Trail of the Ancients
Come explore thousands of years of culture, history, and traditions of the Ancients who dwelt in the region of the Southwest prior to the creation of the United States. Starting with the Archaic Period (North America), which occurred about 6500 to 100 BC, followed by the Ancestral Puebloan people (also known as Anasazi) who lived here until about 1400 AD, and lastly the Pueblo (including both Hopi and Zuni people), as well as the Navajo people, who all still live on these lands today.
When you take our Trail of the Ancients tour, you’ll visit and experience a large collection of ruins and ancient cities once occupied by these historic people. Some of what remains are small structures, such as those found at Hovenweep, while others are large settlements and cities, such as the ruins at Mesa Verde or Chaco Canyon. Regardless of size, they all give us examples of how these ancient ones once lived. This seven-day adventure will immerse you into these ancient cultures and give you the opportunity to follow their trails around this magical corner of the Southwest.
$3,799.00 Per Person Double Occupancy
$4,249.00 Per Person Single Occupancy
$3,449.00 Per Person Triple Occupancy
$3,349.00 Per Person Quad Occupancy
$3,899.00 Per Person Double Occupancy
$4,349.00 Per Person Single Occupancy
$3,549.00 Per Person Triple Occupancy
$3,449.00 Per Person Quad Occupancy
Trail of the Ancients Highlights
Tour Highlights:
- Acoma Sky City Pueblo and Cultural Center
- Canyon De Chelly & Monument Valley
- Natural Bridges National Monument
- Goosenecks State Park
- Hovenweep National Monument
- Aztec Ruins National Monument
- Mesa Verde National Park
- Chaco Canyon National Monument
- Bandelier National Monument
- Santa Fe, NM
Inclusions:
- Services of a Southwest Adventure Tours tour director – a professional tour guide
- Comfortable transportation
- 8 nights hotel accommodations
- 8 breakfasts
- 6 lunches
- 1 Dinner
- Park entrance fees
- Water
- Gratuities for included meals and activities
- Applicable taxes and fees
Daily Breakdown:
- Day 1: Arrive in Albuquerque
- Day 2: Acoma Pueblo & El Morro National Monument
- Day 3: Canyon De Chelly & Monument Valley
- Day 4: Natural Bridges & Hovenweep National Monuments
- Day 5: Mesa Verde National Park & Aztec National Monument
- Day 6: Chaco Canyon National Monument
- Day 7: Santa Fe
- Day 8: Bandelier National Monument & Albuquerque
- Day 9: Travel Home
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Albuquerque – The Gateway to the Ancients
Welcome to New Mexico! Your 9-day Trail of the Ancients guided tour begins today in the vibrant city of Albuquerque. Because we know travel schedules vary, today is fully flexible. Arrive at the Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) at whatever time suits you best. From the airport, simply hop on the complimentary shuttle for a quick, stress-free transfer directly to your base hotel.
After checking in, the evening is yours to enjoy exactly as you please. Rest up for the journey ahead, or step out to experience a taste of local Southwestern cuisine and the famous New Mexico sunset on your own.
Lodging: Fairfield Inn & Suites Albuquerque Airport
Day 2: Indigenous Heritage at Acoma "Sky City" and Zuni Pueblo
This morning, we depart Albuquerque and journey into the heart of New Mexico’s rich Indigenous history. Our first stop is the Sky City Cultural Center and Haak'u Museum. After exploring the exhibits, you will embark on a guided tour of the historic Acoma Pueblo. Perched atop a sheer-walled sandstone bluff, you'll quickly experience firsthand why it is revered as "Sky City."
During our guided walk through the village, you will have the unique opportunity to interact with the residents who have called this mesa home for centuries. This provides a wonderful chance to purchase authentic, handcrafted artwork directly from the artists themselves.
Following lunch served at the Cultural Center, we will take a beautiful scenic drive to our next destination: the Zuni Pueblo. After exploring the deep traditions of the Zuni people, we will gather to recount the day over a group dinner before traveling to our hotel for the night.
Lodging: Hilton Garden Inn Gallup, NM
Day 3: Canyon De Chelly & Monument Valley
Your morning begins with an exploration of the breathtaking Canyon De Chelly. As we drive along the rim and stop at scenic overlooks, you will learn about the unique geological formations that made this lush canyon a desirable home for both the Ancestral Puebloans and the Navajo people. We will delve into the deep, layered history of the groups who have inhabited these canyon walls for centuries.
Afterward, we travel north into the heart of the Navajo Nation to experience the awe-inspiring landscapes of Monument Valley. You will enjoy a guided tour inside the valley itself, standing before iconic sandstone monoliths like "The Mittens" and other famous viewpoints recognized from countless classic Western films. Beyond the scenery, you will learn about the resilient history of the Navajo people, prospectors, and early settlers. To cap off the experience, we will enjoy authentic Navajo hospitality with a visit to a traditional Hogan, the historic dwelling style used by the Navajo for hundreds of years.
Lodging: Desert Rose Inn Bluff, UT
Day 4: Geological Wonders: Nartural Bridges & Hovenweep National Monuments
This morning kicks off with a breathtaking drive through the towering sandstone monoliths of the Valley of the Gods. From there, we will ascend the historic Moki Dugway, a staggering series of carved switchbacks offering sweeping, panoramic views of the Southwestern landscape. Our morning destination is Natural Bridges National Monument, which boasts three of the ten largest natural bridges in the world, all remarkably concentrated within one stunning area.
