Welcome to Trafalgar's South African website. Would you like to visit Trafalgar's US website instead?
Navigation Close Icon
This site is not fully supported in Internet Explorer 11 (and earlier) versions. Please upgrade your browser to Microsoft Edge, Chrome, Safari or other latest browser.
You are viewing the consumer version of the trip page.Please click here to return to search results where you can access the agent version of these trip pages.
Southwest Native Trails End Santa Fe
11 Day USA Tour of New Mexico, Arizona, Utah and Colorado
This immersive Native American heritage tour will delight anyone who wants to delve deeper into the captivating culture and traditions of the Southwest. From Chaco Canyon’s Pueblo structures to Hovenweep National Monument’s villages through local historians, you’ll embrace history of the Ancestral Puebloans as well as current thriving Native American cultures of the Southwest.
W T T C Safe Travels Stamp Icon
Trip code
DPTS
Southwest Native Trails End Santa Fe
11 Day USA Tour of New Mexico, Arizona, Utah and Colorado
This immersive Native American heritage tour will delight anyone who wants to delve deeper into the captivating culture and traditions of the Southwest. From Chaco Canyon’s Pueblo structures to Hovenweep National Monument’s villages through local historians, you’ll embrace history of the Ancestral Puebloans as well as current thriving Native American cultures of the Southwest.
Start your cultural encounter with New Mexico in its warm heart - Albuquerque. Join your Travel Director and fellow travellers this evening for a Welcome Reception.
Trace centuries-old stories etched in stone by Ancestral Pueblo peoples and early Spanish settlers when you visit the Petroglyph National Monument this morning. Continuing your journey to Acoma Sky City Cultural Center & Haak'u Museum for a guided insight into one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the United States and the 28th Historic Site designated by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Head back to your hotel in Albuquerque where the rest of the evening is yours.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 3
Explore Chaco Canyon
One of the highlights of your Southwest journey will be the visit to Chaco Canyon inside Chaco Culture National Historical Park. Chaco Canyon is one of America's most significant and fascinating cultural and historic centers of ancestral Puebloan culture. See Pueblo Bonito, one of the most important “ Great Houses” representing the apex of Anasazi, renamed Ancestral Puebloan, in modern day culture. With its 5 stories high and almost 700 rooms it stood as the largest structure in North America until the 18th century. Dinner this evening will be served on historic Route 66. (Should weather conditions render the dirt road to Chaco Canyon unsafe, your Travel Director will arrange visits to other safely accessible destinations of historical and cultural significance.) Tonight, your Stays With Storiesis historic El Rancho Hotel, home to many movie stars filming Westerns in the area throughout the 1930s and 1940s.
This morning, stop at Window Rock, the capital of the Navajo Nation, where you'll see the Window Rock geologic formation and the World War II Navajo Code Talkers' Memorial and learn how Navajos helped the United States win WWII. Take a step back in time and visit the Hubbell Trading Post National Historical Site, and learn how the Navajo and settlers once traded. Delve into the story of Lorenzo Hubbell, who had a major influence on Navajo rug weaving and silversmithing. After a visit to the Canyon de Chelly Visitor Center, meet your certified Navajo Local Specialist and board your 6X6 vehicle to marvel at the stunning scenery with sandstone cliffs, canyons, and beautiful artwork in the forms of pictographs, petroglyphs and ruins.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Holiday Inn Canyon de Chelly
See an ancient community built into a sandstone cliff as you peer over the edge of the White House Overlook to see the mastery of Ancient Puebloan construction. Watch nature defy gravity when you encounter Spider Rock and hear the legend of the mythical Spider Woman who is said to live in this towering stone spire. Enter Monument Valley National Tribal Park, a symbol of the American West with its iconic landscape of enormous rock features, including mesas, cliffs, and buttes made famous as the location for dozens of films stretching back almost a century. Meet your Navajo Local Specialist for a private guided excursion of Monument Valley. Continue deeper into the valley while experiencing the sights of Monument Valley through the eyes of your Navajo guide. Travel along backroads and trails unavailable to the public while learning the history and local culture of the Dineh people. Visit an authentic hogan, the primary, traditional dwelling of the Navajo people. Other traditional structures include the summer shelter, the underground home, and the sweat house.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Desert Rose Resort
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 6
Time Hop to Prehistoric Settlements in the Southwest
