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New Mexico – Land of Enchantment

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Uniquely Tauck

EXPERIENCE WITH TAUCK

TAUCK EXCLUSIVE – A visit to the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum & a private artist's studio in Santa Fe

TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES

Multiple-night stays in Albuquerque, Taos and Santa Fe ensuring in-depth cultural discoveries

Visits to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and private welcome and talk at the National Museum of Nuclear Science offer an insider look at life in Albuquerque, past, present & future

Exploration of Bandelier National Monument & Pueblo de Taos

Storyteller tales & a float trip on the Rio Grande

Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as detailed

SEE WHAT YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES

Guests should be able to easily walk one to two miles, which may include climbing one or two flights of stairs and walking over uneven pavement, groomed hiking trails or cobblestones. Standing up to one hour or more may be required.

Moderately paced, and may include some early morning hotel departures, one or two on-tour flights, and extended motor coach travel.

Legendary Journeys and Adventures

Step back in time to centuries of Pueblo culture... at Bandelier National Monument where echoes of ancient American Indian lifestyles live on today... at Taos Pueblo, ten centuries strong and along the Rio Grande where storytelling, a raft trip and a family-style lunch inspire the imagination... stroll through the spirited landscapes of Georgia O'Keeffe... In New Mexico, the enchantment begins.

Spend two nights at a resort at the foot of the Sandia Mountains, and three nights in fabulous Santa Fe. Enjoy a private visit to the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, a private presentation by a local chef (with lunch) and a visit to a private artist's studio in Santa Fe... be treated to a private welcome and talk at the National Museum of Nuclear Science... discover Albuquerque's Indian Pueblo Cultural Center... visit 1,000-year-old Pueblo de Taos, enhanced by a storyteller's tales... explore ancient dwellings at Bandelier National Monument... take a float trip down the Rio Grande. It's New Mexico vacation magic at its best!

The Santa Fe School of Cooking

Discover the flavors of the southwest at the santa fe school of cooking.

Set in the heart of historic Santa Fe for close to 30 years, the Santa Fe School of Cooking is an internationally acclaimed, recreational culinary school and online market specializing in foods of the American Southwest. For centuries before Santa Fe was even considered a city, the area enjoyed a unique food culture cultivated by the Native American peoples. Over time, the mix of Native American, Spanish and Anglo cultures in Santa Fe created one of the most diverse and exciting "foodie scenes" in North America. Learn some of its secrets through a private presentation by a local chef, followed by an extraordinary lunch at this acclaimed cooking school.

A float trip on the Rio Grande

Enjoy a private guided float trip along the mighty rio grande... and a traditional pueblo lunch.

One of the great rivers of the American Southwest, the Rio Grande rises in Colorado and flows to the Gulf of Mexico through the states of Colorado, New Mexico and Texas and several Mexican states; the mighty river forms part of the border between the US and Mexico. The Rio Grande has long been a popular waterway for rafting, and in the 1960s became one of the first rivers in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Near Taos, board a rubber raft with your native local guide for a private gentle float trip on the Rio Grande, capped by a traditional Pueblo cooking demo and family-style lunch.

International Balloon Fiesta

See the albuquerque international balloon fiesta on select departures.

What began as a small gathering of 13 hot air balloons in a mall parking lot to help celebrate an Albuquerque radio station's 50th anniversary in 1972 has grown into the largest balloon event in the world. Held each year during the first week in October, the 9-day Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta now attracts almost 600 balloons and 1,000 pilots. Hundreds of thousands of guests visit the Balloon Fiesta each year, and hundreds of thousands more fans watch the balloons from outlying areas and on TV. Guests on early October departures of "New Mexico – Land of Enchantment" can enjoy an optional early morning (5:00 AM) excursion to attend the morning session of the Balloon Fiesta on Day 2; ask for details at booking.

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All the information you need for this journey at your fingertips – day-by-day details, map, hotel descriptions, key highlights and more.

Where you stay is an important part of your journey – with Tauck, accommodations have been handpicked and carefully selected for their location and ambiance, enhancing the destinations you explore. Download accommodation details and your travel plans begin!

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Overnight Accommodations

Extend your stay

Arrive Early

Hotel albuquerque.

Albuquerque, New Mexico

El Monte Sagrado Living Resort & Spa

Taos, New Mexico

Eldorado Hotel & Spa

Santa Fe, New Mexico

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Travel Documents

New Mexico – Land of Enchantment begins and ends in the U.S.

Real ID Act - Effective May 7, 2025

Beginning in May 2025, some state IDs will no longer permit you to board a domestic flight. Currently, some states are compliant, some have received extensions, and some are not compliant.  Click here  to see the status of your state. If your state license is not compliant, you can use a passport in lieu of a valid state ID. 

Please Note:  The federal government has extended the deadline to May 7, 2025 for domestic airline passengers to secure a Real ID driver's license for use as identification at the airport. Travelers without a verified license or ID card will also have the option of showing other identity documents, such as a passport or military ID to board a plane.

If you are traveling by air to join and/or depart from this tour within the U.S., please read the section entitled Airline Security Measures under Additional Information to determine what travel documentation is required.

If you are frequent traveler to the U.S. from Canada, you may benefit from the NEXUS program, which is a joint initiative between the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency and the Canada Border Services Agency that allows pre-screened and approved travelers faster processing at designated highway lanes in high-volume border crossing locations, at a NEXUS kiosk at several airports, and at certain marine reporting locations in the Great Lakes and Seattle regions. For further information, you may log on to the Nexus Internet website by clicking here .

If you are a citizen of another country traveling internationally,   you should contact an embassy or consulate of the U.S. to determine what travel documentation is necessary. You may also log on to the U.S. State Department's Internet site by clicking  here.

We strongly recommend that your passport be valid for six months beyond the completion of your tour. We also recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents or cards are misplaced, lost or stolen.

To facilitate Travel Requirements, destinations are increasingly utilizing online forms that require digital proof that you've successfully completed your submission (via an email, QR code, etc.) To ensure smooth travels and peace of mind, we strongly recommend all guests carry a personal smart phone and sign up for international data plans before traveling overseas.

Note: For activities marked with an asterisk (*) in day-by-day descriptions, participation is at your own risk; a signed liability waiver will be required.

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN AS A GUARDIAN: If you are traveling as the guardian of a child/children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents of the child authorizing emergency treatment in the event of illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling internationally without BOTH parents. (These requirements are in response to the increased incidence of children being abducted and taken abroad.) PLEASE NOTE THAT TAUCK IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.

How to Book a Tour

See your travel advisor, or call Tauck at 800-468-2825 to make a reservation.

At the time of booking, please have the following information ready for all members of your party:

• Tour Name and Departure Date
• Traveler's Name: First and last names as they appear on your passport or driver's license
• Traveler's Address(es)
• Email Address*
• Traveler's Phone Number(s)*
• Emergency Contact Information: Please provide the name and phone number  of a relative or friend (not travelling with you) whom we could contact during the tour in the unlikely event of an emergency
• Interest in purchasing a travel protection plan (US and Canada)
• Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
• Interest in our specially negotiated airfares

* Required Fields

Deposit & Final Payment

The deposit and the fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking.

