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Exploring New Mexico - Land of Enchantment
New Mexico
8 Days
From $3795
Hiking & Culture
Exploring New Mexico - Land of Enchantment
New Mexico
8 Days
From $3795
Hiking & Culture
Trip Overview
Enchanting New Mexico — Desert Trails, Ancient Cultures, and Southwestern Flavor
New Mexico earns its nickname—the Land of Enchantment—with its sweeping desert landscapes, soaring mountains, rich cultural heritage, and the wild beauty of the Rio Grande. This journey offers a dynamic mix of outdoor exploration, fascinating history, and mouthwatering Southwestern cuisine, all set against some of the most striking scenery in the American Southwest.
We’ll hike through iconic landscapes like Bandelier National Monument, Chaco Canyon, and the red rock cliffs of Ghost Ranch, learning about the region’s incredible geology and the deep cultural roots of Native American, Mexican, and European American traditions. Depending on the season, we’ll tailor our activities:
Whether you’re walking among ancient cliff dwellings, enjoying views from the Santa Fe National Forest, or savoring a locally made chile-laced meal, this trip is full of moments that connect land, culture, and spirit.
Maximum group size: 12
NOTE: The 2025 and 2026 departures differ in a few seasonal activities. Please refer to the daily itinerary for full details—key differences are noted below:
2025 Departure: Focuses on cultural immersion, including a visit to the Pueblo Cultural Center and more time exploring historical and cultural sites.
2026 Departure: Includes water-based adventure with kayaking and whitewater rafting on the Rio Grande, offering a more active experience.
Highlights
- Exploring the natural beauty of New Mexico by foot, kayak (2026), and raft (2026)
- Learning about Native American culture at the Pueblo Cultural Center (2025), Bandelier National Monument and Chaco Canyon
- Learning about the amazing geology of the area
- Savoring deliciously authentic New Mexican cuisine
- Absorbing the peaceful vistas and plentiful history of Ghost Ranch
- Hiking in Bandelier, Chaco Canyon, and Santa Fe National Forest
Inclusions
- 1 - 2 experienced guides depending on group size
- Seven nights lodging in double occupancy rooms
- Great meals in wonderful local restaurants
- Entrance to Pueblo Cultural Center (2025), Bandelier National Monument and Chaco Canyon
- All lodging, meals (except dinner on night 6), and activities on the itinerary
Trip Info
This trip is suitable for any active woman who wants a vacation that mixes being active in the outdoors with historical and cultural exploration. A basic level of fitness is needed. This trip in 2025 has a rating of 1 is suitable for any woman who regularly walks at a brisk pace 3 to 4 days a week for 35 - 45 minutes. In 2026, this trip is rated a level 2 since there will be more active sports like kayaking and rafting.
Rating: [1] [2] 3 4 5
Curious about how we rate our trips and how to prepare for yours? Explore our AGC Fitness Guide for more details.
New Mexico has long been known for its fascinating history, stunning natural beauty, vibrant arts and culture, and great cuisine. This trip is full of cultural experiences so that you can truly understand the diverse history of New Mexico. We will visit the Pueblo Cultural Center (2025), Bandelier National Monument, and the amazing Chaco Canyon Historical National Park. We will have several opportunities on this trip to get out and hike to take in all the natural beauty this area has to offer. In 2026, we will get to experience the Rio Grande up close and personal when we go kayaking and whitewater rafting!
Wondering what kind of gear works well for our trips? Our AGC Gear Guide highlights some of our go-to favorites.
At the beginning of the trip we will stay at the Rio Grande Inn, an Albuquerque hotel within walking distance to Historic Old Town and a short shuttle from the airport. In Grants we will stay in standard hotels with 2-beds and a full bath. At Ghost Ranch we will stay in simple but comfortably appointed dorm style rooms with their own showers. Ghost Ranch is a world famous site made popular by longtime resident artist, Georgia O'Keeffe. As we move on to Santa Fe we will stay at the historic La Fonda on the Plaza. La Fonda is the only hotel located directly on the Santa Fe Plaza and has been in operation for over 100 years in this incredible location.
