Scenic Northern New Mexico
Dates: May - June, August - October, 5 days, 4 nights
Fee: $1175 per person, double occupancy, single supplement $180,
Minimum 3 participants, maximum 6. Minimum age 15.
New Mexico isn' called the Land of Enchantment lightly. It is filled with a blending of historical and modern times; Indian, Hispanic, and Anglo cultures; magnificent scenery; friendly people and great and distinctive food. The greatest concentration of this is in Northern New Mexico. This 5-day photography and cultural tour is designed to provide the full perspective of the range and flavor of what is available in New Mexico.
The tour starts in Albuquerque, but quickly moves north to explore Santa Fe, Taos, and a major part of the surrounding territory in the north visiting many of the photogenic and cultural sites. We will visit Old Town in Albuquerque where the city was founded. Of the many places to see in Taos there is the thousand year old Pueblo still inhabited, the Martinez Hacienda, the St. Francis de Assisi church made famous by many artists including Ansel Adams, and many art galleries. In Santa Fe there is the Governor’s Palace, the plaza, galleries and fine eating. For scenery and diversity there is the Turquoise Trail with a stop at Madrid, a colorful artistic community, the High Road to Taos includes a stop at the famous Santuario de Chimayo, and further north is the Enchanted Circle. More to the west is Abiquiu and Georgia O'Keefe country including Ghost ranch and the Plaza Blanco. In addition to the Taos Pueblo we will visit the San Ildefonso and Picuris Pueblos and the Indian ruins at Bandelier national monument. There is much more including the tiny villages and communities, eating at local restaurants, and staying at a picturesque and historical inn.
A major part of this tour is instruction in photography. Specifically we will discuss: elements of the perfect image, how the digital camera works, how to control the camera so as to capture the desired image, and shooting procedures. This is a comprehensive, fun filled, total experience not to be missed. Minimum participant age for the tour is 15.
Accommodations:
Accommodations in Taos will be at the Sagebrush Inn, a Taos landmark built in 1929 of adobe and huge, hand hewn timbers. The original adobe structure, now the Cantina and Lobby, houses an impressive collection of Indian artifacts, rugs, and artwork. Family owned and operated for over twenty years, the Inn has grown to 100 guest rooms while maintaining the peaceful shaded courtyards and portal-lined garden areas. Guests can relax in unique rooms and suites decorated with hand carved furniture, Mexican tiled baths and local artwork to enjoy the experience that is Taos.
Itinerary:Day 1 - North to Taos via the High Road
In Albuquerque we visit Old Town to feel the early days of New Mexico. Leaving Albuquerque we drive up the Turquoise Trail with a stop at the artistic community of Madrid. Then to Taos via the High Road which takes us through Chimayo and its famous Santuario, Truchas, Las Trampas, Penasco, then over to Picuris Pueblo and Dixon and then north by the Rio Grande to Taos.Day 2 – The Enchanted Circle
A scenic tour into the Sangre de Cristos along the enchanted circle which goes through Angel Fire, Eagle Nest, Red River, and Questa including a side trip east to Cimarron.Day 3 – Touring Taos
In Taos there are many sights to see including the Pueblo, St. Francis de Assisi church, the Martinez Hacienda, the home of Kit Carson, the plaza and many galleries. We drive to the bridge, which is 600 feet over the Rio Grande gorge, to view this magnificent sight. Time is available for sightseeing on your own.Day 4 –Abiquiu and Georgia O'Keefe Country
In the area around Abiquiu we visit the Chama river overlook and then visit Ghost Ranch, a gathering place for many famous artists. From there we drive a short distance south to Abiquiu to see many sights in that area including the famous Plaza Blanco. Then on to the San Ildefonso Pueblo returning to Taos via the Rio Grande.Day 5 – South to Santa Fe and Albuquerque
Leaving Taos early we head south along the Rio Grande and over to the Indian ruins at Bandelier. In Santa Fe we visit the Plaza and Governor’s Palace, Andrew Smith’s Photography gallery, and Andrea Fisher’s pottery gallery. Lastly on our return to Albuquerque we stop at one of the old ranches of New Mexico, El Rancho de los Golondrinas.Package includes:
Guide/instructor, transportation, 4 nights lodging and breakfasts, photography instruction, and entry fees.
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