The deposit amount is $350 per person

Final Payment:

Final Payment is due to Tauck 60 days before departure for lands trips, and 120 days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.

Travel Protection Plan

Effective for plans purchased as of July 1, 2021:

Cancellation Waiver – Provided by Tauck:

Under Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver you can cancel your tour for ANY REASON up to the day before departure and receive a money-back refund (except in Extreme Circumstances*) on the land tour cost, based on your original method of payment.

*Extreme Circumstances:  In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey.

Travel Insurance Benefits – Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company.

• Trip Cancellation –  If you must cancel your tour due to a covered reason, the plan provides coverage for the amount you paid for your travel arrangements. Since the non-insurance cancellation waiver takes care of the land package cancellation fees already, this benefit reimburses the airfare cancellation charges up to the value of your original airfare purchase.
• Trip Interruption –  If you have to interrupt your tour for covered reasons, the plan provides reimbursement for up to $5,000 to catch up to your tour or return home.
• Travel Delay –  Provides reimbursement for missed, prepaid travel arrangements if you are delayed by a common carrier, natural disaster, unannounced strike, or other reasons as cited in the plan.
• Medical Expense –  Reimburses covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or sick during your trip. 
• Baggage / Personal Effects Protection –  Provides reimbursement in the event your luggage or personal effects are, lost, stolen, damaged or delayed during your trip.

Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services –  Provided by Carefree Travel Assistance; 24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline for medical and travel related problems.

The cost of Tauck's Guest Protection is: $349  per person

This protection provides insurance coverage that applies only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker.

This optional Guest Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included with initial payment. Fees are based on costs as of July 1, 2021, and are subject to change. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your tour reservation. Guest Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.

The Guest Protection plan waives cancellation fees outlined below, provided we are notified of cancellation before your tour departs. Tour cancellation fees are waived regardless of reason, without written notice, and Tauck will refund land tour cost.

To obtain your state-specific Certificate of Insurance that contains the complete terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the certificate, visit  affinitytravelcert.com/docs/TACGPPDOM .

If You Have To Cancel

If you cancel within 10 days of initial deposit Within the first 10 days after you place your initial deposit, you may cancel your reservation for any reason with no cancellation fees. If you cancel more than 10 days after initial deposit Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. These fees vary from tour to tour. Therefore, the following fees apply.

Cancellation Fees with Tauck's Guest Protection Plan:

Loss of Guest Protection fee, per person

Cancellation Fees without Tauck's Guest Protection Plan :

60 days or more before departure = $350 per person

59-8 days before departure = $600 per person

7-1 days before departure = $900 per person

Time of cancellation  will be when notice is received in our Wilton Woods, CT office.

In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control,  Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation terms outlined herein.

Note:  All Guests, regardless of residency, who book a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing the Cancellation Fee Waiver provided by Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations. Tauck's Guest Protection, which includes both the Cancellation Fee Waiver and the Travel Insurance Benefits and Assistance Services described above, is not available to residents of Puerto Rico.

Travel Terms and Conditions

Click here  to find Tauck's Travel Terms & Conditions.

Travel Requirements For This Tour

Air Information and Luggage Restrictions

AIRFARE: Airfare to and from this destination is not included in the journey cost. If purchasing your air elsewhere, it is very important to provide us with your confirmed arriving and departing flight information no later than 3 weeks before your arrival date. Flight information can be submitted to Tauck (or verified, if you've already provided it) in the My Account section of Tauck.com.

TAUCK AIRPORT TRANSFERS are included at the start and end of the journey between the airport and the Tauck hotel. Airport transfers are available for any pre tour or post tour hotel stays immediately consecutive to the tour, providing flight information is received in the Tauck office no later than three weeks in advance. Details on locating your transfer upon arrival to the tour start city will be included in your final documents.

AIRLINES and CHECKED LUGGAGE: Due to space limitations during your Tauck journey, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one average-size suitcase per person. Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and are free to revise luggage policies without notice. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies. PLEASE NOTE that if you are booked on a tour that includes on-tour flights, the checked luggage weight restrictions for these flights may be lower than the weight restrictions for your international flights.

Checked Luggage – General

Due to space restrictions, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one suitcase per person weighing no more than 50 pounds (23 kg) and with overall dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 62 inches (158 cm).

Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and luggage exceeding airline standards for size or weight may result in expensive overage fees or other consequences.

Airlines are free to revise luggage policies without notice, and certain airlines have different baggage allowances for different classes of service. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies.

Tauck luggage tags will be provided by your Tauck Director on Day 1 of your itinerary. Please do not attach a Tauck luggage tag to any carry-on items, as the Tauck tags designate luggage that is to be handled and transferred by ground operators and hotel staff during your journey.

Carry-on Luggage - General

Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.

For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and that you bring only those items you need handy during the day such as make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or on the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.

Health, Safety and Mobility

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.

If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify Tauck as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.

VACCINATIONS

If you are a resident of another country traveling to or within the U.S., we suggest that contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to obtain information regarding vaccinations and medications for vaccine-preventable diseases and other diseases for which you might be at risk when you reach your destination in the U.S. The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 800-232-4636 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on to the CDC website by clicking here .

To enjoy this tour, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces. Some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. The amount of walking you do, however, is at your discretion. While none of the planned activities are especially strenuous or difficult, we urge caution when engaging in activities at high elevations. If you have a heart condition or lung ailment, please consult your physician before you book your trip.

PLEASE NOTE: We regret that we're unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs. The responsibility of the Tauck Director who accompanies your trip is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest. Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it.

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS

The restaurants, hotels, caterers and numerous other partners we work with all do their best to accommodate special dietary requests from Tauck guests. However, given the diverse nature of those food providers (from small wineries to grand hotels to world-famous restaurants in more than 70 countries worldwide), some of our partners are better able than others to accommodate such requests. We therefore cannot guarantee that all dietary requests can be accommodated at every meal. Also, please note that where dietary requests can be accommodated, choices will frequently be limited.

Reading List

We have compiled a reading list of recommended books to give you more information about the destinations you will be traveling to on your upcoming journey! You can view the reading list  here.

Temperatures in New Mexico may vary considerably due to the area's high altitude and low humidity. From spring to fall you may expect the temperature to range from 50˚F (10˚C) at night and early morning to 95˚F (35˚C) at mid-day. In the summer months, the days can be quite hot, yet the evenings will still get cool enough for a sweater. There are often light afternoon showers in August, but generally the entire area has minimal rainfall. During our overnight stays in Mescalero, it can get quite cool in the evening.

To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, noaa.gov , by clicking here.

