take amazing photos of Fewkes Canyon Overlooks at Oak Tree House and Fire Temple with a walk around stop at Sun Temple. Learn about the 700 years of Ancestral Puebloan history from our experienced NAI certified Interpretive Guides all while we do the driving and parking.
What's not included
National Park Entry Fee (paid to the national park service) for Vehicles $30.00
Guide Gratuity (optional)
Hotel pickup and drop-off
National Park Entry Fee (paid to the national park service) for Motorcycles $25.00
National Park Entry Fee: for Each Bicyclist and Individual on Non-Commercial Buses Fee: $15.00
NOTE: For the National Park Fee, only credit cards will be accepted at this time.
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.8
39 reviews
5★
34
4★
3
3★
1
2★
1
1★
0
Tripadvisor
4.6
70 reviews
5★
54
4★
7
3★
5
2★
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1★
2
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Children must be accompanied by an adult
ADA passengers are accommodated by a visit to Spruce Tree House and Chapin Mesa Museum
Electric scooters will not fit inside the coach, push behind wheelchairs are accommodated.
Dwellings are at 7,000 feet
Dress code:casual with comfortable walking shoes
Maximum Group Size: 40
Meeting point
Meet our tour bus outside Far View Terrace Cafe at Mile Marker 15, about 30-45 minutes driving distance from the NPS entrance station at the bottom of the hill.
Important notes
• Tour begins at Far View Terrace Cafe, Mile Marker 15, inside Mesa Verde National Park.
• Tour bus does not pick up at the Visitors Resource Center outside of the fee gate.
• Ample free parking is available at Far View Terrace Cafe for the duration of the tour.
• Comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sun lotion recommended.
• Bottled water is provided.
• Guide/Driver gratuity is optional but appreciated.
• Entry fee to Mesa Verde National Park not included.
About Durango
Durango is a charming city in southwestern Colorado known for its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and outdoor adventures. Nestled in the Animas Valley and surrounded by the San Juan Mountains, it offers a unique blend of Wild West heritage and modern amenities.
Top Attractions
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
A historic steam train ride through the stunning San Juan Mountains, offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into the past.
Historical/Adventure
5-6 hours (round trip)
Moderate to Expensive ($50-$150 depending on class)
Mesa Verde National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings and archaeological sites.
Historical/Cultural
Full day
Moderate ($25 per vehicle entry fee, additional fees for guided tours)
Purgatory Resort
A year-round resort offering skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, hiking, and other outdoor activities.
Adventure/Entertainment
Half day to full day
Moderate to Expensive (varies by activity and season)
Animas Museum
A museum showcasing the history and culture of the Animas Valley and Durango region.
Historical/Cultural
1-2 hours
Budget ($5 admission)
Bear Creek Falls
A beautiful waterfall and hiking trail located in the San Juan National Forest.
Nature/Adventure
2-3 hours
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Green Chile Stew
A hearty stew made with pork, green chiles, potatoes, and spices, often served with tortillas.
Dinner
Contains pork, can be made vegetarian
Navajo Tacos
Fried bread topped with ground beef, beans, cheese, lettuce, and other toppings.
Dinner
Can be made vegetarian or vegan
Breakfast Burrito
A large flour tortilla filled with eggs, cheese, potatoes, and sometimes meat or green chiles.
Breakfast
Can be made vegetarian or vegan
Pecan Pie
A sweet pie made with pecans, sugar, and butter, often served with ice cream or whipped cream.
Dessert
Contains nuts, can be made gluten-free
Popular Activities
Hiking
Mountain biking
Skiing and snowboarding
Rafting
ATV tours
Spa and wellness
Hot springs
Scenic train rides
Best Time to Visit
June to August
Summer is the peak tourist season with warm weather, clear skies, and perfect conditions for hiking, biking, and exploring the great outdoors. It's also festival season with events like the Durango Blues Festival.
15-30°C (59-86°F)
59-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Mountain Time Zone (MT), UTC-7 (Standard Time), UTC-6 (Daylight Time)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Durango is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to take basic safety precautions and be aware of your surroundings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Use ATMs located inside banks or reputable businesses
- • Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited services or assistance
Getting there
By air
- Durango-La Plata County Airport • 15 miles (24 km) from city center
By train
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
By bus
Durango Transit Center
Getting around
Public transport
The city operates a public bus system with several routes covering key areas. Buses are reliable and affordable but may have limited schedules outside peak hours.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Downtown Durango
North Durango
South Durango
East Durango
Day trips
Silverton
30 miles (48 km) • Half day to full day
A historic mining town with a charming downtown, scenic views, and a rich history. Accessible by the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad or by car.
Mancos
35 miles (56 km) • Half day to full day
A charming small town with a rich history, beautiful landscapes, and a variety of shops and restaurants. Known for its proximity to Mesa Verde National Park.
Ouray
60 miles (97 km) • Full day
A picturesque mountain town known as the 'Switzerland of America' for its stunning scenery and hot springs. Accessible by car via the scenic Million Dollar Highway.
Festivals
Durango Blues Festival • Mid-September
Durango Cowboy Gathering • October
Snowdown Festival • February
Pro tips
- Visit the Animas Museum to learn about the history and culture of the region
- Take a scenic train ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
- Explore the stunning natural beauty of Mesa Verde National Park
- Ski or snowboard at Purgatory Resort during the winter months
- Hike to Bear Creek Falls for a beautiful and scenic adventure
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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