THE HEIRLOOMS COLLECTION
Cultural Immersion | Hidden Gems of New Mexico
Unveiling New Mexico’s Off-the-Beaten-Path Treasures
We believe the best way to truly experience the soul of New Mexico is by embracing its hidden gems—those off-the-beaten-path treasures that reveal rich, diverse cultural and natural landscapes. Our Cultural Immersion | Hidden Gems itinerary is carefully designed to guide you through some of New Mexico’s most captivating and lesser-known destinations and cultural landmarks.. This journey invites you to experience the authentic heart of the state, from charming pueblos to breathtaking landscapes, and from historical sites to vibrant artistic communities.
Suggested Itineraries: Cultural Immersion
Whether you're visiting for a quick weekend or planning an extended stay, our Cultural Immersion experiences are crafted to connect you with the rich history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes of New Mexico. Below are two curated options that provide a balance of adventure, culture, and relaxation, all while staying at the beautiful Inn & Spa at Loretto in Santa Fe.
2-Night | 3-Day Weekend Itinerary: Friday - Sunday
Perfect for those looking for a quick, enriching escape with a focus on local culture and scenic beauty.
Day 1: Arrival and Evening in Santa Fe
Arrive in Santa Fe and check into the Inn & Spa at Loretto, centrally located and offering easy access to Santa Fe’s rich history and art scene. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at the iconic Pink Adobe, a beloved Santa Fe institution known for its classic New Mexican cuisine and charming atmosphere. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the historic downtown Plaza, soaking in the art galleries and vibrant energy of Santa Fe.
Day 2: High Road to Taos Day Trip
After breakfast, set out for a full-day High Road to Taos Day Trip (8am - 5:30pm). Journey through one of New Mexico’s hidden gems, the High Road to Taos, a historic pilgrimage corridor nestled in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. This scenic byway is a living time capsule, where ancient traditions and breathtaking landscapes come together.
Explore bucolic villages like Truchas and Chimayó, where life moves at a slower pace and centuries-old traditions remain strong. Visit the sacred Santuario de Chimayó, revered for its healing soil, before heading to the Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage site that has been continuously inhabited for over 1,000 years.
Cross the dramatic Taos Gorge Bridge, offering stunning views of the Rio Grande Gorge, and experience the awe-inspiring beauty of this natural wonder.
End your day with a wine-tasting at Vivac Winery, where you’ll savor New Mexico’s finest wines amid the stunning mountain backdrop.
This full-day adventure offers an unforgettable immersion in the authentic culture, rich history, and natural beauty of New Mexico.
Day 3: Departure and Last Stroll in Santa Fe
On your final morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Luminaria Restaurant, then take time to explore Santa Fe at your own pace. Whether you want to visit a museum, shop for handmade crafts, or simply enjoy the charm of the historic district, you’ll leave feeling connected to the spirit of New Mexico before your departure.
4-Night | 5-Day Itinerary: Thursday - Sunday
Perfect for those seeking a more dynamic, packed and immersive New Mexico experience, with a mix of culture, history, and art.
Day 1: Arrival and Evening in Santa Fe
Arrive and settle into the Inn & Spa at Loretto, your luxurious home base for the week. Spend your evening exploring Santa Fe's vibrant art scene, then enjoy a memorable dinner at Geronimo's, one of Santa Fe's most celebrated restaurants. Known for its exceptional New American cuisine and elegant atmosphere, Geronimo’s offers a perfect introduction to the flavors and spirit of Santa Fe.
Day 2: Ghost Ranch + Abiquiu Landscapes Day Tour
Start your adventure with a full-day Ghost Ranch + Abiquiu Landscapes Day Tour (8am - 4pm). Explore the iconic landscapes that inspired Georgia O’Keeffe, including the breathtaking red rock formations of Ghost Ranch. Visit the town of Abiquiu, known for its rich cultural history and unique adobe architecture. This tour offers spectacular photo opportunities and the chance to experience New Mexico’s natural beauty firsthand.
Day 3: Magical Heirlooms of Chimayó Day Tour
Next, delve into the cultural and spiritual history of Chimayó on the Magical Heirlooms of Chimayó Day Tour (10am - 3pm). Known as the "Lourdes of America," Chimayó is a site of pilgrimage, offering deep insights into New Mexico’s spiritual heritage. Explore the famous Santuario de Chimayó, learn about the healing properties of the land, and shop for unique local crafts at the Chimayó Trading Post.
Day 4: Wineries & Art Tour from Taos
On the fourth day, venture north to Taos for a full day of art and wine on the Wineries & Art Tour from Taos (10:30am - 4:30pm). Taste wines made from heritage vines, visit local art galleries showcasing the region’s best artists, and enjoy the scenic beauty that has inspired generations of creatives. This tour provides a perfect blend of culture, art, and wine.
Day 5: Departure from Santa Fe
Enjoy your final morning in Santa Fe with a leisurely breakfast, a spa treatment at Inn & Spa at Loretto, or some last-minute shopping. Depart Santa Fe with a heart full of memories and a deeper connection to the spirit of New Mexico.
These Cultural Immersion | Hidden Gems itineraries are designed to give you a deeper understanding of New Mexico's history, culture, and natural beauty. By following either of these suggested routes, you’ll experience hidden wonders, all while savoring diverse landscapes, artistic heritage, and local flavors. Whether you’re seeking to connect with New Mexico’s sacred traditions, its artistic communities, or its awe-inspiring landscapes, this journey offers an authentic and immersive exploration of the Land of Enchantment.
Take a step off the beaten path and discover the secrets of New Mexico that most travelers never see.
Journey from Santa Fe to Taos through the Scenic Historic High Road, a byway that goes along a scenic mountainous route and into remote artistic enclaves clinging to ancestral roots. Be ready for a full day of New Mexico history, architecture and culture. This area is saturated with the people, the history and the heritage that makes this mountain region so spellbindingly unique. Take this day tour to maximize your experience of these communal multi-cultural influences preserved in this gorgeous landscape.
FULL-DAY TOUR: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
March 1 - November 30
MEET AT: H.I. Travel Hub - Inn & Spa at Loretto
TOUR REGION(S): Santa Fe, NM
The Magical Heirlooms of Chimayó Day Tour
If you want to feel the old Southwest of the 1800s when chile and pinto beans were vibrantly hand-grown, powdered and deliciously cooked, or when weavers and tin makers began to develop their unique styles and crafts, or when a buried crucifix magically lit up a hillside to uncover rejuvenating dirt – then join us in Chimayo!
FULL-DAY TOUR: 10:00 AM - 3:30 PM
MEET AT: H.I. Travel Hub - Inn & Spa at Loretto
TOUR REGION(S): Santa Fe, NM
Savor the flavors, stories, and artistry of Northern New Mexico as you journey from the high mesa to lush valleys, discovering award-winning wines, local art, and hidden treasures along the way.
$285 per person + tax*
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
HALF-DAY TOUR: 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Regular Season: March 1 - November 30
Winter Season: December 1 - January 31
MEET AT: H.I. Travel Hub - El Monte Sagrado Resort
TOUR REGION(S): Taos, NM
Ghost Ranch + Abiquiu Landscapes Day Tour from Santa Fe
Tour New Mexico vistas that inspired artists, filmmakers, and geologists alike. Tours depart from Santa Fe & Taos.
$299 per person + tax*
Friday, Saturday, Sunday
FULL-DAY TOUR: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Regular Season: March 1 - November 30
Winter Season: December 1 - February 29
MEET AT: H.I. Travel Hub - Inn & Spa at Loretto
TOUR REGION(S): Santa Fe, NM