Guidebook for Chimayo
Food Scene
This beloved taco stand started in 1958 as a "drive-up-window" when, in fact, there was no window and much less a building but merely a patio umbrella ("parasol" in Spanish) under which two siblings were selling their mother's tacos and tamales on the main street of Española.
The place is still a family-owned business and is still hugely popular with the locals. It features a Taco Stand, outside patio tables and a rich menu. Shredded beef tacos and breakfast burritos with green or red chile are a must try!
El Parasol has a few other locations in Northern New Mexico, but the one in Española is just a 10-minute drive from Chimayo. $
49 Einheimische empfehlen
El Parasol
1833 Cerrillos RdThis beloved taco stand started in 1958 as a "drive-up-window" when, in fact, there was no window and much less a building but merely a patio umbrella ("parasol" in Spanish) under which two siblings were selling their mother's tacos and tamales on the main street of Española.
The place is still a family-owned business and is still hugely popular with the locals. It features a Taco Stand, outside patio tables and a rich menu. Shredded beef tacos and breakfast burritos with green or red chile are a must try!
El Parasol has a few other locations in Northern New Mexico, but the one in Española is just a 10-minute drive from Chimayo. $
Another local favorite, El Paragua Restaurant was created and is owned by the same family who operates the nearby El Parasol taco stand. This is a fine dining restaurant offering some of the best New Mexican dishes in the area. $$
20 Einheimische empfehlen
El Paragua Restaurant
603 Santa Cruz RdAnother local favorite, El Paragua Restaurant was created and is owned by the same family who operates the nearby El Parasol taco stand. This is a fine dining restaurant offering some of the best New Mexican dishes in the area. $$
Annapurna has become known as the “place for healing cuisine." This cozy cafe offers Ayurvdic homemade organic vegan and vegetarian food made daily with fresh ingredients. Offers a seat-down restaurant and take-out as well as bakery and to-go beverages – try the Hot Authentic Chai and the most delicious Cardamom Cookies! $$
22 Einheimische empfehlen
Annapurna’s® World Vegetarian Café
1620 St Michaels DrAnnapurna has become known as the “place for healing cuisine." This cozy cafe offers Ayurvdic homemade organic vegan and vegetarian food made daily with fresh ingredients. Offers a seat-down restaurant and take-out as well as bakery and to-go beverages – try the Hot Authentic Chai and the most delicious Cardamom Cookies! $$
Since 1965 the Restaurante Rancho de Chimayó has been one of the favorites for locals and tourists alike. The restaurant welcomes guests into comfortable and romantic setting which is a piece of history itself. Fireplaces radiate warmth into cozy rooms and family photographs hang on the white washed adobe walls. The lovely terraced patio beckons you to exquisite outdoor dining. Rancho de Chimayó was honored as one of New Mexico’s Culinary Treasures in March 2014, one of only a handful of restaurants awarded with this wonderful distinction. Offers traditional New Mexican cuisine for lunch and dinner. $$
40 Einheimische empfehlen
Rancho De Chimayó
300 Juan Medina RdSince 1965 the Restaurante Rancho de Chimayó has been one of the favorites for locals and tourists alike. The restaurant welcomes guests into comfortable and romantic setting which is a piece of history itself. Fireplaces radiate warmth into cozy rooms and family photographs hang on the white washed adobe walls. The lovely terraced patio beckons you to exquisite outdoor dining. Rancho de Chimayó was honored as one of New Mexico’s Culinary Treasures in March 2014, one of only a handful of restaurants awarded with this wonderful distinction. Offers traditional New Mexican cuisine for lunch and dinner. $$
Sightseeing
Boasting two beautiful adobe churches, El Santuario de Chimayo is a world known pilgrimage site famous for its miraculous healing powers. People from all over the United States and the world come to el Santuario to pray for themselves or their loved ones particularly if they are ill. Visitors leave photos or personal objects of the sick, and the walls of several shrines and prayer rooms are filled with these artifacts. One tiny, candle-lit room has a hole in the floor, and the hole is filled with the holy dirt which is free for the visitors to take and keep. Testimonies are abundant of people who, incredulous, report being cured of terminal diseases. This place is truly holy and magic.
