This journey includes four main stops, each offering a different window into northern New Mexico’s culture, history, and landscape.
The first stop is the Santuario de Chimayó, often called the “Lourdes of America.” Built in 1813, the adobe church is known for its healing earth and remains one of the most visited pilgrimage destinations in the United States. Over 300,000 pilgrims travel here each year, especially during Holy Week, the days between Palm Sunday and Easter. Chapels filled with prayer offerings, centuries-old religious art, and artisan shops nearby provide time for reflection and connection before continuing on.
Lunch is included at a local Taos restaurant, where dishes feature staples like green chile, Pueblo specialties, and seasonal produce. It’s a chance to sit down, enjoy a meal, and take in the atmosphere of a town long known for its artists, makers, and storytellers.
From Chimayó, the tour winds north to Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in North America. Multi-storied adobe buildings rise against the mountains, and guided visits with Pueblo members offer context on traditions that remain central to community life today. Here, history is not abstract — it is lived, spoken, and shared.
Taos Pueblo has been continuously inhabited for more than 1,000 years, and about 150 people live here full-time.
Just west of Taos lies one of New Mexico’s most incredible sights: the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. Standing 650 feet above the river, it’s among the five highest bridges in the country. From its deck, the view opens over the volcanic canyon and across the northern plateau. It’s a moment for photos, for peace, and for taking in the vast scale of the land.
Every detail of the journey is included: transportation in a Mercedes-Benz van, entry fees, lunch, and snacks. With a small group capped at 13 guests, the pace remains relaxed, flexible, and personal. Guides share stories rooted in family history, providing context that cannot be found in guidebooks.
For travelers comparing options, the High Road Adventure pairs well with our other Santa Fe driving tours, such as the Northern New Mexico Wine Country Tour or the Ghost Ranch Adventure.
The High Road Adventure combines sacred pilgrimage, Native heritage, and dramatic scenery in one seamless experience. Instead of navigating routes and logistics alone, guests are free to focus on the journey itself — learning, tasting, and seeing more in a single day than they could on their own.
If your interests lean toward ancient history with some excersise, consider extending your travels with our Ancient Pueblos Day Trip, which visits Bandelier National Monument and Puye Cliff Dwellings.
We have a 7 day or 1 week cancellation policy, but please contact us if you need to cancel or reschedule: call 505-336-1799 or email info@vigilanteguides.com.
Seats are limited to keep groups small. Reserve your spot now for an all-inclusive day trip that links Santa Fe, Chimayó, Taos, and the Rio Grande Gorge in a single day.