What To Pack

Bringing the right clothing for your trip is important – we've partnered with Necessary Gear who provide an "easy-to-use, one-stop shop" for your Tauck travel needs, specifically selected for this trip. Click here to visit their site .

Your journey is designed with leisure in mind. Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is adaptable and allows for layering. Generally, during the day, casual, comfortable, cotton clothing is recommended. Cool weather at higher elevations or at night will require warmer, layered clothing. For the welcome and farewell receptions, casual resort wear is appropriate; formal wear is never required.

All of our hotels offer valet laundry service for a fee.

We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor's prescription or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed.

Following is a list of recommended items to pack for your journey to New Mexico:

• Casual daytime wear – shorts, slacks, long and short-sleeved shirts
• An optional jacket for men
• Casually elegant evening wear for ladies
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
• A light sweater or jacket for higher elevations or a breezy night
• Insect repellent
• Camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards and chargers
• Lightweight, comfortable, sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in
• Travel alarm clock/cell phone with alarm function (many hotels do not have clocks in the rooms)
• Rain poncho and collapsible umbrella
• Reusable zipper-lock bags or other waterproof bags
• Daypack for camera equipment
• Sundries and toiletries that may be difficult to find en route
• Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your hotel room while traveling

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New Mexico Tours & Vacations

New Mexico is called the ‘Land of Enchantment' for a reason, and one epic adventure through its otherworldly landscapes , Pueblo-style streets, jaw-dropping national parks and eerily quiet ghost towns will have you feelin’ the magic. Stop to appreciate the Indigenous American and Spanish influences while you marvel at the desert scenery millions of years in the making.

Our New Mexico trips

Let's create an exclusive trip for your group.

New Mexico highlights

New mexico travel faqs, how do i get to new mexico.

There are a number of ways you can get to New Mexico with flying, self-driving, and catching public transport among the most popular ones.

New Mexico has several airports offering flights in and out of the state with Albuquerque's international airport being the busiest.

You can also embark on an epic road trip if you're traveling from a neighboring state or catch public transportation via bus/coach and train/rail systems. 

How can I get around New Mexico?

There are a number of ways to move around New Mexico with the most popular one being catching public transport via the state's Greyhound/Trailways bus lines.

You can also fly between destinations as New Mexico has over 50 commercial airports for passengers to use.

Driving from destination to destination is also popular as it's a good way to see as much of New Mexico's beautiful scenery as possible. 

Does it snow in New Mexico?

The climate in New Mexico is categorized as being mild and arid as most of the state is made up of desert landscapes leaving summers to get quite hot.

July is the hottest month of the year with temperatures averaging around 88°F, making it one of the hottest states in the United States.

Despite experiencing a high level of heat throughout the year, New Mexico enjoys little to no humidity and also sees snowfall seven months out of the year. 

When is the best time to visit New Mexico?

The months of May, August, and September are considered the best time to travel to New Mexico as the weather is milder than in the summer months but still warm enough to enjoy spending time outdoors.

If you're into skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities, New Mexico experiences a snow season from mid-December to April so that can also be a popular time to travel to the state. 

What to pack for a trip to New Mexico

Deciding what to pack for your trip to New Mexico often largely depends on what kind of vacation you intend on having.

If you're keen to do some exploring of the state's breathtaking landscapes and hike through its various national parks then comfortable walking shoes, a backpack or day bag, and a reusable drink bottle is advised.

If you're traveling in summer, make sure to pack t-shirts, shorts, dresses and hats, as well as sunscreen to protect your skin. 

What are the best national parks to visit in New Mexico?

New Mexico is full of breathtaking national parks each with its own unique formations and history. Suitable for avid outdoor-lovers and for those who just want to appreciate a bit of nature, these are the best national parks in New Mexico: 

• Carlsbad Caverns National Park 
• White Sands National Monument
• Bandelier National Monument
• Kasha Katuwe National Monument
• Chaco Culture National Historical Park 

How many ghost towns are there in New Mexico?

Surprisingly there are over 60 ghost towns scattered around New Mexico, most of them being classified as 'neglected', 'abandoned', or 'historic' depending on how many buildings remain. If you're a history buff and are fascinated by the lives people lived centuries ago then check out these top ghost towns in New Mexico: 

• Shakespeare 
• Lake Valley 

Are Intrepid trips accessible for travelers with disabilities?

We are committed to making travel widely  accessible , regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations. 

We are always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Does my trip support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners, Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe. Find out more or make a donation World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilize school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most. Find out more or make a donation

new mexico ' s PREMIER TOUR CO.

Est. 2015 · celebrating 9 years of inspiring the heritage throughout the land of enchantment, heritage inspirations tour company provides year-round authentically-curated guided tours that take you off the beaten path of northern new mexico., our tours illuminate our diverse and incredible people, our iconic cultural sites and traditions, while unveiling awe-inspiring landscapes and natural wonders., experience a road less-traveled on our specialty designed tour itineraries that explore taos, santa fe, albuquerque and chaco canyon regions and beyond., choose from an active outdoor expedition, an e-bike tour , an insider's walking tour, a hands-on culinary immersion, or a roving glamping adventure ; either way you’re guaranteed to find a travel program that thoughtfully anticipates your needs and feeds your soul., signature new mexico tours.

We take you off the beaten path

Acoma Pueblo Day Tour + Chaco Canyon Day Tour Bundle

Explore the ancient Acoma Pueblo, the oldest continuously inhabited community in the U.S. A cultural journey from Hotel Chaco to Sky City.

$565 per person + tax* VARIED PRICING: Hotel Chaco guests $540 + tax tour price per person

Friday: DEPART: 8:00 am - RETURN: 2:30 pm Saturday: DEPART: 7:15 am - RETURN: 5:45 pm (Not offered in July and August): March 1 - November 30 MEET AT: Hotel Chaco in Old Town Albuquerque TOUR REGION(S): Albuquerque, NM, Chaco Canyon, NM

Chaco Canyon Day Tour

Explore the mystery of Chaco Canyon UNESCO World Heritage Site with Heritage Inspirations. Featured in top publications, our tours unveil the enigma of this ancestral Puebloan site.

$325 per person + tax* VARIED PRICING: Hotel Chaco guests $299 + tax tour price per person

Saturday 7:15 am - 5:45 pm (Not offered in July and August): March 1 - November 30 MEET AT: Hotel Chaco in Old Town Albuquerque TOUR REGION(S): Albuquerque, NM, Chaco Canyon, NM

City Different E-Bike Tour

Tour Santa Fe on our City Different E-Bike Tour. Discover the art, architecture, history, and culture of this iconic New Mexican city.

$165 per person + tax*

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday Morning Tour only (March and November): 10:00 am - 12:30 pm Morning Tour (April through October): 8:30 am - 12:00 pm Afternoon Tour (April through October): 2:00 pm - 5:30 pm Regular Season: March 1 - November 30 Expanded Hours: April 1 - October 31 MEET AT: H.I. Travel Hub - Inn & Spa at Loretto TOUR REGION(S): Santa Fe, 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 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

Hiking Tour in Bandelier National Monument

Tour New Mexico’s Ancestral Puebloan Cliff Dwellings in this full-day hiking tour from Santa Fe.