49 Einheimische empfehlen
El Santuario De Chimayo
15 Santuario DrBoasting two beautiful adobe churches, El Santuario de Chimayo is a world known pilgrimage site famous for its miraculous healing powers. People from all over the United States and the world come to el Santuario to pray for themselves or their loved ones particularly if they are ill. Visitors leave photos or personal objects of the sick, and the walls of several shrines and prayer rooms are filled with these artifacts. One tiny, candle-lit room has a hole in the floor, and the hole is filled with the holy dirt which is free for the visitors to take and keep. Testimonies are abundant of people who, incredulous, report being cured of terminal diseases. This place is truly holy and magic.
165 miles of scenic views and cultural sites.
To experience the best of both worlds, take the "High Road" to Taos and to return, take the "Low Road" to Santa Fe.
Head north on US 84/285 and turn right on NM 503 where the "High Road" begins. Take NM 503 to NM 76. Follow NM 76 to Chimayó and stop at the Santuario. Continue on NM 76 with stops in Cordova, Truchas, Ojo Sarco & Las Trampas. Pick up NM 518 at Peñasco and wind your way through the through the Carson National Forest to US 68 at Ranchos de Taos; drive into Taos and explore the town + the Pueblo. Heading back to SF, take the "Low Road". Drive on NM 68 following the Rio Grande, Turn south on US 84/285 at Española and return to SF.
The High Road
The High Road165 miles of scenic views and cultural sites.
To experience the best of both worlds, take the "High Road" to Taos and to return, take the "Low Road" to Santa Fe.
Head north on US 84/285 and turn right on NM 503 where the "High Road" begins. Take NM 503 to NM 76. Follow NM 76 to Chimayó and stop at the Santuario. Continue on NM 76 with stops in Cordova, Truchas, Ojo Sarco & Las Trampas. Pick up NM 518 at Peñasco and wind your way through the through the Carson National Forest to US 68 at Ranchos de Taos; drive into Taos and explore the town + the Pueblo. Heading back to SF, take the "Low Road". Drive on NM 68 following the Rio Grande, Turn south on US 84/285 at Española and return to SF.
A couple miles north of Madrid, NM is the quaint village Cerrillos that includes a state park with hiking paths and horseback riding. Cerrillos was once seriously considered as the capital of New Mexico, today Cerrillos, with its dirt streets, is a picturesque reminder of the Old West. It has a Mining Museum which contains artifacts from the Cerrillos Mining District and American Old West with examples of rare Cerrillos turquoise on display and for sale. Numerous movies were filmed in Cerrillos including Young Guns, Outrageous Fortune and the Nine Lives of Elfego Baca.
28 Einheimische empfehlen
Los Cerrillos
A couple miles north of Madrid, NM is the quaint village Cerrillos that includes a state park with hiking paths and horseback riding. Cerrillos was once seriously considered as the capital of New Mexico, today Cerrillos, with its dirt streets, is a picturesque reminder of the Old West. It has a Mining Museum which contains artifacts from the Cerrillos Mining District and American Old West with examples of rare Cerrillos turquoise on display and for sale. Numerous movies were filmed in Cerrillos including Young Guns, Outrageous Fortune and the Nine Lives of Elfego Baca.
Taos Pueblo is the only living Native American community designated both a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a National Historic Landmark. The multi-storied adobe buildings have been continuously inhabited for over 1000 years. The Pueblo is made entirely of adobe — earth mixed with water and straw, then either poured into forms or made into sun-dried bricks. The walls are frequently several feet thick. Residents lead guided walking tours of the Pueblo (by donation) and explain some of the history. You'll also have the chance to buy fine jewelry, pottery and other arts and crafts, and sample flatbread baked in traditional beehive-shaped adobe ovens.
