Bandelier & Puye Cliff Dwellings – Driving Tour
The Bandelier and Puye Cliff Dwellings Driving Tour offers a full-day journey through two of New Mexico’s most remarkable archaeological sites. Beginning in downtown Santa Fe, guests travel in comfort to Puye, a national historic landmark, where descendants of the original inhabitants guide you into the ancient homes carved into the cliffside.
Later, the tour continues to Bandelier National Monument, where trails lead through canyons, cliff dwellings, petroglyphs, and the iconic Alcove House. With every detail taken care of — transportation, entry fees, lunch, and snacks — this tour combines adventure and insight in a single seamless experience.
Where to Meet
Santa Fe Railyard District
1608 Alcaldesa St, Santa Fe, NM, 87501
Under the Santa Fe water tower!
Experience
What to Expect on the Tour
Departure: The day begins at La Fonda on the Plaza in downtown Santa Fe at 8 a.m. Guests check in before setting off in a luxury vehicle with a maximum group size of 13.
Puye Cliff Dwellings: At the first stop, members of Santa Clara Pueblo, descendants of the Tewa people, share stories of Puye. About 1,500 Pueblo people lived at Puye, one of the largest cliff dwellings in the region, between 900 and 1580. Guests can climb into the dwellings, walk atop the mesa, and, for those comfortable with heights, descend 40-foot ladders on the cliff face. A van return option is available for anyone who prefers not to climb.
Bandelier National Monument: The journey continues into Frijoles Canyon, the heart of Bandelier National Monument, which spans 33,000 acres and has been protected since 1916. This area was home to the Ancestral Puebloans for centuries. Guests walk along canyon trails shaded by pine, cottonwood, and oak trees, view petroglyphs carved into the rock walls, and take an optional climb to the Alcove House, a large ceremonial dwelling reached by four ladders that rise 140 feet above the canyon floor.
Lunch: Guests enjoy a sit-down lunch at a local restaurant, with snacks and water provided throughout the day.
Important Information
Duration: 8 hours
Meeting Point: 100 East San Francisco Street, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Price: $250 per adult
Group Size: Up to 13 people
Age Requirement: Recommended for ages 10+
Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible; climbing is optional
What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, hat, and sunscreen
Cancellation Policy: 48-hour cancellation policy. Contact Vigilante Guides at 505-336-1799 or info@vigilanteguides.com.
Note: Bandelier preserves more than 70 miles of trails (NPS, 2025), so hiking conditions may vary depending on the route.
Why Choose This Tour?
This is the only all-inclusive Bandelier and Puye tour departing from Santa Fe. Guests enjoy:
Comfortable, premium transportation with an expert local guide
Entry fees, lunch, and snacks included
Guided storytelling at Puye by descendants of the original inhabitants
A relaxed, small-group format with time for questions and conversation
The chance to experience two major archaeological sites in one day, without the stress of logistics
FAQ
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At Puye, ladders up and down the cliff faces are optional, with a van return available for those who prefer. At Bandelier, the trails require moderate walking, and the Alcove House ascent, which involves four ladders rising 140 feet, is an additional optional challenge.
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Entry fees, luxury transportation, lunch, and snacks are included. Gratuities for guides are not included but appreciated.
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Yes, tours are capped at 13 guests to ensure a comfortable, personal experience.
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Puye guides are descendants of the original Tewa inhabitants, offering stories passed down through generations.
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The round-trip hike is about 2.5 miles, with the final 140-foot ascent via ladders.
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Yes, facilities are available at both Puye and Bandelier visitor centers.
Reserve Your Spot
Seats are limited for this small-group experience. Advance booking is recommended to reserve your place on this all-inclusive journey through Puye Cliff Dwellings and Bandelier National Monument.