After marveling at these massive geological wonders, we will pause to enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch together. The afternoon takes us further back in time as we travel to Hovenweep National Monument. Here, you will have the opportunity to explore meticulously crafted stone towers and learn about the fascinating Ancestral Pueblo people who inhabited and thrived in this rugged region over 1,000 years ago.
Lodging: Hampton Inn Express Cortez, CO
Day 5: The Cliff Dwellings of Mesa Verde and the Great Kiva
Today is dedicated to some of the most spectacular architectural achievements of the Ancestral Puebloans. We begin our morning at Mesa Verde National Park. Here, you will have the unforgettable opportunity to explore fantastic cliff dwellings perfectly nestled into the alcoves of the canyon walls. Mesa Verde is also home to one of the largest collections of pit houses and row houses in the region, offering a comprehensive look into the culture, history, and daily lives of the people who inhabited these remarkable structures.
After our time in the park, we will travel south into Aztec, New Mexico, to finish the day at Aztec Ruins National Monument. This site offers a stunning look at fantastically preserved, freestanding Pueblo dwellings. A major highlight of the afternoon is stepping inside the Great Kiva—a massive ceremonial chamber that has been meticulously restored to give you an authentic sense of its original scale and purpose. As you explore the ruins, you will be able to observe the unique construction techniques and intricate masonry that allowed these large, multi-story pueblos to stand the test of time.
Lodging: Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Farmington, NM
Day 6: The Great Houses of Chaco Canyon and Scenic Santa Fe
Today, we travel south into the heart of New Mexico to explore the awe-inspiring ruins of Chaco Culture National Historical Park. Often considered the cultural epicenter of the Ancestral Puebloans, Chaco Canyon offers a chance to see this civilization at the absolute height of its architectural and societal power.
We will explore the massive, multi-story "Great Houses" found within the canyon, including the famous Pueblo Bonito, Chetro Ketl, and the great kiva of Casa Rinconada. As you walk through these ancient cities, you will learn how sophisticated road networks connected this central hub to the surrounding communities you have visited throughout the week.
After a deeply historical afternoon, we will travel to the beautiful capital city of Santa Fe, NM. We will check into our lodgings right in the vibrant downtown area. The rest of the evening is completely free for you to explore Santa Fe's world-renowned art galleries, historic plazas, and incredible Southwestern dining at your own pace.
Lodging: La Fonda on the Plaza Santa Fe, NM
Day 7: The Historic Heart of Early Santa Fe
This morning, we dive into the rich, multicultural history of New Mexico’s capital with a guided walking and driving tour of Santa Fe. We will explore the vibrant downtown area, taking in centuries-old adobe buildings, the bustling central plaza, and beautifully preserved historic chapels. Santa Fe played a pivotal role in the influx of European settlers starting in the late 1500s, and you will have the opportunity to visit the exact locations and buildings that shaped the settlement of the American Southwest.
After wrapping up our morning of history, we will gather for a group lunch to recount the incredible sights we've seen throughout the week. The entire afternoon is then completely free for you to enjoy exactly as you see fit. You can continue exploring the renowned downtown art galleries and boutiques, embark on optional excursions around the Santa Fe area, or simply head back to the hotel for a well-deserved afternoon of relaxation.
Lodging: La Fonda on the Plaza Santa Fe, NM
Day 8: The Carved Cliffs of Bandelier and the Heart of Albuquerque
As we make our way back toward Albuquerque today, we have one final, remarkable archaeological stop: Bandelier National Monument. This site offers a fascinating contrast to the freestanding great houses and alcove cliff dwellings we explored earlier in the week. Here, you will discover unique Ancestral Pueblo dwellings carved directly into the soft volcanic tuff of the canyon walls. It is an incredible opportunity to step inside these ancient spaces and experience an entirely different style of regional architecture.
After exploring the trails of Bandelier, we will continue our journey into Albuquerque. We will celebrate our week of exploration with a fantastic group lunch at El Pinto, a renowned local restaurant famous for its authentic, vibrant New Mexican cuisine and beautiful patios. To round out the day, you will enjoy a guided afternoon tour of Albuquerque's highlights before we drop you off at your hotel for a relaxing final evening.
Lodging: Fairfield Inn & Suites Albuquerque Airport, Albuquerque, NM
Day 9: Journey Home from Albuquerque
Your 9-day journey through the deep history and breathtaking landscapes of the Southwest comes to a close today. Because departure schedules vary, this morning is completely flexible. Whenever you are ready, you can easily transfer to the Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) on your own by simply utilizing the hotel's complimentary airport shuttle.
Thank you for choosing to explore the incredible Trail of the Ancients with us. We hope you carry home wonderful memories of the vibrant cultures, ancient ruins, and stunning canyons. Have a safe trip home!
Tour Details
Not included:
- Items of a personal nature (alcohol, room service, etc.)
- Meals (other than listed in the itinerary)
- Optional activities
- Airfare
- Gratuities for the tour director
Arrival / Departure Information:
- Arrival Location: Albuquerque International Airport (ABQ)
- Arrival Time: Any time on day 1
- Departure Location: Albuquerque International Airport (ABQ)
- Departure Time: Any time on day 9
Physical Requirements:
- Guests should be comfortable walking on uneven terrain for an average of 1 to 3 miles at a time.
- Elevation gain and loss averages between 50 to 300 ft over the course of the areas visited during this tour.
- Touring and overnight locations are above 4,3000 to 8,800 ft above sea level
- Deboard and board van each time at a viewpoint – a portable step will be available
- Please let us know if you have any other physical/health limitations or requirements