Trip Resources
Itinerary
Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests.
DAY 1
The trip begins at 1 p.m. in Albuquerque, where we meet as a group at our hotel. We have the afternoon to meet each other and hike in the Petroglyph National Monument. The site has hundreds of petroglyphs that were created by both the earliest and the most recent inhabitants. Our hike on the Mesa Point Trail passes lots of petroglyphs as it winds its way to the mesa top. From here a 360-degree view provides views of Albuquerque and the Sandia mountains to the east, the Sangre de Cristos to the north, and the extinct volcanoes to the west. We will have a picnic dinner and watch the sunset over Albuquerque.
Included Meals: Dinner
Accommodations: Best Western Plus Rio Grande Inn (or similar)
Daily Activities: Hiking (~0.3 mile loop, ~88 feet elevation +/-)
Included Meals: Dinner
Accommodations: Best Western Plus Rio Grande Inn (or similar)
Daily Activities: Hiking (~0.3 mile loop, ~88 feet elevation +/-)
DAY 2
After breakfast we will walk and explore Old Town known for its charming streets full of artisan shops selling jewelery, rugs, and pottery. We will then visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Here we will learn about Pueblo culture from ancient times to the present and get to experience a traditional Pueblo dance. In the afternoon, we will head to El Malpais National Monument and explore one of the newest lava flows in the area at just 3,000 years old.
Please note Day 2 activities will be different in 2026:
After breakfast we will pack up and head out for kayaking on the Rio Grande River. The Rio Grande is the reason Albuquerque is located where it is, and our paddling trip is down a stretch of river that encompasses the area where the Coronado campaign wintered in 1540. We will put in among a beautiful stand of cottonwoods in Algodones, then traverse approximately 8 miles of remarkably secluded Rio Grande valley. The river is wide, and the waters are gentle in this section of the river. After finishing our float, we will head to the El Malpais National Monument for another type of river. This time, it’s an ancient lava flow. We will explore one of the newest flows just 3,000 years old.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Grants Best Western (or similar)
Daily Activities: Cultural Activities, Hiking (~1.1 mile loop, ~29 feet elevation +/-), Kayaking (2026: ~8 miles)
Travel Time: Driving (~1 hour)
Please note Day 2 activities will be different in 2026:
After breakfast we will pack up and head out for kayaking on the Rio Grande River. The Rio Grande is the reason Albuquerque is located where it is, and our paddling trip is down a stretch of river that encompasses the area where the Coronado campaign wintered in 1540. We will put in among a beautiful stand of cottonwoods in Algodones, then traverse approximately 8 miles of remarkably secluded Rio Grande valley. The river is wide, and the waters are gentle in this section of the river. After finishing our float, we will head to the El Malpais National Monument for another type of river. This time, it’s an ancient lava flow. We will explore one of the newest flows just 3,000 years old.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Grants Best Western (or similar)
Daily Activities: Cultural Activities, Hiking (~1.1 mile loop, ~29 feet elevation +/-), Kayaking (2026: ~8 miles)
Travel Time: Driving (~1 hour)
DAY 3
We get an early start this morning so that we can have a full day at Chaco Culture National Historic Park. Chaco Canyon, the focal point of Ancient Puebloan culture, contains over a dozen major pueblo ruins. While the Ancient Puebloans lived over the entire Four Corners area, their civilization is generally regarded as having reached its pinnacle in Chaco. Advanced building techniques, irrigation systems, and astronomical observations, are all evidence of a very advanced civilization that flourished there around 1000 AD. That civilization collapsed after 1200 AD for reasons that are still unclear, and the people dispersed to become the forefathers of today's Rio Grande Pueblo people. The isolation and vastness of the Canyon contribute to its sense of mystery and majesty. We start at the very informative Visitors Center. From there we can visit some of the ruins. There is more to see than we can fit in, and we'll leave with a much better appreciation of this amazing culture. This afternoon we will depart for Ghost Ranch Retreat Center with dinner along the way.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Ghost Ranch (or similar)
Daily Activities: Cultural Activities (Guided Tour: ~5 hours, 1.5-2 miles)
Travel Time: Driving (~5 hours) Note: The drive to Chaco Canyon takes almost 2 hours each way on rough roads, the reason why it receives fewer visitors than you would expect. Is it worth it? We think so!