Head for Hovenweep National Monument, one of the most intriguing pre-historic settlements in the Southwest, known for its six major villages and more than 300 additional sites within the National Monument. Travel across Canyons of the Ancients National Monument and wind along the Trail of the Ancients National Scenic Byway. Visit the Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum formerly known as The Anasazi Center. Visit Mesa Verde National Park and see some of the best-preserved Ancestral Puebloan archaeological sites as you explore. Visit the Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum, where you will also see from above the parks third largest cliff dwelling, Spruce Tree House. This evening your Stays With Stories is at the historic Strater Hotel in Durango.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - The Strater
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 7
Dive Into Durango
Spend your day at leisure and explore the historic town of Durango. Perhaps, enjoy a truly unforgettable step back in time on an optional ride aboard the coal-fired, steam-powered, narrow-gauge train. The train chugs along rails that were originally laid at the end of the 19th century. Winding through a spectacular wilderness which would be inaccessible by car. If you are feeling more adventurous opt for a white water rafting trip on the Animas River. This evening, dinner is Your Choice Dining all steps away from your hotel.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - The Strater
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Your Choice Dining
Day 8
Discover Taos Pueblo
Head East this morning through the historic town of Pagosa Springs surrounded by the rugged San Juan Mountains and vast areas of dense national forest. Make a brief stop in the enchanting village of Chama for photo ops. You'' continue through Tierra Amarilla and Tres Piedras to arrive at the Rio Gorge, a geological feature where the watercourse of the Rio Grande follows a tectonic chasm. Cap off your morning tour by crossing the Taos Landmark Site of Rio Grande Bridge. Standing roughly 600 feet above the Rio Grande, this steel arch bridge is one of the highest in the United States. Your afternoon Dive Into Culture in charming Taos begins at Taos Plaza, a Historical Landmark an artist colony in the heart of the Taos Historic District, home of 65 galleries, shops, restaurants and 21 landmarks. You will tour Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World's Heritage Center and National Historic Landmark, with Local Specialists. Connect with Locals who call the Pueblo home learning about these iconic, multi-storied adobe buildings, built roughly 1,000 years ago. A piece of the past in the present, about 150 Puebloans still live within the pueblo full time. You will leave with stories one can only hear from locals.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Don Fernando De Taos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 9
Uncover the High Road from Taos to Santa Fe
Start the day by taking the High Road, from Taos to Santa Fe. Along the way, stop at the Chimayo Sanctuary, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the United States due to the curative powers of the “Tierra Bendita” or “holy dirt”. Next visit Trujillo's weaving shop. You’ll see and learn firsthand how these eighth-generation weavers use one of a kind handwoven techniques. You'll the continue to Bandelier National Monument. Learn about the history of the people that inhabited this area 1,000 years ago. Designated as one of UNESCO's Creative Cities Network, City of Design, and City of Crafts and Folk Art. This evening your Stays With Stories overnight will be at the Inn and Spa at Loretto which you’ll learn sits on the former site of the historic Our Lady of Loretto Academy and is adjacent to the famed Loretto Chapel. Now one of the most photographed buildings in the state, the inn is a Santa Fe icon and testament to the city's modern history.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Inn and Spa at Loretto
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 10
Savour The Culture Of Santa Fe
A Local Specialist reveals the secrets of Santa Fe, starting at the historic Santa Fe Plaza. This afternoon you’ll love this eye-opening MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience where you'll meet Emigdio Ballon the agricultural director at the Tesuque Pueblo Community Farm. Learn about this Indigenous community and their efforts to achieve food sovereignty by preserving heirloom seeds and growing their own food. After an inspiring afternoon, the dining capital of the Southwest puts its best foot forward with an unforgettable Farewell Dinner featuring Santa Fe's Southwestern cuisine.
Tour Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World's Heritage Center and National Historic Landmark, and meet people who call the Pueblo home learning about these iconic, multi-storied adobe buildings, built roughly 1,000 years ago. A piece of the past in the present, you'll leave with stories one can only hear from locals.
Dive Into Culture
Experience Taos Plaza, a Historical Landmark and artist colony in the heart of the Taos Historic District, home of 65 galleries, shops, restaurants, and 21 landmarks.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
Meet Emigdio Ballon the agricultural director at the Tesuque Pueblo Community Farm. Learn about this Indigenous community and their efforts to achieve food sovereighty by preserving heirloom seeds and by growing their own food.
Stays With Stories
Your Stay with Story is the historic home to many starlets from the 'Western" genres of the 1930's - 40s.
Stays With Stories
Stay at The Strater Hotel, adorned with beautiful handcrafted woodwork, housing the largest collection of American Victorian walnut antiques. It's Durango's Historic Landmark Hotel, showcasing stories of the old west and mining times.
