See Northern New Mexico Like a Local
Santa Fe Driving Tours & Day Trips That Take You Beyond the City
Ready to see the New Mexico that most visitors miss? Our driving tours and day trips take you to stunning, historic, and off-the-beaten-path destinations. We'll drive our comfortable Mercedes-Benz van while you relax and enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery in the Southwest.
All tours include transportation, expert guiding, and experiences you can't get on your own.
Ready for Your Santa Fe Day Trip?
Let's explore New Mexico together
Here's the thing about northern New Mexico: it's huge, it's beautiful, and it's full of places that will absolutely amaze you. But many of the best spots are hard to find, difficult to access, or easy to miss if you don't know what you're looking at.
That's where we come in. We know these places like the back of our hand because this is our home. We know which viewpoints have the best light for photos, which trails are worth the walk, and which stories will help you understand what makes this part of the world so special.
Ready to see what's beyond Santa Fe?
Give us a call or send a message. Tell us what interests you - ancient history, wine, art, spectacular scenery, or something completely different - and we'll recommend the perfect day trip for your group.
What Makes Our Driving Tours Special
Comfortable Transportation: We drive a luxury Mercedes-Benz van with executive-style seating, USB ports, and all the comfort you need for a full day of exploring. You relax, we handle the driving.
Local Knowledge: These aren't just places we read about - they're places we've been going our whole lives. We know the stories, the best photo spots, and the local context that makes each place special.
All-Inclusive Options: Many of our tours include lunch, activities, and entrance fees. No surprises, no extra costs - just one price for a complete day out.
Small Groups: We keep groups small (14 people max) so everyone gets personal attention and can actually hear what we're saying. Plus, small groups mean we can be flexible about stops and timing.
Spanish Tours Available: All our driving tours are available in Spanish. We're proud to be the only Santa Fe tour company offering comprehensive Spanish-language day trips.
Our Santa Fe Day Trips & Driving Tours
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High Road to Taos Day Trip
The scenic route that locals take
Let's take the long way to Taos. Trust me, you'll be glad we did. The High Road is one of the most beautiful drives in America, winding through high desert landscapes and historic villages that haven't changed much in centuries. We'll stop at the famous Santuario de Chimayó (people pilgrimage here from all over the world), explore Taos Pueblo (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and end at the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, where you can look down 650 feet to the river below.
What's included: Luxury van transportation + Santuario de Chimayó visit + included lunch in Taos + Taos Pueblo tour + Rio Grande Gorge Bridge + scenic High Road route
Perfect for: Anyone who wants to see why northern New Mexico is so special, history lovers, photography enthusiasts
Duration: Full day (about 8 hours) -
Northern New Mexico Wine Country Tour
Wine tasting with a view
Did you know New Mexico has been making wine since the 1620s? Let's taste why it's having such a moment right now. We'll take the scenic High Road and stop at three handpicked northern New Mexico wineries for curated tastings and expertly paired small bites. Plus, we'll visit the Santuario de Chimayó to add some history and culture to your wine adventure.
What's included: Mercedes-Benz van transportation + 3 winery visits with tastings + paired small bites + Santuario de Chimayó stop + High Road scenery
Perfect for: Wine lovers, couples looking for a romantic day out, anyone who wants to try something uniquely New Mexican
Duration: Full day (about 7-8 hours) -
Ghost Ranch Adventure: Hike, Paint & Georgia O'Keeffe Country
The only all-inclusive tour to O'Keeffe country
This is special - we're talking about the landscape that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe and countless other artists. We'll drive north through the red-rock beauty of Abiquiú to Ghost Ranch, where you'll hike to Chimney Rock (or take a landscape tour if hiking isn't your thing), enjoy lunch, and then settle in for a guided painting session right in O'Keeffe's backyard. Sip local wine, craft beer, or a signature cocktail while you create your own masterpiece surrounded by the same stunning views that inspired one of America's greatest artists.