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Ghost Ranch (or similar)
Daily Activities: Cultural Activities (Guided Tour: ~5 hours, 1.5-2 miles)
Travel Time: Driving (~5 hours) Note: The drive to Chaco Canyon takes almost 2 hours each way on rough roads, the reason why it receives fewer visitors than you would expect. Is it worth it? We think so!
DAY 4
Wake up to a leisurely morning surrounded by the colorful rock walls and endless skies of Ghost Ranch Retreat Center. The Ranch, made famous by Georgia O’ Keeffe, offers its 21,000 acres as a place to disconnect and explore what feeds your soul. The day is yours to explore the stunning natural environment and rich geologic and cultural history however you see fit. Our guides will offer 3-5 mile hikes on the property including a short but steep climb to the stunning panoramic views of the Chimney Rock Trail, or you can choose from the Ranch’s many offerings, including historic tours and trail rides, and museums. We’ll gather for meals indoors or out at the Ghost Ranch Dining Hall. End the day together around a crackling campfire.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Ghost Ranch (or similar)
Daily Activities: Hiking (3-5 miles, ~350 feet elevation +/-), Free time to sign up for additional activities offered by Ghost Ranch
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Ghost Ranch (or similar)
Daily Activities: Hiking (3-5 miles, ~350 feet elevation +/-), Free time to sign up for additional activities offered by Ghost Ranch
DAY 5
In the morning we head to Bandelier National Monument, home to the Ancestral Pueblo people from the 12th to the 16th century, modern compared to those who lived in Chaco Canyon. We'll start with a hike outside the main canyon, the 1.5-mile Tsankawi Loop trail that goes over the top of an unexcavated large Ancestral Pueblo Ruins site on a mesa top and passes some cliff dwellings along the cliff face. We then continue to the main section of Bandelier, Frijoles Canyon. After stopping by the Visitor Center we'll hike out on a paved trail through the middle of Frijoles Canyon that showcases not only several well-preserved, easily accessible ruins but also the beauty of this red rock canyon. After spending time exploring the trails and ruins of Bandelier, we head for Santa Fe, our home for the next three nights. In the afternoon we will have a walking tour of Santa Fe which will get us oriented to the city and introduce us to some of the famous sites.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: La Fonda (or similar)
Daily Activities: Hiking (~1.5 miles, ~242 feet elevation +/-), Walking Tour (~3 hours)
Travel Time: Driving (~2.5 hours)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: La Fonda (or similar)
Daily Activities: Hiking (~1.5 miles, ~242 feet elevation +/-), Walking Tour (~3 hours)
Travel Time: Driving (~2.5 hours)
DAY 6
We'll depart early and head off to Taos Pueblo. The Pueblo is featured in the paintings of many of New Mexico's artists, it has been continuously inhabited for over 1000 years and its multi-storied pueblo buildings are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterwards, we will go on a hike with great views of the Rio Grande river. The river was designated as an American Heritage River in 1998 and the 1,800-mile river is as beautiful as it is long. After hiking and a few more cultural stops, we will visit Santuario de Chimay which is a small 1813 shrine near the Old Spanish Trail. Dinner is on your own tonight to explore one of Santa Fe's other culinary options.
