Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour of Historic Santa Fe

4.5
(37 reviews)

1 to 2 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

Embark on a captivating journey through Santa Fe with this self-guided walking tour. Start at the historic San Miguel Chapel, the oldest church in the U.S., then wander to the enchanting Loretto Chapel, known for its miraculous spiral staircase. The past comes alive in the Santa Fe Plaza and at the soaring Cross of the Martyrs, offering unparalleled views of Santa Fe. As you wind through the city’s old Spanish streets, you’ll relive the dramatic events of the Pueblo Revolt which forever changed this unique capital.

After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point.

Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

What's Included

Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
Learn more: dive deeper into any story you enjoyed with extra stories.
Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Start near the New Mexico State Capitol Plaza at 458 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, with the metal art sculpture on a brick base by the sidewalk. This is the suggested starting point. We’re not affiliated with nearby businesses. Audio plays automatically—check your email/text for details.

End point

This tour will end at "617 Paseo De Peralta, Santa Fe, NM 87501".

Itinerary

Duration: 1 to 2 hours (approximately)
  • 1

    Santa Fe has long been a pivotal destination along many trails through the American west. That includes the Old Spanish Trail which connects Santa Fe to the California coast and El Camino Real, which extends all the way up from Mexico City. And it’s these ancient trails

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Santa Fe Plaza

    We’re standing in the middle of Santa Fe Plaza. This obelisk in front of us is the Soldiers’ Monument, erected in 1867 to honor the Union soldiers from New Mexico who fought in the Civil War. It’s actually been a pretty controversial monument for decades. To hear more about that, click on Learn More.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • Loretto Chapel (Pass by)

    Pause here and look to our right. Here stands Loretto Chapel, built in 1878. Though it doesn’t have as much history as something like the San Miguel Chapel, it does have its own claim to fame all the same. That would be the so-called “miraculous stair.”

    Admission ticket free
  • The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi (Pass by)

    Pause here. To our right stands the mighty Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, built in 1869. It sits on the site of a much older church which missionaries built back in 1610. That one burned down in 1680, but it might have survived to the present day if not for a fateful decision in 1675.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    This tour begins outside the New Mexico Capitol Art Collection building at 415 Don Gaspar Ave, Santa Fe. If you're not already there, you should head there now. To get started, stand so the big circular Art Collection building is on your left. Then start walking straight down Old Santa Fe Trail. NOTE: The tour is over 1.2 miles long, with more than 19 audio stories, and takes about 1-2 hours to complete. Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

    Admission ticket free
  • San Miguel Chapel (Pass by)

    Pause here and look to the right. See that simple adobe chapel with a cross on top? That’s San Miguel Chapel. And guess what? You’re looking at the oldest church in the United States!

    Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Palace of the Governors

    Pause here. That adobe building across from us is the Palace of the Governors, the administrative center of Santa Fe since 1610. From here, the Spanish ruled over New Mexico for decades. And it’s here where Po’pay sets his sights when he leads his Puebloan forces into the city.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 4

    Look up ahead a little, on the left side of the street. Do you see the white sign that says “chocolate + cashmere”? That marks a stylish little boutique selling exactly what it says in the name… but the address itself has a much more surprising history.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 5

    After Otermín’s failed attempt at reconquest, a decade passes in relative peace. That is, until Diego de Vargas enters the scene. In 1692, Vargas marches on Santa Fe with only a few hundred men and a handful of cannons. But he isn’t there to fight. He offers the Puebloans a deal: If they allow Spain to retake control of New Mexico, they will all be granted clemency and will not be punished for their revolt. After much debate, the Puebloan leaders agree.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Continue walking along the path. Remember to pace yourself if you need to. We’re currently more than 7,000 feet above sea level. That means the oxygen up here is a lot thinner than you might be used to! So if you start feeling out of breath, it’s okay to take a break!

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Up ahead stands the Cross of the Martyrs, the most iconic feature of this park. This cross honors the 21 Franciscan missionaries and 380 settlers who were killed during the Pueblo Revolt of 1680.

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • How To Access: After booking, you’ll get an email and text with setup instructions and password (search “audio tour” in emails and texts). • Download the separate tour app by Action • Enter the password sent by email and text. • MUST download the tour while in strong wifi/cellular. • Works offline after download.
  • How to start touring: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction.
  • Go to the starting point No one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided Enter the first story’s point and the audio will begin automatically Follow the audio cues to the next story, which will also play automatically. Enjoy hands-free exploring. If you face audio issues, contact support. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
  • Travel worry-free: Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace. Skip anything you don’t care about or explore bonus content for everything that interests you
Supplied by History with Action

Show 5 more

Tags

Private Sightseeing Tours
Audio Guides
Walking Tours
City Tours
Nature Walks
Excellent Quality
Best Conversion
Low Supplier Cancellation Rate
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate
New Product
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Show more

Rating

4.5 Based on 37 37 reviews
5 stars
26
4 stars
8
3 stars
0
2 stars
1
1 star
2
from per person
Was {{currencySymbol}}{{ summaryFromPriceBeforeDiscount }}