$275 per person + tax*

Friday, Saturday, Sunday 8:00 am - 3:00 pm Year-Round MEET AT: H.I. Travel Hub - Inn & Spa at Loretto TOUR REGION(S): Santa Fe, NM

Historic Architectural & Interiors Walking + Wine Tasting Tour

Explore Santa Fe’s architecture on our walking tour of the Historic District. After the tour, indulge in a wine tasting at Gruet’s Tasting Room.

$125 per person + tax*

Thursday, Friday, Saturday 9:30 am - 12:30 pm Year-Round MEET AT: H.I. Travel Hub - Inn & Spa at Loretto TOUR REGION(S): Santa Fe, NM

Horno Baking at Taos Pueblo – UNESCO World Heritage Site

Hands-on Native American Cooking Class in Taos Pueblo, New Mexico. Carry your own loaf of “horno bread” home!

Monday, Sunday 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Regular Season: May 1 - November 30 Winter Season: December 1 - December 31 MEET AT: H.I. Travel Hub - El Monte Sagrado Resort TOUR REGION(S): Taos, NM

Mezcla de Culturas Walking Tour

Discover the soul of Albuquerque’s Old Town with our Mezcla de Culturas walking tour, hailed by the New York Times as the best way to delve into its rich history.

$75 per person + tax*

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10:00 am - 12:00 pm (Available March - November): 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Regular Season: March 1 - November 30 Winter Season: December 1 - February 29 MEET AT: Lobby of Hotel Albuquerque TOUR REGION(S): Albuquerque, NM

Taos Artisan Walking Tour + Chocolate

Explore Taos’ vibrant artistic legacy on a guided walking tour, and enjoy a unique chocolate happy hour at Chokola Bean to Bar, savoring artisanal chocolates.

$99 per person + tax*

Thursday, Friday, Saturday 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Regular Season: March 1 - November 30 Winter Season: December 1 - February 29 MEET AT: H.I. Travel Hub - El Monte Sagrado Resort TOUR REGION(S): Taos, NM

Taos Half Day Cultural Tour

Embark on a cultural odyssey and explore Taos’ indigenous roots, Spanish influences, and artistic communities.

$199 per person + tax*

Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 9:00 am - 1:00 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

Taos Snowshoeing Day Tour

Discover the enchantment of snowshoeing in Taos Backcountry! Enjoy a tailgate lunch with warm beverages following your adventure.

$175 per person + tax* VARIED PRICING: $150 per child + tax* (Ages 5-17)

Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10:00 am - 2:30 pm December 15 - March 31 MEET AT: H.I. Travel Hub - El Monte Sagrado Resort TOUR REGION(S): Taos, NM

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7 Day New Mexico Tours & Trips

• Choose from 7 New Mexico tours
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7 best New Mexico 7 day tour packages

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Nadine New Mexico travel expert at TourRadar

Enchanted New Mexico 7 Days

Albuquerque balloon fiesta, enchanted new mexico with albuquerque balloon fiesta, santa fe-taos bike tour, usa – new mexico balloon festival & santa fe, usa – new mexico adventure – white sands santa fe balloon ride, albuquerque balloon fiesta & santa fe.

• Ride the Sandia Peak Tramway at sunset
• Learn at the National Museum of Nuclear Science
• Explore Albuquerque's historic Old Town

• Festival & Events
• Visit the Turquoise Trail and ghost town of Madrid
• Explore the historic adobes of Taos Pueblo
• Witness the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

• In-depth Cultural
• Sightseeing
• Enjoy a farewell dinner with Mariachi
• Tour the Nuclear Science & History Museum
• Explore Santa Fe's historic sites

“Everyone went out of their way to make it a wonderful experience.”

• Tour Bandelier's ancient cliff dwellings
• Explore art galleries along Canyon Road
• Cycle the scenic High Road to Taos

• Tour Santa Fe's historic downtown
• Watch the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
• Ride a hot air balloon in Albuquerque

• Christmas & New Year
• Tour Santa Fe and sample local cuisine
• Explore White Sands National Monument

• Ride the train to historic Santa Fe
• Explore the Miraculous Staircase at Loretto Chapel
• Ascend Sandia Peak by tram for stunning views

“Great accommodations and great tour guide. The only negative was the weather, but that did not affect our enjoyment.”

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Join us in the Land of Enchantment for an adventure you won’t easily forget. On Backroads New Mexico tours, discover the best of this rose-hued landscape with activities from biking to wildflower-watching. Together, let’s sample delicious chiles, explore indigenous cultures and more. From the artsy Taos to the wilderness of the Sangre de Cristo mountains, and from Santa Fe’s Gallery Row to the Rio Grande Gorge, the surprising juxtapositions here will enthrall you and leave you wanting more.

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Escorted and Package Tours in New Mexico

Packages for The Independent Traveler

Package tours are simply a way to buy the airfare, accommodations, and other elements of your trip (such as car rentals, airport transfers, and sometimes even activities) at the same time and often at discounted prices.

One good source of package deals is the airlines and train companies themselves. Most major airlines offer air/land packages, including Southwest Airlines Vacations (tel. 800/243-8372; www.swavacations.com), American Airlines Vacations (tel. 800/321-2121; www.aavacations.com), Delta Vacations (tel. 800/221-6666; www.deltavacations.com), and United Vacations (tel. 888/854-3899; www.unitedvacations.com). Several big online travel agencies -- Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz, Site59, and Lastminute.com -- also do a brisk business in packages. Amtrak Vacations (tel. 800/268-7252; www.amtrakvacations.com) offers train packages.

Escorted General Interest Tours

Escorted tours are structured group tours, with a group leader. The price usually includes everything from airfare to hotels, meals, tours, admission costs, and local transportation.

Not many escorted tours are offered in New Mexico. The tour companies I spoke to said most visitors to New Mexico have such disparate interests it's difficult to create packages to please them. Still, a few tour companies can help you arrange a variety of day trips during your visit and can also secure lodging. Tauck World Discovery, 10 Norden Place, Norwalk, CT 06855 (tel. 800/788-7885; www.tauck.com), offers weeklong cultural trips to New Mexico. Destination Southwest, Inc., 20 First Plaza Galeria, Ste. 212, Albuquerque, NM 87102 (tel. 800/999-3109 or 505/766-9068; www.destinationsouthwest.com), offers an escorted tour to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Rojotours & Services, P.O. Box 15744, Santa Fe, NM 87506-5744 (tel. 505/474-8333; www.rojotours.com), can help with a variety of day trips during your visit.

Special Interest Trips

New Mexico is in the process of developing a network of special-interest trips that I'm certain will expand even more in upcoming years.