Please note Day 6 activities will be different in 2026:
We'll depart early for Taos Pueblo. The Pueblo is featured in the paintings of many of New Mexico's artists, it has been continuously inhabited for over 1000 years and its multi-storied pueblo buildings are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Before lunch we will head out to our rafting put-in spot for a picnic along the beautiful and graceful Rio Grande River. The river was designated as an American Heritage River in 1998 and the 1,800-mile river is as beautiful as it is long. After a picnic lunch, we will get ready for our incredibly fun whitewater rafting on the class 2 and 3 rapids of a section of the Rio Grande called the Racecourse. Dinner is on your own tonight to explore one of Santa Fe's other culinary options.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: La Fonda (or similar)
Daily Activities: Hiking (3-4 miles, ~250 feet elevation +/-), Whitewater rafting (2026)
Travel Time: Driving (~3 hours)
Please note Day 6 activities will be different in 2026:
We'll depart early for Taos Pueblo. The Pueblo is featured in the paintings of many of New Mexico's artists, it has been continuously inhabited for over 1000 years and its multi-storied pueblo buildings are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Before lunch we will head out to our rafting put-in spot for a picnic along the beautiful and graceful Rio Grande River. The river was designated as an American Heritage River in 1998 and the 1,800-mile river is as beautiful as it is long. After a picnic lunch, we will get ready for our incredibly fun whitewater rafting on the class 2 and 3 rapids of a section of the Rio Grande called the Racecourse. Dinner is on your own tonight to explore one of Santa Fe's other culinary options.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: La Fonda (or similar)
Daily Activities: Hiking (3-4 miles, ~250 feet elevation +/-), Whitewater rafting (2026)
Travel Time: Driving (~3 hours)
DAY 7
Today we hike in the mountains behind Santa Fe on a 4.5-mile loop that drips down into a shady valley full of aspen, fir and pine trees. After stopping for lunch and a break at a beautiful spot along Tesuque Creek, we will head back up onto the ridge along sweeping switchbacks to complete the loop. At an elevation of 8,900 feet we will certainly take time to enjoy the scenery. When we return to town you have the rest of the afternoon free to explore Santa Fe's many museums and galleries or the option to visit Ten Thousand Waves, a Japanese-style health spa with hot tubs situated on the side of the mountain. Your guides will coordinate rides to the spa. You can also book a 'treatment' for yourself anytime between 2 PM - 5:30 PM. If you prefer to stay in town, we recommend wandering the galleries of Canyon Road, or visiting the Museum of International Folk Art, or Georgia O' Keeffe Museum. Tonight, we will get our final taste of New Mexican cuisine at a nearby restaurant.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: La Fonda (or similar)
Daily Activities: Hiking (~4.5 mile loop, ~1,240 feet elevation +/-)
Travel Time: Driving (~45 minutes)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: La Fonda (or similar)
Daily Activities: Hiking (~4.5 mile loop, ~1,240 feet elevation +/-)
Travel Time: Driving (~45 minutes)
DAY 8
It's our last morning in Santa Fe and we'll continue to savor every minute! We'll enjoy our last breakfast together before making our way back to Albuquerque. We'll return you to the Albuquerque airport by 10:30 AM for a flight out after 12:30 PM.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Included Meals: Breakfast
Reviews
4.8
(23 reviews)
5
(19)
4
(4)
3
(0)
2
(0)
1
(0)
*These are the unfiltered reviews of women who have been on this trip in answer to the question "What made this trip special for you?". We take reviews very seriously and often tweak itineraries based on feedback. Please feel free to contact us about any questions you have.
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Susan M.
1 year ago
The overall variety of locations we visited provided for a great overview and experience of New Mexico.
Catherine S.
1 year ago
Laura L.
1 year ago
I really enjoyed the trip. The weather was a bit chilly and made some of the events not as fun, but overall a very good trip
Joan C.
1 year ago
The amount of knowledge I gained from the places we visited. I wasn’t expecting to be immersed in the Native American culture as we were. The hiking was also an enjoyable part of the trip.
Deborah S.
1 year ago
Great guides, interesting activities, beautiful area of the country, great accommodations
Pamela M.
1 year ago
The other travelers & the guides. Our group was lots of fun & everyone got along. Our guides were so kind, even driving us to museums even when it was free time.
Bridget W.