228 Einheimische empfehlen
Taos Pueblo
Taos Pueblo is the only living Native American community designated both a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a National Historic Landmark. The multi-storied adobe buildings have been continuously inhabited for over 1000 years. The Pueblo is made entirely of adobe — earth mixed with water and straw, then either poured into forms or made into sun-dried bricks. The walls are frequently several feet thick. Residents lead guided walking tours of the Pueblo (by donation) and explain some of the history. You'll also have the chance to buy fine jewelry, pottery and other arts and crafts, and sample flatbread baked in traditional beehive-shaped adobe ovens.
If you travel the scenic Turquoise Trail, a stop in the village of Madrid is a must. The small town is nestled in a narrow canyon in the Ortiz Mountains. It used to be a coal mining town and then a ghost town, but now Madrid is a vibrant and creative community with over 40 colorful shops and galleries, several restaurants, a spa and museum.
140 Einheimische empfehlen
Madrid
If you travel the scenic Turquoise Trail, a stop in the village of Madrid is a must. The small town is nestled in a narrow canyon in the Ortiz Mountains. It used to be a coal mining town and then a ghost town, but now Madrid is a vibrant and creative community with over 40 colorful shops and galleries, several restaurants, a spa and museum.
Parks & Nature
Bandelier National Monument is located in a stunning canyon and mesa country that boats some of the most amazing views and offers great photo opportunities. Petroglyphs, dwellings carved into the soft rock cliffs, and standing masonry walls pay tribute to the early days of a culture that still survives in the surrounding communities. This magical and quiet place is perfect for a day trip for families and solo travelers alike. Best visited in early fall as summers can be too hot.
230 Einheimische empfehlen
Bandelier Nationaldenkmal
15 Entrance RdBandelier National Monument is located in a stunning canyon and mesa country that boats some of the most amazing views and offers great photo opportunities. Petroglyphs, dwellings carved into the soft rock cliffs, and standing masonry walls pay tribute to the early days of a culture that still survives in the surrounding communities. This magical and quiet place is perfect for a day trip for families and solo travelers alike. Best visited in early fall as summers can be too hot.
Easy to find, Camel Rock is located in Pojoque, between Santa Fe and Espanola, just off a highway exit, across from the Camel Rock Casino. And you already know what it looks like :) Anyone from northern New Mexico knows all about this landmark. It is sort of a local legend.
Camel Rock
Easy to find, Camel Rock is located in Pojoque, between Santa Fe and Espanola, just off a highway exit, across from the Camel Rock Casino. And you already know what it looks like :) Anyone from northern New Mexico knows all about this landmark. It is sort of a local legend.
This amazing place is is found in the southern portion of New Mexico and is the largest dune field comprised of white gypsum sands in the world. The sand is so white, it looks like snow! The scenery is unique and otherworldly beautiful. Though the White Sands National Monument appears to be completely desolate and devoid of life, this is far from the truth. A number of small, microscopic creatures to macroscopic animals and plants thrive in this arid landscape. The most prominent type of vegetation includes the soaptree yucca, which is the New Mexico state plant.
The White Sands Monument can be accessed from Alamogordo, located 26 kilometers away from the white sands landscape.
244 Einheimische empfehlen
White-Sands-Nationalpark
This amazing place is is found in the southern portion of New Mexico and is the largest dune field comprised of white gypsum sands in the world. The sand is so white, it looks like snow! The scenery is unique and otherworldly beautiful. Though the White Sands National Monument appears to be completely desolate and devoid of life, this is far from the truth. A number of small, microscopic creatures to macroscopic animals and plants thrive in this arid landscape. The most prominent type of vegetation includes the soaptree yucca, which is the New Mexico state plant.
The White Sands Monument can be accessed from Alamogordo, located 26 kilometers away from the white sands landscape.
Take the SF National Forest scenic byway to see stunning fall foliage. Aspen trees turn golden yellow in late September - early October and the views of the golden-colored aspen-covered mountains against the blue skies are simply unforgettable.
27 Einheimische empfehlen
Santa Fe National Forest
Take the SF National Forest scenic byway to see stunning fall foliage. Aspen trees turn golden yellow in late September - early October and the views of the golden-colored aspen-covered mountains against the blue skies are simply unforgettable.
Entertainment & Activities
Ojo Caliente means "Hot Eye" in Spanish and it's mineral springs are deemed sacred by local Native Americans.