One excellent operator is Santa Fe Mountain Adventures (tel. 800/965-4010 or 505/988-4000; www.santafemountainadventures.com), which combines outdoor adventures such as hiking and river running with cultural activities such as visits to pueblos or museums, with more relaxing ones such as spa treatments and meditation practices. A collaborative effort in conjunction with Outside magazine, the business is eco-conscious.

Academic Trips $ Language Clssses -- Some of the world's most outstanding photographers convene in Santa Fe at various times during the year for the Santa Fe Workshops, P.O. Box 9916, Santa Fe, NM 87504, at a delightful campus in the hills on the east side of town (tel. 505/983-1400; www.santafeworkshops.com). Most courses are full time, lasting a week. Food and lodging packages are available.

Those who like a scholarly bent to their vacations can hook up with Southwest Seminars (tel. 505/466-2775; www.southwestseminars.org) and their "Travels with a Scholar" program. This organization organizes tours throughout the Southwest, led by museum directors, historians, geologists, archaeologists, anthropologists, and authors. Southwest Seminars is able to arrange visits to sites that are not open to the general public, such as archaeological sites, petroglyph panels, volcanic calderas, contemporary Indian pueblos, and Native artists' homes and studios. Each Monday at 6pm, they offer a talk given by a regional scholar, well worth checking out.

Adventure & Art Trips -- Bicycle Adventures, P.O. Box 11219, Olympia, WA 98508 (tel. 800/443-6060 or 360/786-0989), offers tours to northern New Mexico. Riders get to experience some of the region's most lovely routes such as the High Road to Taos and the Enchanted Circle. Participants visit major sights such as Santa Fe's Canyon Road and Taos Pueblo and can even opt for a river trip. In business for over 2 decades, this company knows how to put together a good tour.

If you'd like to pursue an artistic adventure, check out the week-long classes in such media as painting, Native American pottery making, and weaving offered by Taos Art School (tel. 505/758-0350; www.taosartschool.org). This organization is especially known for its weaving and horseback-riding creative "odyssey." Open since 1989, the school is a virtual campus in which classes go where they need to be. For instance, a painting class on Georgia O'Keeffe is held in Abiquiu, a Pueblo pottery class at Taos Pueblo, and a class on the churches in New Mexico is held at five different churches in the region. The fees vary from class to class and include lodging and meals.

Great Expectations (tel. 800/663-3364; www.greatexpectations.com) offers an "Opera in Santa Fe" trip, which focuses on more than the opera, but also partakes of this world-class entertainment.

Food & Wine Trips -- Jane Butel Cooking School, 2655 Pan American NE, Ste. F, Albuquerque, NM 87107 (tel. 800/473-8226 or 505/243-2622; www.janebutel.com), offers week-long and weekend packages with a hotel stay and full-participation classes. The weekend classes are held in noted chef and television personality Jane Butel's home kitchen in Corrales, a village along the Rio Grande on the edge of Albuquerque. The week-long classes are in Santa Fe.

Volunteer & Working Trips -- Sierra Club Outings (tel. 415/977-5522; www.sierraclub.org/outings/national/service.asp) organizes working vacations all over the world, with some work to be done in New Mexico. Global Citizens Network offers volunteer vacations to worldwide destinations as well, including, at times, New Mexico. To check their schedule, contact (tel. 800/644-9292; www.globalcitizens.org).

Note : This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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NEW MEXICO JEEP TOURS

Serving albuquerque and santa fe, nm.

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Call/Text 505-633-0383 Mon-Sat 9am-5pm MST | Email: [email protected]

Offering guided tours year round, fully insured, permitted and certified.  we are doing our best to do it right.

The Land of Enchantment abounds in opportunities to explore the mysteries of its ancient past and wonders of its landscapes.  Ancestral ruins, historic homesteads, petroglyphs, petrified forests and geological marvels lie hidden in its hills and valleys.  Wild horses run free on its mesas.  New Mexico Jeep Tours invites you to join us as we explore the hidden treasures this land has to offer.

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• A driver/guide will take you on your tour
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Ghost towns cast shadows of the historic past.  Ancestral Puebloan ruins and petroglyphs offer a glimpse of life in bygone days . . . Click for more info on Jeep Tour options

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New Mexico Jeep Tours, LLC loves the Land of Enchantment and wants to keep it enchanting.   Click here to visit our Ethics page and see how we are doing that.

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Albuquerque, Santa Fe & Taos, New Mexico

A group bus tour.

The Land of Enchantment awaits you! Guided tours will take you through three of New Mexico’s most beloved cities and their hot spots you won’t want to miss, including New Mexico’s Veteran’s Memorial, Sandia Peak Tramway, and Albuquerque’s Museum and Sculpture Gardens.

This package includes:

• 5 Nights Lodging
• 5 Breakfasts
• Guided Tour of Acoma Pueblo
• New Mexico’s Veteran’s Memorial
• Guided Tour of Santa Fe
• Guided Tour of Taos, NM, including Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, Taos Pueblo, Taos Plaza, and Millicent Rogers Museum
• Old Town Albuquerque
• Sandia Peak Tramway
• Albuquerque Museum and Sculpture Gardens
• Evening of Entertainment
• Gift for All
• Luggage Handling
• All Taxes and Meal Gratuities
• 2 Comps Per Bus of 40 or more

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New Mexico's Scenic Byways

New mexico is home to 25 magnificent scenic byways, totaling over 2,900 miles across a diverse landscape..

In fact, eight of the 126 America's Byways are right here in our state. The America's Byways Program is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation , Federal Highway Administration, and was established to help recognize, preserve and enhance selected roads throughout the states. The U.S. Secretary of Transportation recognizes these designated roads based on one or more intrinsic qualities — archaeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational, or scenic. You don’t have to take their word for it. We’ll let you be the judge. Come see each unique scenic byway for yourself. Click on the images to view a map and video. 

Abo Pass Trail Scenic Byway

Billy the kid scenic byway, corrales road scenic byway, el camino real national scenic byway, enchanted circle scenic byway, geronimo trail national scenic byway, the guadalupe back country scenic byway, jemez mountain trail national scenic byway, la frontera del llano scenic byway, lake valley back country byway, mesalands scenic byway, tracks across borders scenic byway, quebradas backcountry scenic byway, route 66 national scenic byway, salt missions scenic byways, santa fe national forest scenic byway, santa fe trail scenic byway, socorro historic district byway, sunspot scenic byway, high road to taos scenic byway, trail of the mountain spirits scenic byway, trail of the ancients scenic byway, turquoise trail national scenic byway, wild rivers scenic byway.

Read more about scenic byways in New Mexico Magazine

Take The Scenic Route Through New Mexico : Hit some of the state’s classic scenic drives.

See Fall Color Shimmer Across the Jemez Mountains : In the Jemez Mountains, fire reshaped the landscape and taught us lessons made visible each fall.