1 year ago
This is the third time I am answering this evaluation. I had detailed the first two times that were deleted, but this time I will just tell you here: The trip was amazing with a full itinerary implemented excellently by both Debra and Chris. They work seamlessly together so my comments about them were how amazing they both were. The food they chose was excellent--unexpectedly so. They were very supportive, making sure participants felt free to make their own decisions. They went out of their way to buy and provide things women wanted... they were so kind and so professional, not to mention uncommonly competent and flexible!
Lisa S.
3 years ago
My traveling companions were so wonderful. We were a really cohesive group and I connected with each person and enjoyed getting to know everyone of them. Our guides were fantastic and I felt like this was a very safe way to travel.
Heidi P.
3 years ago
As always with AGC trips, the camaraderie among like-minded women is what made this a stellar experience.
Mary H.
3 years ago
Our guides and their residence; our team of participants who always took what came our way and enjoyed; New Mexico and its beauty and people.
Susan C.
3 years ago
A great group of women were on this trip. Especially enjoyed the river rafting.
Suzanne S.
3 years ago
All of the different parts of New Mexico.
Michele R.
3 years ago
The opportunity to experience the natural beauty of New Mexico and to learn about the past civilizations and contributions of [Indigenous peoples] was pleasurable and enlightening.
Maria G.
3 years ago
The beauty of New Mexico. Also: the guides ability to cope with Nature's setbacks and the cooperation of the team.
Marlene L.
3 years ago
Exceeded expectations from the beautiful hikes that the guides picked for us to Chaco Canyon. How the guides worked around the closures due to fire exceeded expectations. The Ghost Ranch was awesome and the Sante Fe walking tour was an incredibly informative. The ladies on this tour gave me a sense of family and were incredibly supportive.
Kathryn M.
4 years ago
There were a variety of activities with some free time in Santa Fe and Albuquerque. The guides were very knowledgeable, engaging and hard working! Because of covid restrictions, they were forced to adapt the itinerary and did a great job of substituting fun activities. The scenery was beautiful, the weather perfect and all of the women were wonderful travel companions. I’m looking forward to another trip with AGC.
Ruth C.
4 years ago
Teri R.
4 years ago
Alma W.
4 years ago
Over and above.
Patti F.
4 years ago
Beth M.
4 years ago
I loved this trip!
Ruth W.
4 years ago
Barbra G.
4 years ago
Dates & Prices
| Year | Departure Date | Availability | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2025 |
November 01 to November 08 |
FULL |
$3795.00 |
|
|
2026 |
May 16 to May 23 |
Available |
$3995.00 |
|
|
2026 |
September 12 to September 19 |
Available |
$3995.00 |
Year
2025
Departure Date
November 01 to November 08, 2025
Availability
FULL
Price
$3795.00
Year
2026
Departure Date
September 12 to September 19, 2026
Availability
Available
Price
$3995.00
Make It Your Adventure
Turn any trip into a private experience for your group, or let us design a custom itinerary just for you! Whether it’s friends, family, or colleagues, we’ll make your journey unforgettable.
Common Questions
Transportation is not included if you arrive after the meeting time or depart before the specified departure time. If this is a possibility please contact the office before making any non-refundable reservations.
Yes there are hair dryers in the rooms.
Yes there are coffee makers in the rooms. The Alameda actually offers organic in-room coffee!
It's never too late to get travel insurance. If it is more than 21 - 31 days after your initial deposit, any pre-existing conditions may not be covered. We recommend and use Travel Ex for our trip insurance needs. You can find them online at the Travelex Website, or talk with a real person at 800-228-9792.
There is free wifi at both hotels.
Yes, you will have cell phone coverage in both hotels. Most of New Mexico, including Albuquerque and Santa Fe has excellent cell phone coverage. Outside of the cities, cell phone coverage may be spotty depending on what carrier you have (Verizon has the most extensive network).
Maps of Bandelier can be found at www.nps.gov/band. Maps of Santa Fe are available from Amazon.
Rio Grande Best Western has a heated outdoor pool and hot tub. You will have the opportunity to visit Ten Thousand Waves, a Japanese style spa with outdoor hot tubs.
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