In a land where Native American culture, Route 66 Americana and Hispanic influence all blend together, New Mexico showcases the US melting pot to the full. Explore the enchanting streets of Santa Fe, and visit the Taos Pueblo UNESCO Heritage Site. Take a narrow gauge train through Colorado’s mountains, and gaze skywards as hundreds of balloons sail across Albuquerque’s pinky-red desert.

• Annular Eclipse – Experience this event in the Navajo Nation’s park of Monument Valley
• Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta – Witness hundreds of hot-air balloons launching at dawn, at this world famous event
• Canyon de Chelly and Mesa Verde – Discover these massive indigenous lands, home to cliff-dwellings and ancient rock art
• Santa Fe – Take a walking tour with a local historian, delving into her deep and diverse knowledge of New Mexico

Itinerary 

DAY 1 – Join trip in Albuquerque

DAY 2 – Sandia Peak cable car ride; free time or Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

DAY 3 – Watch the dawn launch at the Balloon Fiesta; drive to Santa Fe; walking tour with a local historian

DAY 4 – Free day in Santa Fe

DAY 5 – Visit Taos Pueblo UNESCO Heritage Site; drive to Durango

DAY 6 – Day trip on the Durango and Silverton narrow-gauge railroad

DAY 7 – Guided tour of Mesa Verde National Park; drive to Monument Valley

DAY 8 – Witness the annular eclipse with an astronomer

DAY 9 – Jeep tour in Canyon de Chelly; drive to Gallup

DAY 10 – Drive to Albuquerque Airport where the trip ends

Inclusions 

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 4

Lunch: 1

TRIP STAFF

Explore Tour Leader / Driver

Astronomer

Local Guide(s)

TRANSPORT

4WD

Cable Car

Maxiwagon