What's included: Luxury van transportation + choice of hike to Chimney Rock OR landscape tour + included lunch + guided painting session + art supplies + wine/beer/cocktails while you paint + Ghost Ranch scenery
Perfect for: Artists, art lovers, anyone looking for a truly unique day, couples seeking something special
Duration: Full day (about 8 hours)
Note: This is the ONLY all-inclusive tour that combines Ghost Ranch, hiking, painting, food, and drinks in one fantastic day -
Ancient Pueblos Day Trip (Puye & Bandelier)
See where people lived 800+ years ago
Want to see something that'll blow your mind? Let's visit cliff dwellings and pueblo ruins that are older than most European cities. We'll explore Puye Cliff Dwellings and Bandelier National Monument, where you can walk through ancient homes carved right into the cliff faces. These aren't just ruins - they're stories about how people lived, thrived, and created communities in this incredible landscape.
What's included: Luxury van transportation + Puye Cliff Dwellings tour + Bandelier National Monument exploration + expert historical context + lunch included
Perfect for: History buffs, families with curious kids, anyone who wants to understand how long people have called this place home
Duration: Full day (about 7-8 hours)
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Chaco Canyon Day Trip
The most important ancient site you've never heard of
This one's for serious history lovers. Chaco Canyon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was the center of an ancient civilization over 1,000 years ago. The architecture, astronomy, and engineering are mind-blowing - we're talking about buildings that required advanced knowledge of mathematics and celestial movements. It's remote (which is why most people never see it), but that's exactly what makes it so special.
What's included: Luxury van transportation + Chaco Canyon guided tour + historical context + lunch included + some serious wow moments
Perfect for: History enthusiasts, people who love archaeology, anyone who wants to see something truly extraordinary
Duration: Full day (about 9-10 hours - it's worth the drive) -
Santa Fe City Driving Tour
See more of Santa Fe without the walking
Sometimes you want to see Santa Fe from a different perspective. Our city driving tour takes you to neighborhoods, viewpoints, and landmarks that are harder to reach on foot. We'll drive to the Cross of the Martyrs for panoramic city views, cruise through different historic neighborhoods, and stop at local spots that showcase why Santa Fe is such a unique place to live.
What's included: Comfortable van transportation + multiple Santa Fe neighborhoods + scenic viewpoints + local insights + flexible stops based on your interests
Perfect for: Anyone with mobility considerations, visitors who want to see more of Santa Fe, people who prefer riding to walking
Duration: Half day (about 3-4 hours)
Planning Your Day Trip
Group Size: Up to 14 passengers in our luxury van. Private tours available for any size group.
What to Bring: Comfortable shoes for walking at stops, water bottle, camera, and layers (New Mexico weather can change quickly, especially at higher elevations).
Lunch: Included on most full-day tours. We'll let you know what's provided when you book.
Difficulty Level: Most destinations involve some walking, but we can accommodate different mobility levels. Just let us know what works for your group.
Best Times: Year-round, but spring through fall are most popular. Winter tours are beautiful too - just dress warmly!
Private & Custom Day Trips
Your day, your way
Have somewhere specific you want to go? Celebrating something special? Planning a corporate outing? Let's design a day trip just for you. We've taken groups to artist studios, historic ranches, hot springs, markets, festivals - basically anywhere within driving distance of Santa Fe that sounds interesting.
Popular custom destinations:
Los Alamos (Manhattan Project history)
Chimayó (for the famous red chile)
Local artist studios and galleries
Scenic photography spots
Hot springs and natural areas
What's included: Whatever you want! We'll work together to create your perfect day
Frequently Asked Questions
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A: Most of our day trips are within 2-3 hours of Santa Fe. Chaco Canyon is our longest trip at about 3.5 hours each way, but it's absolutely worth it.
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A: Let us know when you book, and we'll adjust the itinerary. Most destinations have options for different activity levels, and we can always modify stops to work for everyone.
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A: Absolutely! We provide pickup and drop-off service throughout the Santa Fe area.
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A: We're locals with deep family roots here, we keep groups small, and many of our tours include unique elements like the painting session at Ghost Ranch that you literally can't get anywhere else.
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A: Yes! New Mexico is beautiful year-round. Some destinations might require different routes due to weather, but we tour in all seasons.
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A: Definitely. Some of our best tours have been custom trips designed around a group's specific interests. Just tell us what you're curious about and we'll make it happen.