Stays With Stories
Lodge at the Inn and Spa at Loretto, Santa Fe, an authentic Southwestern adobe boutique hotel
Sightseeing highlights
Experience Ti Filled Icon
Explore Pueblo Bonito "Great House" and the North Rim scenic drive with a Local Specialist
Experience Ti Filled Icon
Scenic Drive along Colorado's Trail of the Ancients National Scenic Byway
Experience Ti Filled Icon
View Square Tower Unit at Hovenweep, Chaco Canyon's White House, Bandelier National Monument
Experience Ti Filled Icon
Visit Petroglyph National Monument, Acoma Pueblo, Chaco Canyon National Historical Park, Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site, Hovenweep National Monument, Canyon of the Ancients National Monument, Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Monument Valley Tribal Park, Mesa Verde National Park, Durango, Taos Pueblo, Santa Fe, Tesuque Pueblo, Bandelier National Monument
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Experience Tick Thin Icon
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Experience Tick Thin Icon
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Experience Tick Thin Icon
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
Experience Tick Thin Icon
Optional Experiences and free time
Live, unedited & independent traveller reviews
Southwest Native Trails End Santa Fe trip reviews
Our guests are at the heart of everything we do, their feedback fuels our innovation, inspiring us to improve continuously and craft Simply The Best vacations. That's why we ask each of our guests to leave a third-party verified, independent review after every trip. As testament to our commitment we have been given the Trusted Service Award from Feefo, recognising we deliver exceptional experiences as rated by real guests.
Overall rating
4.3
Out of 5
Based on 6 independent reviews
Trip rating
Customer experience
Trip rating is the overall quality of the itinerary and trip
4.2
Out of 5
5
Review Star Icon
3
4
Review Star Icon
2
3
Review Star Icon
0
2
Review Star Icon
1
1
Review Star Icon
0
Customer experience is the standard of service you receive
4.3
Out of 5
5
Review Star Icon
3
4
Review Star Icon
2
3
Review Star Icon
1
2
Review Star Icon
0
1
Review Star Icon
0
Navigation Chevron Left Icon
Trusted Customer My Account Icon
Clock Icon
Quote Icon
Wonderful time had by all.
Trip Rating
Review Star Icon
5
Excellent itinerary, make sure you have extra bottles of water as the bus no longer has it on board. Wear good walking shoes.
Excellent itinerary, excellent Tour Director, excellent driver, excellent Wellness Director. Hotels were all wonderful except: Only complaint was that we were knocked out of staying at the Strater Hotel in Durango, very disappointed as the ambience at the Best Western was so non-descript. The Strater was gorgeous and really missed not staying there as I was looking forward to it. Otherwise a perfect tour!
The service has always been good but the last trip was a little beyond our ability. For us there was too much walking and climbing combined with high altitudes. Trafalgar should honestly rate all their trips for ease or difficulty then let the client choose .
If you are looking even further ahead, this trip is available to book in 2023. Visit our website for dates and today’s best prices.
Maximum 35 guest per departure to ensure a more exclusive exploration
Unless otherwise stated, trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA). Does not apply to trips operated by Inspiring Journeys & our Mini-stays.
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.
Navigation Close Icon
Your selected departure date will feature some seasonal itinerary changes to what is displayed. Click 'VIEW ITINERARY' below to see full details.
Active Trip Details
Navigation Close Icon
What is an Active Trip? This is an "Active" lifestyle itinerary, with walks and hikes most days. Hikes will range from easy/moderate to strenuous. No technical climbing skills are required but a reasonable level of fitness is required to make the trip more enjoyable. Understanding that not all people want to hike at the same pace or even on the same trail we will, where possible, host map orientation and then let everyone disperse to enjoy the trails best suited to them.
What to Pack Guests should bring lightweight hiking shoes or boots, broad brimmed sun hats, sunglasses, layered clothing, reusable water bottle(s), a hiking day pack and hiking poles (optional)
Weather & Altitude While the itinerary is laid out below, we are at the mercy of the weather and so reserve the right to adjust the program as necessary. Please keep in mind that the higher elevations and possible variations in weather and temperature can increase the perceived level of difficulty of our activities. Elevation ranges up to 9,000 feet for Utah’s Mighty Five and up to 11,000 feet for California High Country Adventure.
Everyone reacts differently to altitude and so if you do have any health issues you should check with your doctor that this trip is suitable for you.