Visit NewMexicoMagazine.org

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Gastronomy Tour of Northern Italy | July 5 – 16, 2025

Escorted cruises, christmas markets cruise on the danube | december 7 – 16, 2024, your discovery awaits, 5-star rated small group journeys, desert oases: death valley & palm springs | february 2 – 7, 2025, tours in the spotlight, branson & the ozarks.

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Discover the heart of America on an 8-day adventure through the Ozarks, Eureka Springs, Branson, Bentonville, and Oklahoma City.

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Embark on a spectacular seven-day West Coast cruise, on the Discovery Princess, starting from Los Angeles.

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Our carefully selected lodging ensures that our guests can relax the SUN TOURS way. No request is too great

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Tour in the newest, custom motorcoaches with first-class style amenities. Our drivers are helpful and courteous. We include snacks, water, and special Sun treats.

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Let us do the heavy lifting! We deliver your bags to your room every evening and pick them up every morning. No more luggage hassles!

Gratuities for Tour Directors, drivers, luggage handling, activities, step-on guides, meals and cruise ships are included in the package price.

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Our gracious, seasoned Tour Directors impart their incredible knowledge of the regions we tour. We include local step-on guides and other experts to gain extra insight on your journeys. 

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“Very comprehensive—variety and balance of coach riding and stops for walking was good. Excellent coverage of historical landmarks. Knowledgeable, efficient, patient tour director; very pleasant driver, friendly yet professional.”

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Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire Fall Foliage

“The yacht we traveled on in the Galapagos and small group experience was beyond our imaginations. We had personal experiences of snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, and birding. In the jungle we had day and night walks and canoeing along rivers and creeks to see a myriad of jungle life such as river otters, monkeys, birds, and insects. We always felt safe. Our guides were experts in their areas and formed personal relationships. Our escort was as enthusiastic as we were and always helpful to meet our various needs. It was truly an emotional experience.”

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12 Most Beautiful Towns In New Mexico You Should Visit

• Taos, Tucumcari, and Galisteo are just a few of the most charming and beautiful towns in New Mexico that offer unique experiences and stunning landscapes.
• From outdoor activities and cultural attractions to delicious cuisine and historic sites, these towns have something for everyone to enjoy and explore.
• Whether you're seeking adventure in Cloudcroft, history in Roswell, or a peaceful getaway in Mesilla, these towns in New Mexico are worth visiting for their diverse offerings and small-town charm.

From gorgeous buildings and beautiful mountain communities to quaint towns, New Mexico boasts some of the most breathtaking places in America . Its stunning, diverse landscapes have inspired artists from around the world. Much of New Mexico's unique charm is found in its small towns. These have local restaurants with delicious specialties, attractions that have earned praise from previous travelers, and stunning hotels housed in the state's historic buildings. These are the most beautiful towns in New Mexico that tourists should visit.

UPDATE: 2023/09/03 15:14 EST BY NICHOLAS MAYAMBA

The Most Beautiful Towns In New Mexico: Part 2

New Mexico's desert landscapes boast unique sceneries that delight explorers from around the country. This updated list features two more places to visit in New Mexico that won't disappoint. With fall and winter on the way, there are plenty of places and things to see throughout New Mexico: The Land of Enchantment!

Related: Everything Worth Doing When Visiting Taos, New Mexico

There is no shortage of fun things to do in Taos . Its museums and independent art galleries are some of the things that make it stand out. San Francisco de Asis Mission Church, one of the most iconic churches and photographed locations in the state, also calls this enchanting town a home. Its position by the Rocky Mountains and Rio Grande Gorge makes it an incredible destination for outdoor lovers.

With an incredible blend of Spanish, Native American, and southwestern influences, Tucumcari’s culture is incredibly adverse. Housing some of the top historic sites in New Mexico , Taos' Historic District is a popular tourist spot, filled with numerous medieval buildings, some dating back to the ‘20s. The town is brimming with stunning hidden gems, which display a unique side of it. It has stunning street art, museums, restaurants, and everything in between.

Boasting some of the best things to do in New Mexico , Galisteo offers unique experiences and attractions, making it one of the most charming towns to explore. Films like Crazy Heart, Silverado, and Thor were filmed in this gorgeous part of New Mexico. This is also one of the best adventure spots in the area, thanks to its beautiful desert scenery. Galisteo Basin Reserve is one of the top places to experience this side of the town. Travelers will find numerous hiking and biking trails to explore.

Related: Where To Find The Best Mountain Biking Trails In The Pioneer Valley

Silver City

Whether looking for entertainment options, history, food, or a unique cultural scene, it is there in Silver City. Its bustling downtown has a lot of gorgeous restaurants, hotels, and colorful shops selling all kinds of items. Some of the museums to explore include the Silver City Museum and Western New Mexico University Museum; these museums offer unique artifacts and exhibits about the South West region of the United States. Outdoorsy travelers can enjoy the city’s adventure spots, like the Gila National Forest, Penny Park, Mimbres River Preserve, and Big Ditch Park.

Located in Guadalupe County, Santa Rosa is one of the most beautiful towns in New Mexico and offers a lot to offer tourists. The city is known for its rugged desert landscape, incredible arts scene, beautiful culture, and fantastic culinary scene, mostly cooked in Southwestern style. It boasts several popular attractions, including Park Lake, Route 66 Auto Museum, and Blue Hole, which make it worth exploring . There is something for everyone in this great spot.

Cloudcroft is nestled on the northern side of Lincoln National Forest, which means it has plenty of outdoor opportunities, including mountain biking, bird watching, hiking, horseback riding, and camping. It is brimming with beautiful restaurants, colorful shops, and unique tourist spots. It offers numerous options for entertainment, including unique events and festivals. This charming mountain village is a perfect getaway for any type of traveler.

Ruidoso is nestled among the Sierra Blanca range of the Rocky Mountains on the southeast side of New Mexico. It is a popular destination that entices 1.9 million vacationers , ranging from history buffs to nature lovers and everyone in between. There are plenty of outdoor activities, including biking, fishing, and hiking. History lovers would definitely love spending time in the town's incredible museums, like the Hubbard Museum of the American West. Other places to check out include Fort Stanton, Grindstone Lake, Monjeau Lookout, and Adventure Mountain.

Roswell is famous for appearing in several documentaries, TV shows, and plenty of adventure opportunities. One can explore one of its many gorgeous farmlands, go hiking in the nearby Wildlife Refuge, or eat something tasty from its local restaurants. There are several art centers, museums, and a research center. There are numerous tours that vacationers can use to explore some of the best spots in the town. A good number of events, festivals, and concerts are held here from time to time.

Related: Go UFO Hunting In Roswell, New Mexico, And Then Check Out Their UFO Museum

Red River is a perfect destination for travelers looking for outdoor adventures, and one can go camping, fishing, hiking, OHV-ing, hunting, rafting, horseback riding, and biking. Several trails suit all kinds of travelers. Some strenuous hikes require effort and sweat to get through, but they get to some of the most breathtaking sights in the town. In winter, this gorgeous resort town offers incredible skiing and snowboarding opportunities, thanks to the surrounding sloping mountains. No matter the season tourists choose to come here, they’ll always find something interesting to do.

