Private Santa Fe Tour from Albuquerque (w/Hotel Pickup & Dropoff)

Albuquerque , United States of America

Private Santa Fe Tour from Albuquerque (w/Hotel Pickup & Dropoff)

Active

6h - 9h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Welcome to your seamless, all-inclusive Santa Fe day trip, completely taken care of from start to finish.

A True Private Experience: You get the undivided attention of your personal guide and a dedicated driver for the entire day. Forget crowded buses and rigid schedules; this day revolves entirely around you and your interests.

Completely Hassle-Free: We handle all the logistics. Your tour includes comfortable, private transportation directly from your Albuquerque hotel or Airbnb, all parking, and a curated itinerary designed for the best possible experience.

All-Inclusive & Transparent Pricing: One price covers your entire day of discovery. All admission fees to every site on our itinerary are included—a value of over $70 per person! This covers the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, Loretto Chapel, and more, so you can walk right in without worrying about tickets. Note: Customer can also opt in for tour without admission fee which is a little cheaper but does not include admission.

Available options

Full Day Tour to Santa Fe

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Bottled water

Admission fees to all the places on the tour

Personal Driver throughout the day

Parking Fees

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Your day begins with a comfortable and scenic 1.5-hour drive from Albuquerque. We'll travel north, watching the landscape transform as we approach the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the historic city of Santa Fe.

Our first stop is the historic Santa Fe Plaza, the heart and soul of the city for nearly 400 years. We'll take a moment to soak in the atmosphere of this National Historic Landmark, surrounded by adobe architecture, shops, and museums. It's the perfect starting point for our walking tour.

Located on the north side of the Plaza, we'll visit the Palace of the Governors, the oldest continuously occupied public building in the United States. Here, under the historic portal, we will see the Native American artisans who display their authentic, handmade jewelry and crafts, offering a unique cultural shopping experience.

Next, we will visit this stunning Romanesque Cathedral. We'll admire its beautiful stained-glass windows and learn about its history, which is deeply intertwined with the story of New Mexico and its first archbishop.

Stop 5

Next, we visit the famous Loretto Chapel to see the "Miraculous Staircase." This beautiful wooden spiral staircase is a marvel of carpentry, built with two 360-degree turns and no visible means of support. We'll hear the legendary story behind its mysterious construction

We continue our journey back in time with a visit to the San Miguel Chapel. Considered to be the oldest church structure in the continental United States, this simple, beautiful adobe church has been a place of worship since the early 1600s. You can feel the immense history within its thick adobe walls.

After visiting the San Miguel Chapel, we will see a building claimed to be the oldest house in the United States. Part of the structure rests on the foundation of an ancient Pueblo village from the 1200s. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the area's earliest inhabitants.

After a rich morning exploring centuries of history, we'll take a relaxing break for lunch. Enjoy the world-famous flavors of authentic Northern New Mexican cuisine at a classic Santa Fe restaurant, with the cost of your meal included in the tour.

After lunch, we'll immerse ourselves in the iconic art of the "Mother of American Modernism." The Georgia O'Keeffe Museum showcases a stunning collection of her vibrant paintings of New Mexico landscapes, large-scale flowers, and New York cityscapes

Our final stop is a stroll down the world-famous Canyon Road. This charming, half-mile road is packed with over 100 art galleries, boutiques, and sculpture gardens housed in historic adobe buildings. It's a visual feast and the epicenter of Santa Fe's art scene.

Stop 11

After a full day of art and history, you can relax and enjoy the views on our comfortable 1.5-hour drive back to Albuquerque, where we will drop you off directly at your hotel or Airbnb.

What's not included

Gratuities

Tour Guide will recommend a lunch spot but lunch is not covered in the fee

Available languages

Guide guide

HI EN

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Important notes

If group ticket have been booked, and if less than 4 people are booked for the tour that day, the tour will be cancelled or asked to reschedule

About Albuquerque

Albuquerque, the largest city in New Mexico, is known for its unique blend of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo cultures. Nestled in the high desert, the city offers a stunning backdrop of the Sandia Mountains and a vibrant arts scene, making it a compelling destination for travelers seeking both natural beauty and cultural richness.

Top Attractions

Sandia Peak Tramway

The Sandia Peak Tramway offers stunning views of the Rio Grande Valley and the Sandia Mountains. It is the longest aerial tram in the U.S., providing a thrilling ride to the top of the Sandia Mountains.

