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Plan Your Downtown Santa Fe Experience - Book Events & Activities in Santa Fe
You’ll join the only historical tour of its kind led by a true local and bona fide historian, Ana Pacheco - a member of a family that settled in Santa Fe in 1692 and who served as the City Historian of Santa Fe (2015–2017) and author of eight books that inform the stories you’ll hear. On this engaging walk you’ll explore iconic highlights tied to the region’s past, including the Santa Fe Opera, historic Route 66, 109 E. Palace and its links to the Manhattan Project, the history of the Pueblos of New Mexico, the miraculous stair of the Loretto Chapel, the enduring San Miguel Mission, the galleries of Canyon Road and why Santa Fe became an art mecca. You’ll also learn about lesser-known but compelling sites such as Sunmount Sanatorium, the Santuario de Guadalupe, the Masonic Scottish Rite Temple, the spiritual history and Cross of the Martyrs, the local impact of the Japanese Internment Camp and the Civil War in New Mexico, plus how the story of Billy the Kid begins in Santa Fe. This tour is ideal for travelers booking through Varoom in Downtown Santa Fe who want a deeply researched, narrative-driven experience that connects the places you visit with the books and scholarship of a historian who grew up here, including perspectives reflected in works like Legendary Locals of Santa Fe, Pueblos of New Mexico, Early Santa Fe and J. Paul Taylor: The Man from Mesilla.
About this activity in Downtown Santa Fe
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Highlights
- Join a one-of-a-kind historical walking tour in Santa Fe led by Ana Pacheco, a bona fide local historian whose family settled here in 1692.
- Hear expert stories drawn from Pacheco's eight books that bring Santa Fe's spiritual traditions, pueblo histories, and frontier life to life.
- Explore iconic local sites on the itinerary - from the Loretto Chapel and San Miguel Mission to Canyon Road’s art scene and the Cross of the Martyrs.
- Discover lesser-known chapters of regional history, including the Manhattan Project connection at 109 E. Palace, Route 66, the Japanese internment site, and early New Mexico Civil War Events.
Important Information
- The tour is guided by a trained historian, so you’ll get accurate, deeply researched narration about Santa Fe’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
- Content covers a broad range of topics: pueblos of New Mexico, the Santa Fe Opera, Sunmount Sanatorium, spirituality in the area, and Billy the Kid’s early links to the region.
- Accessible to everyone - all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible, infants can use strollers, and service animals are permitted.
- Public transportation and accessible transport options are available nearby, and the pace is suitable for all fitness levels.
Meeting Point
Meet at the Palace of the Governors on the Santa Fe Plaza (look for the guide with historical materials) - a central, easy-to-find starting point for exploring the nearby historic district.
Includes
- A professional tour guide leads your experience in Downtown Santa Fe, giving local insights and context as you explore the area
Other
- Wheelchair accessible - all venues and pathways in this experience are accessible so you can navigate the sites comfortably
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, making the activity family-friendly for parents and caregivers
- Service animals are allowed, so you can bring certified assistance animals with you during the experience
- Public transportation options are available nearby, providing easy access to the meeting point from around Santa Fe
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible, ensuring you can travel to and from the experience without barriers
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible so you can move through the full itinerary without restricted access
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels - the pace and routes are designed to accommodate a wide range of abilities
Customer Reviews
10/10
Based on 10 Reviews
Summary:
Very thorough tour of historic Santa Fe. Ana is lovely and so knowledgeable with a charming sense of humor!
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Summary:
Ana is an amazing tour guide with a deep knowledge about Santa Fe and an engaging storyteller. We enjoyed every minute of the tour!
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Summary:
Extremely knowledgeable, with a great sense of humor. At the end of the tour wanted to spend more time with Ana because of her in depth knowledge.
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Know more about Downtown Santa Fe
You’ll explore signature sites tied to local history, including the Santa Fe Opera, Route 66 landmarks, 109 E. Palace with Manhattan Project history, the Loretto Chapel, San Miguel Mission, Canyon Road art district, Sunmount Sanatorium, Santuario de Guadalupe, the Masonic Scottish Rite Temple, Cross of the Martyrs, and sites tied to the Japanese internment camp and Civil War in New Mexico.
Yes. The itinerary covers engaging, family-friendly history like Billy the Kid’s beginnings in Santa Fe, Pueblo histories, mission sites such as San Miguel, and accessible storytelling that works for visitors of all ages.
Yes. The tour includes focused information on the Pueblos of New Mexico, presenting historical context about Pueblo communities and their role in the region’s history.
The tour connects you with Santa Fe’s reputation as an art mecca through Canyon Road and local art history, while also exploring the role of spirituality-topics the guide has written about extensively, including spiritual traditions and the Santuario de Guadalupe and other sacred sites.
The tour is led by a true local and bona fide historian whose family settled here in 1692 and who served as City Historian. She is the author of eight books on regional history, ensuring deep, authoritative insights into Santa Fe’s past.
The tour information notes that transportation and all areas and surfaces included in the route are wheelchair accessible, and the guide can accommodate visitors using strollers or service animals while covering key Downtown Santa Fe sites.