Vacationers enjoy traveling to small towns to escape the hustle and bustle of the big cities, but the long drives and whatever it takes to get there are off-putting to some. Located just outside of Santa Fe, this town has a long, fascinating history, and vacationers can learn some of it at one of its well-preserved sites, El Santuario de Chimayo. It is known for being one of the biggest farmlands in the southwestern and boasts a rich culture dating back thousands of years.

Aztec is a delightful community in northwestern New Mexico, a short drive from the Colorado border. This modest town is laden with some of the top historical sites in New Mexico , thanks to a legacy extending beyond the 19th century. An excellent example is the Aztec Ruins National Monument, which can be traced back to the 12th century. More hidden gems can be uncovered in its historic downtown, which impresses with awesome architectural styles. Also, explorers will want to tour the Aztec Arxhes, featuring over 300 natural sandstones that never fail to leave first-timers in awe.

Mesilla is a lovely locale with the perfect mix of rich historical heritage and small-town charm. Bordering Las Cruces to the west, it offers an excellent getaway from the state's third-biggest city and rewards adventurers with laid-back activities. History buffs should plan to visit Mesilla Plaza, the scenic town square - designated National Historic Landmark. Meanwhile, culture aficionados will gravitate towards the annual Diez y Seis de Septiembre Fiestas and Cinco de Mayo, which offer an immersive experience of the area's rich Mexican culture.

The prison where the ‘In Cold Blood’ killers were executed will soon open for tours

Graffiti remains on the walls of cell No. 126 in the historic,= Kansas State Penitentiary, also called the Lansing Correctional Facility, during a media tour, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, in Lansing, Kan. (Tammy Ljungblad/The Kansas City Star via AP)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Tammy Ljungblad]

LANSING, Kan. (AP) — The shuttered Kansas prison where the killers chronicled in Truman Capote ‘s “In Cold Blood” were executed is now a tourist attraction.

Starting Friday, former wardens and corrections officers will lead two-hour tours of the stone-walled building in Lansing that first began housing inmates in the 1860s, The Kansas City Star reported .

The building, originally called the Kansas State Penitentiary, was without purpose after the Kansas Department of Corrections opened the newly constructed Lansing Correctional Facility in 2020. But instead of demolishing it, the Department of Corrections transferred control of the building to the Lansing Historical Society and Museum.

Upcoming events include a car show inside the prison walls later this month.

“We’re expecting the prison to open up to large crowds who want to know what went on inside those walls,” Debra Bates-Lamborn, president of the society, said after state prison officials handed over the keys this week.

For years, the prison carried out executions by hanging at the gallows — a site that visitors will not be able to access during tours. Since removed from prison grounds, the wooden gallows are now disassembled and under the state’s custody.

Among the notable inmates executed at the prison were Richard “Dick” Hickock and Perry Smith, who were convicted of murdering four members of the Clutter family on November 15, 1959, in the family’s home near Holcomb, Kansas.

Capote along with his close friend and fellow writer Harper Lee visited the prison while doing research for the book about the killings . Hickock and Smith were executed in April 1965, among the last inmates to be hung in the state.

One spot on the tour is the Chow Hall, where the late country music legend Johnny Cash performed for inmates in 1970.

“Johnny Cash has always said that audiences in prisons are the most enthusiastic audience he’s ever played to,” Bates-Lamborn.

The prison tour is modeled off of a similar tour in Missouri. About a year ago, a state lawmaker approached the Lansing Historical Society and Museum with the idea of preserving the prison by converting it into a tourist attraction.

Bates-Lamborn said she and another board member made the trip to Jefferson City to tour the Missouri State Penitentiary, which has been open for tours since 2009.

“Afterwards, I thought ours is a shoo-in and we’re so much better,” she said.

Tours of the facility will be held on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and are scheduled to run until Oct. 26. Since the facility has no heat or electricity, the tours stop over the winter and will return in the spring.

For copyright information, check with the distributor of this item, The Kansas City Star.

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Boeing's troubled Starliner makes safe return to Earth, after leaving its crew behind

By William Harwood

Updated on: September 7, 2024 / 9:33 PM EDT / CBS News

Leaving its crew behind in orbit, Boeing's troubled Starliner spacecraft undocked from the International Space Station Friday and chalked up a successful unpiloted return to Earth, closing out a disappointing test flight with an on-target New Mexico touchdown. 

Despite NASA's concerns about earlier thruster problems and multiple helium leaks in the ship's propulsion pressurization system, the Starliner had no problems undocking and moving away from the station at 6:04 p.m. EDT and executing a critical 59-second deorbit braking maneuver at 11:17 p.m. to drop out of orbit.

Slamming into the discernible atmosphere 400,000 feet above the Pacific Ocean, the Starliner streaked across the Baja Peninsula and northern Mexico before descending to a parachute-and-airbag assisted touchdown at White Sands Space Harbor in the New Mexico desert at 12:01 a.m. EDT Saturday.

NASA and Boeing recovery teams stationed nearby quickly reached the spacecraft to begin "safing" operations and to carry out post-landing inspections.

Left behind in orbit were Starliner commander Barry "Butch" Wilmore and pilot Sunita Williams, who were ordered to remain aboard the space station after NASA managers decided their spacecraft could not be trusted to bring them safely back to Earth.

As it turned out, the Starliner appeared to perform well. The known helium leaks did not get worse and the reaction control system thrusters in the ship's service module, the ones that had problems early in the mission, worked as required to safely move the spacecraft away from the station and to keep it stable during the de-orbit burn.

But the road ahead is far from clear for the Boeing ferry ship. The service module was jettisoned as planned before re-entry, burning up in the atmosphere, and engineers will not be able to examine the hardware to pin down exactly what caused the helium leaks and degraded thruster performance during the ship's rendezvous with the station.

Instead, they will face more data analysis, tests and potential redesigns expected to delay the next flight, with or without astronauts aboard, to late next year at the earliest.

"Even though it was necessary to return the spacecraft uncrewed, NASA and Boeing learned an incredible amount about Starliner in the most extreme environment possible," Ken Bowersox, space operations director at NASA Headquarters, said in a statement.

"NASA looks forward to our continued work with the Boeing team to proceed toward certification of Starliner for crew rotation missions to the space station," Bowersox added.

In any case, the successful landing was a shot in the arm for Boeing engineers and managers, who insisted the Starliner could have safely brought Wilmore and Williams back to Earth. Steve Stich, manager of NASA's commercial crew program, agreed that if the crew had been on board "it would have been a safe, successful landing."

"From a human perspective, all of us feel happy about the successful landing," he said during a post-landing news conference. "But then there's a piece of us, all of us, that we wish it would have been the way we had planned it. We had planned to have the mission land with Butch and Suni on board."

