Southwest Tours
Events, Services The Three World Heritage Sites of New Mexico:
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Day One.
Arrive at Albuquerque International Airport and transfer to your hotel (optional).
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Day Two.
World Heritage Site # 1
The way to Chaco Culture National Historical Park is like traveling on a road going back in time. Chaco is the most important Anasazi archaeological site in the Southwest. Today, Chaco Canyon confronts visitors with a mystery, an engaging enigma. For instance, who were these people with such incredible engineering skills in building these stupendous dwellings? What was the reason for this ancient mecca of sandstone constructed in a desert and canyon landscape? Why did they suddenly disappear and abandon this truly unique setting? As you walk among the numerous ruins, climb the steep red cliffs to see ancient rock art, or explore the amazing road systems that lead to this remote region, you will ponder such questions about Chaco's astronomical and religious significance and what it meant to the inhabitants. After your visit, you depart to Abiquiú. Along the way are lovely landscapes and isolated villages where very few people live. It's the remoteness of vast open space that lends itself to this frontier spirit and its visceral charm.
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Day Three.
World Heritage Site #2
The morning is spent in the rugged Abiquiú area, which is popularly known as O'Keeffe country, named after the famous artist, Georgia O'Keeffe. She was consumed and enamored by the views and broad spectrum of colors of the rocks that inspired many of her vibrant paintings. Later, the tour continues to the Echo Amphitheater or to Plaza Blanca, a sizable chasm of white rocks with a view of a mosque that adds to the solitude of inspiring scenery. Afterward, you travel north, headed toward Taos. Taos spreads its adobe blanket of buildings and its attractive centuries-old pueblo on a vast plateau, at the foot of New Mexico's highest peaks, the Sangre de Christo range, split by a deep canyon where the Rio Grande River hurries its way. The Taos Indians lived in their colossal pueblo for over a thousand years. Taos Pueblo is the best preserved Indian village of all puebloan tribes. Its structure is also one of the most photographed.
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Day Four.
The small high country town of Taos built around the historic Plaza has many interesting places to visit, including exhilarating drives in all directions. For instance, museums featuring collections of southwestern Indian art, old and contemporary Hispanic art, the home of the legendary trailblazer and scout, Kit Carson, the impressive Rio Grande Gorge, artists' studios and eclectic galleries.
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Day Five.
Another exciting and long day pursuing the footsteps of New Mexico's history. This time, you head east the Enchanted Circle, where there are several appealing stops at towns, each boasting a rich history marking the development of the West's expansion. Las Vegas is nearby and another must-see setting. This landmark town had flourished during the beginning of the railroad era in the West, which brought a booming business and tourist trade, along with some famous and notorious figures. Before reaching the state capital, in Santa Fe, where you will spend two nights, you will make a stop at Pecos National Historical Park. This archeological ruin is among the largest Native American establishments and once a thriving trade center at the far edge of the Great Plains. On the property is the 17th-century Pecos Pueblo Mission Church, considered one of the most beautiful missions throughout the West. Afterward, a short drive to Santa Fe. Founded 400 years ago, the city is America's oldest capital. Also known as the city different, Santa Fe offers a variety of activities and things to do and learn: an engaging history, the arts, classy and soothing spas to mention only some.
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Day Six.
Today's tour begins by visiting several renowned museums featuring various art forms, as well as showcasing the frontier spirit and history of New Mexico. Afterward, a tour of a vibrant art community, the city's celebrated Canyon Road, where scores of galleries line the narrow viaduct. From there, a short drive to the renovated Railyard district, another thriving art gallery and shopping neighborhood. Finally, a visit and stroll around the 400-year-old Plaza, which is the heart of this Spanish colonial city.
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Day Seven.
World Heritage Site #3
While taking a lunch break in Roswell, a visit to the UFO Museum is a tour you won't want to miss. Here one can learn about the famous incident and alleged landing of extraterrestrials. What fun!
From here you drive to Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Descending into the caverns fascinating nocturnal and nether world, we will explore chambers like Balloon Ballroom, Lake of the Clouds, and The Hall of Giants, which is the biggest cavern of all. Carlsbad features more than 110 limestone caves, the most famous of which is protected by the national park. A visit to the Bat Cave, famous for its large bat population, is also a must see. About one million Mexican free-tail bats swarm out of the cave at sunset, a precise choreography that mimics nature's most exquisite ballet. After their aerial dance these great ecologists depart and skim the air for insects and won't return until dawn.------------------------------
Day Eight.
In approximately four and a half hours heading west, one finds another natural wonder, the largest white desert in the world: 275 square miles (710 Km2) of dunes composed entirely of gypsum crystals. Located on the northernmost boundaries of White Sands Missile Range is the famous “Trinity Site," where the first atomic bomb was detonated on July 16, 1945.
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Day Nine.
There are three important stops along the way: the biggest rock art site created by Jornada Mogollon people (900-1400 C.E.); Three Rivers Petroglyph Site, near Tularosa; and Lincoln, a frontier town, preserving the 19th-century atmosphere made famous by one of the most violent periods in New Mexico history. This is Billy the Kid's turf, considered the most infamous outlaw in the territory. Last stop, and further north toward the town of Mountainair, is the Three Salinas Pueblo Mission Church ruins. Here the 17th-century Puebloan life that eventually embraced conversion by the Spanish Franciscan friars permeates the quiet atmosphere of this secluded setting. There will be time to explore Quarai Mission, which served as the seat of the Holy Inquisition in New Mexico during the 1630s. Overnight in Albuquerque (optional).
Price. $795 per person, in double room. Single supplement $535.
Price includes: 1 night in Abiquiú, 2 nights in Taos, 2 nights in Santa Fe, 1 night near Carlsbad Caverns, 1 night in Alamogordo; a detailed itinerary, N.M.tax.
Transportation and personal guide upon request
Book this tour here
$200 deposit per person is due at booking, payable by check or using the PayPal link on this website. 80% of deposit is refundable if cancellation is made by written notice 20 days prior to departure. Deposits are applied to payment of the program price. Full refund for cancellations made by Seven Directions Tours.
Check payable to: Seven Directions LLC. 1027B Canyon Road. Santa Fe, NM 87501. USA.
Balance due upon invoicing, 20 days prior to departure.
If you are traveling alone and wish to share a room, we will do our best to find someone on the tour. If a roommate cannot be found, the single supplement will be charged.
Some minor itinerary changes may be made. Due to fluctuations in oil prices and State tax increases, a surcharge may be added to your tour fee. Rates vary by season and local event dates. Details and costs will be advised before departure.
Travel and Life & Health insurances are recommended. An “Indemnification and Hold Harmless” agreement has to be signed by each participant before starting the trip.
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For information please contact us:
Tel.877.992.6128 – 505.820.3305
e-mail: info@sevendirections.net
From Our Clients:
"We so enjoyed meeting you, you made our trip very special. Your commentaries added so much insight to every place we visited."
-Kay J. St.Louis, MO