All tours begin at 2:45 p.m. on Saturday, May 1, departing from the Inn at Loretto.  For length of tour, see descriptions below.

Bandelier Tour

We will travel by vans or minibus (depending on numbers) up to the volcanic region of the Jemez Mountains learning about the geology and the cultural and natural history en route. Our destination is Bandelier National Monument, a 35,000 acre park managed by the National Park Service at the heart of what was one of the largest population centers for the Pueblo people. We'll delve into the past and the fascinating world of the prehistoric Pueblo people.
 
At Bandelier, we'll enjoy a guided walk among the ancient cliff dwellings and ruins of the Ancestral Puebloan people of the Southwest, looking for petroglyphs along the way.  Those who are game can climb ladders and peer into caves that were occupied hundreds of years ago. We will be walking for 1 - 2 hours. Depending on time constraints and interests of the guests, the guided ruins walk can be extended to include more walking, petroglyphs and exploration.  Bandelier National Monument has a wonderful bookstore, museum, visitor center and gift shop all housed in beautifully constructed Civilian Conservation Corps buildings-the largest CCC complex in the National Park system.

On our return trip to Santa Fe we will stop at a spectacular overlook of the Rio Grande, time permitting.

Approx 5 hours

Pricing:  $75 per person based on a minimum of 8 participants.
Price includes: transportation, NPS entrance fee, guides, bottled water, snack.
Price does not include: guide gratuity at client discretion, sales tax (we would need to charge this if we are collecting payment from the participants individually)

New Mexico Sampler

Enjoy a genuine taste of the Spanish and Pueblo Indian cultures of New Mexico. We drive north from Santa Fe into the sculpted hills of northern New Mexico's unique landscape. There are lots of opportunities for photography on this trip. We'll visit the Spanish village of Chimayo with its legendary church, local crafts and chile. We will stop at the Santuario de Chimayo, a destination for thousands of pilgrims annually on GoodFriday. The dirt here is believed to have miraculous healing powers. We will also visit a weaving studio where 7th generation Hispanic weavers create beautiful colorful blankets, wall hangings and crafts.  Then we travel across the Rio Grande to an Indian Pueblo famous for its pottery.
 
Approx. 4 hours
 
Pricing:  $65 per person based on a minimum of 8 participants.
Price includes: transportation, guides, bottled water, snack.
Price does not include: guide gratuity, sales tax

Rancho de las Golondrinas

Enjoy a visit to this wonderful living history museum which was established to preserve the heritage and culture of Spanish Colonial New Mexico.

On May 1 & 2 the Museum is having a special Civil War Weekend which will include a re-enactment of the Battle of Glorieta Pass along with persons in authentic dress and period music played by the New Mexico Brass Band.

Approx. 4 hours.
 
Pricing:  $65 per person based on a minimum of 8 participants.
Price includes: transportation, guides, entrance fees, bottled water, snack.
Price does not include: guide gratuity, sales tax

For more information about tours contact Faith Yoman Faith.Yoman@state.nm.us .