Guided walking tours are the backbone of Santa Fe’s offerings, with most priced from $40 to $160. The best-rated walks include entry to sites like the Loretto Chapel or local museums, and some offer all time at the stops rather than on the move. For travelers looking for depth, tours like the Santa Fe Small Group History Walking Tour spend the full two hours at key sites, with admissions included, while others at a similar price may cover more ground but less time at each stop.
Food tours are pricier, typically $90–$190, but include multiple tastings, drinks, and sometimes gratuities for servers. The New Mexican Flavors Food Tour, for example, covers all food and drink, while others may focus on a single meal or chef-led experience. Art and craft classes, such as stained glass or painting, start around $100 and offer hands-on time, making them good value for those seeking an interactive experience.
Day trips and adventure tours, like rafting or balloon rides, range from $165 to $315, with lunch or equipment included. These tend to be longer, with most of the time spent on the main activity rather than in transit. Self-guided audio tours are the cheapest at $10–$15, but do not include entry to paid sites or a live guide.
Where people are disappointed, it is almost always with self-guided or app-based tours, which draw complaints about confusing navigation and technical issues. Some food tours and brunch experiences receive criticism for value, with reviewers noting that the meal or experience did not match the price. A few guided walks have been marked down for group size or lack of time inside key sites. Adventure tours have occasional complaints about guides or time spent waiting, but these are rare.