He denied a rift with Boeing, but said "I think there (are), depending on who you are on the team, different emotions associated with that. I think it's going to take a little time to work through that, for me a little bit and then for everybody else on the Boeing and NASA team."

Including the astronauts. Wilmore and Williams now will remain aboard the space station until late February, hitching a ride home aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft being readied for launch Sept. 24 to ferry the next long-duration crew to the lab.

The Crew Dragon normally launches with four crew members, but two NASA astronauts were bumped from the upcoming Crew 9 flight to free up seats for Wilmore and Williams. They'll join Crew 9 commander Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Alexander Gorbunov for a normal six-month tour of duty.

By the time they return to Earth around Feb. 22, Wilmore and Williams, who originally expected to spend about eight days in orbit, will have logged more than eight-and-a-half months in space.

NASA astronaut Frank Rubio faced a similar dilemma in 2022 when his six-month stay aboard the station was extended to more than a full year because of problems with the Russian Soyuz spacecraft that carried him to orbit.

"I think going from six months to 12 months is tough, but it's not as tough as going from eight days to eight months," Rubio said in an interview with CBS News. Asked how Wilmore and Williams took the news of their extension, he said "they're doing great."

"Certainly, there's a little part of you that's disappointed," he added. "It's okay to acknowledge that. But you also can't mope around for the entire time, right? ... You just have to kind of dedicate and rededicate yourself to the mission."

Series of setbacks for Boeing

The decision to bring the Starliner down without its crew was a morale-sapping blow to Boeing in the wake of earlier problems that delayed the Starliner's first piloted flight by nearly four years, required a second unpiloted test flight and cost the company more than $1.5 billion above and beyond its NASA fixed-price contract.

The Starliner woes come on top of Boeing's ongoing struggle to restore public confidence in the wake of two 737 Max 8 airliner crashes , a close call with an Alaska Airlines 737 flight that suffered a door plug blowout earlier this year and more recent problems with an upgraded version of the company's long-haul 777 aircraft.

It's not yet known what will be needed to correct the problems encountered on the latest Starliner flight, whether another costly test flight will be required or when the ship might be ready for active service ferrying astronauts to and from the station.

"I want to recognize the work the Starliner teams did to ensure a successful and safe undocking, deorbit, re-entry and landing," Mark Nappi, Boeing's Starliner program manager said in a statement. "We will review the data and determine the next steps for the program."

The space station crew closed the Starliner's hatch at 1:29 p.m. Thursday. The day before, as Williams worked inside the Starliner helping arrange return items to ensure the right balance and center of gravity, she described the moment as "bittersweet."

"Thanks for backing us up, thanks for looking over our shoulder and making sure we've got everything in the right place," she told flight controllers. "We want her to have a nice, soft landing in the desert."

After a final check of the weather at the New Mexico landing site, hooks in the Starliner's docking mechanism disengaged, allowing springs on the station side to push the uncrewed ferry ship away.

A series of thruster firings then were executed to slowly push the spacecraft out in front of the lab complex before looping up and over the top and departing to the rear. Seven minutes after undocking, the Starliner exited a 1,300-foot-wide safety zone known as the "keep out sphere."

Given the earlier thruster problems, NASA shortened the departure timeline to get the Starliner well away from the station as quickly as possible. Sixteen minutes after leaving the keep-out sphere, the spacecraft exited the larger "approach ellipsoid," another safety zone around the ISS that measures 2.5 miles long and 1.2 miles wide. The thrusters worked flawlessly throughout the early stages of the departure.

The ship's flight computers were programmed to guide the spacecraft toward a precise point in space for the critical de-orbit braking burn needed to drop the ship out of orbit. On cue, four large orbital maneuvering and attitude control rockets — OMACs — fired for 59 seconds, slowing the ship's 17,100-mph velocity by nearly 300 mph. That was just enough to drop the far side of the orbit into the atmosphere for re-entry and descent to the New Mexico landing site.

While the powerful OMAC braking rockets were firing, smaller reaction control system, or RCS, jets fired on computer command to keep the Starliner stable and pointed in the right direction.

Once the de-orbit burn was complete, the Starliner's service module, housing the OMACs, 28 RCS jets, the helium tanks and other critical but no-longer-needed systems, was jettisoned to burn up on the atmosphere.

The crew module, protected by a heat shield and equipped with 12 RCS jets of its own, then began its re-entry at an altitude of about 400,000 feet, enduring temperatures as high as 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit as it plunged back into the discernible atmosphere at nearly five miles per second.

The southwest-to-northeast re-entry trajectory carried the Starliner across the Baja Peninsula, the Gulf of California, northern Mexico and into New Mexico.

At an altitude of about 24,500 feet, two small drogue parachutes unfurled, slowing and stabilizing the Starliner. About one minute later, at an altitude of 8,000 feet, three pilot parachutes pulled out the ship's three 104-foot-wide main parachutes, slowing the decent to about 18 mph.

At an altitude of 2,500 feet, airbags inflated to reduce landing impact forces to the equivalent of walking speed. Touchdown came at 12:01 a.m. EDT (10:01 p.m. Friday local time).

The de-orbit burn and computer-orchestrated attitude control system firings were crucial to getting out of orbit on the precise trajectory needed for a pinpoint landing. And all of those firings required pressurized helium to push propellants to healthy thrusters.

During the Starliner's rendezvous with the space station on June 6, the day after launch, five RCS jets were "deselected" by the flight computer because of degraded thrust. In addition, four helium leaks in the propulsion pressurization system were detected, adding to a small leak that was detected before launch.

After extensive tests and analyses, Boeing engineers concluded the helium leaks were the result of slightly degraded seals exposed to toxic propellants over an extended period. But even with the leaks, they said the Starliner had 10 times more helium on board than needed to get out of orbit.

The thruster problem, testing indicated, was caused by high temperatures that, in turn, caused internal Teflon seals to deform in poppet valves, restricting the flow of fuel.

The high temperatures, the engineers concluded, were largely the result of manual flight control tests that caused the jets to fire hundreds of times in rapid-fire fashion while the craft was oriented so those same jets were in direct sunlight for an extended period.

In test firings later in the mission the jets appeared to be working normally, indicating the seals had contracted back to, or near, their original shape.

Boeing argued manual flight tests would be ruled out for a piloted return to Earth, the craft would be oriented to minimize solar heating on the suspect jets and fewer firings would be needed in the absence of a rendezvous.

Boeing tried to convince their counterparts at NASA that the Starliner had plenty of margin and could bring Wilmore and Williams safely back to Earth.

But NASA managers did not accept Boeing's "flight rationale" and opted to bring the Starliner down without its crew.

"Spaceflight is hard. The margins are thin. The space environment is not forgiving," said Norm Knight, director of flight operations at the Johnson Space Center. "And we have to be right."

• International Space Station

Bill Harwood has been covering the U.S. space program full-time since 1984, first as Cape Canaveral bureau chief for United Press International and now as a consultant for CBS News.

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