Adventure/Nature 2-3 hours Moderate ($28-$32 for adults, discounts for children and seniors)

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the world's largest hot air balloon festival, attracting hundreds of pilots and thousands of visitors each year. The event features mass ascensions, special shape balloons, and stunning displays of color against the backdrop of the New Mexico sky.

Event/Cultural 9 days (early October) Free to attend, with fees for special events and activities

Old Town Albuquerque

Old Town Albuquerque is the historic heart of the city, featuring adobe buildings, art galleries, shops, and restaurants. The area is known for its Spanish and Native American influences, as well as its vibrant arts and culture scene.

Historical/Cultural 2-4 hours Free to explore, with costs varying for shopping and dining

Petroglyph National Monument

Petroglyph National Monument is home to one of the largest collections of ancient petroglyphs in North America. The site features over 24,000 images carved by Native American, Spanish, and Anglo peoples, offering a glimpse into the region's rich history and cultural heritage.

Historical/Nature 2-3 hours Free (entry to the monument is free, but there may be fees for special tours or events)

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is a living history museum dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich cultural heritage of the 21 Native American pueblos of New Mexico. The center features exhibits, art galleries, a museum shop, and a restaurant serving traditional Pueblo cuisine.

Cultural/Educational 1-2 hours Moderate ($8-$10 for adults, discounts for children and seniors)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Green Chile Stew

A hearty stew made with pork, green chiles, and potatoes, often served with tortillas or bread

Dinner Contains pork and gluten (if served with bread or tortillas)

Enchiladas

Corn tortillas filled with various ingredients (such as cheese, meat, or vegetables) and covered in a chile sauce

Dinner Can be vegetarian or vegan, but often contains cheese and gluten (from the tortillas)

Sopapillas

Fried dough puffs, often served with honey or cinnamon sugar

Dessert Contains gluten and can be fried in lard or vegetable oil

Biscochitos

Traditional New Mexican cookies made with lard, flour, and anise seed, often served with coffee or tea

Dessert Contains gluten and lard

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Sandia Mountains Hot air ballooning Rock climbing and bouldering Mountain biking Spa treatments and wellness retreats Scenic drives and picnics Visiting art galleries and museums Shopping and dining

Best Time to Visit

September to November

This period offers pleasant weather with mild temperatures and clear skies, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the city's attractions. The fall foliage in the nearby mountains is also a highlight.

15-27°C (59-81°F) 59-81°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Mountain Time Zone (MT), UTC-7 (Standard Time), UTC-6 (Daylight Saving Time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Albuquerque is generally a safe city for visitors, with a low crime rate and a strong police presence. However, as with any city, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Use licensed and reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft.
• Be cautious when using ATMs and payment terminals, and cover the keypad when entering your PIN.

Getting there

By air

Albuquerque International Sunport • 5 miles (8 km) from downtown

By bus

Albuquerque Bus Depot

Getting around

Public transport

The ABQ RIDE bus system is affordable and convenient, with frequent services and real-time tracking available via the ABQ RIDE app.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Nob Hill Downtown Albuquerque North Valley Uptown

Day trips

Santa Fe

65 miles (105 km) north of Albuquerque • Full day

Santa Fe is a charming city known for its Pueblo-style architecture, vibrant arts scene, and rich cultural heritage. The city is home to numerous museums, galleries, and historic sites, as well as a variety of shopping and dining options.

Taos

120 miles (193 km) north of Albuquerque • Full day or overnight

Taos is a picturesque town nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, known for its historic adobe buildings, vibrant arts scene, and proximity to outdoor recreation opportunities. The town is home to the Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as numerous galleries, shops, and restaurants.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

300 miles (483 km) southeast of Albuquerque • Overnight or extended trip

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a stunning underground world of caves, stalactites, and stalagmites, as well as a diverse range of above-ground desert landscapes. The park is home to one of the largest bat colonies in North America, as well as numerous hiking trails and scenic drives.

Festivals

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta • Early October (9 days) New Mexico State Fair • Mid-September (10 days) Five Star Albuquerque Queenco • Mid-September (2 days)

Pro tips

Visit the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in early October for a stunning display of hot air balloons and a unique cultural experience.
Try a green chile cheeseburger, a New Mexico specialty, at one of the city's many local restaurants and cafes.
Explore the historic district of Old Town Albuquerque, with its adobe buildings, art galleries, and shops selling local crafts and souvenirs.
Ride the Sandia Peak Tramway for stunning views of the Rio Grande Valley and the Sandia Mountains, as well as a chance to hike and explore the summit.
Visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center to learn about the rich history and culture of the 21 Native American pueblos of New Mexico, as well as to sample traditional Pueblo cuisine.