Santa Fe’s architecture blends Pueblo building traditions with Spanish Colonial and American Territorial influences. This combination created the adobe style and design guidelines that give the city its cohesive, historic look.
This is a focused architecture walking tour. While you’ll hear history and stories, the emphasis is on architectural styles, design details, and how Santa Fe’s built environment evolved over four centuries.
The tour lasts about two hours and covers about one mile at a relaxed pace.
You’ll see the key sights in Santa Fe’s Historic Downtown. Highlights include the historic Palace of the Governors, the detail-rich New Mexico Art Museum, the Cathedral of St. Francis, Loretto Chapel with its miraculous staircase, San Miguel Chapel – the oldest church in the country - and a number of smaller architectural gems most visitors miss.
Not at all. The tour is designed for curious visitors, not specialists. Concepts are explained clearly and visually as you walk through Historic Downtown.
No, the walking tour is outdoors so we don’t go into any buildings. You can do that later on your own if you wish.
Click on the “Book Now” button that you see on each page. You then select the tour, the day and the time.
You can book any day, subject to availability. You choose the time, since it’s a private tour. The online tour calendar is kept up-to-date.
The tour starts at the Santa Fe Plaza and ends at San Miguel Chapel.
A maximum of 10 people is ideal for a top-notch experience. Please contact Karen if your group is larger, as sometimes I can accommodate more guests.
I run the tours rain or shine. If the weather is exceptionally inclement, I may attempt to re-schedule your tour for a time when conditions are safer. Fortunately Santa Fe averages 300 sunny days a year.
It’s good to book as soon as you’re sure you’re coming to Santa Fe. Since I’m a solo guide, my weeks can fill up quickly.
Refunds for cancellations are as follows:
Please wear comfortable walking shoes and carry water. A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are a good idea. An extra layer might be needed when the weather is cool.
Not young children. The tours can appeal to mature children, which typically would be 10 years and older.
Yes, I can structure the tour to make it accessible and avoid stairs. Please let me know your needs in advance. Also, most of our stops have a spot to sit or lean.
That’s great! I’m happy to host singles, though you will have to pay the minimum price of 2 people.
No, my tours are all private tours so I’m not able to add you to someone else’s tour.