Here you can rejuvenate with a healing soak in the legendary waters of the hot springs or get custom spa treatments, relax with a massage and their signature Milagro Wrap and even explore hiking trails on 1,100 breathtaking acres.
The place is open until late, so you can enjoy soaking in the pools at night, under magical starry New Mexican skies — it is such a delight and so romantic!
173 Einheimische empfehlen
Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa
50 Los Banos DriveOjo Caliente means "Hot Eye" in Spanish and it's mineral springs are deemed sacred by local Native Americans.
Here you can rejuvenate with a healing soak in the legendary waters of the hot springs or get custom spa treatments, relax with a massage and their signature Milagro Wrap and even explore hiking trails on 1,100 breathtaking acres.
The place is open until late, so you can enjoy soaking in the pools at night, under magical starry New Mexican skies — it is such a delight and so romantic!
Shopping
Santa Fe Farmers’ Market (SFFM) is one of the oldest, largest, and most successful growers’ markets in the US.
Unlike other markets in the US, the SSFM assures that all products sold by its vendors are always locally grown by the people selling them. 100% of the vegetables, fruits, and nursery plants available at SSFM are grown right here in northern New Mexico. That means that the people doing the growing and producing are the same smiling folks who sell those products to you at Market.
~SATURDAY MARKET – OPEN YEAR-ROUND 8am-1pm;
7am Jun. thru Sep.
~TUESDAY MARKET – May 2 thru Nov. 21, 8am-1pm;
7am Jun. through Sep.
~WEDNESDAY MARKET –OPEN June 21 thru Sep. 27 on Wed. evenings 3pm-7pm
179 Einheimische empfehlen
Santa Fe Bauernmarkt
1607 Paseo De PeraltaSanta Fe Farmers’ Market (SFFM) is one of the oldest, largest, and most successful growers’ markets in the US.
Unlike other markets in the US, the SSFM assures that all products sold by its vendors are always locally grown by the people selling them. 100% of the vegetables, fruits, and nursery plants available at SSFM are grown right here in northern New Mexico. That means that the people doing the growing and producing are the same smiling folks who sell those products to you at Market.
~SATURDAY MARKET – OPEN YEAR-ROUND 8am-1pm;
7am Jun. thru Sep.
~TUESDAY MARKET – May 2 thru Nov. 21, 8am-1pm;
7am Jun. through Sep.
~WEDNESDAY MARKET –OPEN June 21 thru Sep. 27 on Wed. evenings 3pm-7pm
From furniture to rugs, pottery and various types of decor, this place has it all. It is huge! Great spot for shopping for souvenirs and gifts.
23 Einheimische empfehlen
Jackalope Mercado at Santa Fe
2820 Cerrillos RdFrom furniture to rugs, pottery and various types of decor, this place has it all. It is huge! Great spot for shopping for souvenirs and gifts.
Arts & Culture
The giant recycled roadrunner is 20 feet tall and 40 feet long. It has been an icon of Las Cruces ever since artist Olin Calk built it in 1993 exclusively from salvaged items. It was the artist's way to call attention to what he called, "consumption, recycling, and just looking at stuff we throw away."
In early 2001, Olin stripped off the old junk, replaced it with new junk, and moved the roadrunner to a rest stop along Interstate 10, just west of the city. The roadrunner could be seen for miles, and gained a wide new audience of fans. (source: http://www.roadsideamerica.com)
6 Einheimische empfehlen
Skulptur des recycelten Roadrunners
32 AL-106The giant recycled roadrunner is 20 feet tall and 40 feet long. It has been an icon of Las Cruces ever since artist Olin Calk built it in 1993 exclusively from salvaged items. It was the artist's way to call attention to what he called, "consumption, recycling, and just looking at stuff we throw away."
In early 2001, Olin stripped off the old junk, replaced it with new junk, and moved the roadrunner to a rest stop along Interstate 10, just west of the city. The roadrunner could be seen for miles, and gained a wide new audience of fans. (source: http://www.roadsideamerica.com)
This Santa Fe landmark cinema is named after the French filmamker and artist Jean Cocteau and is now owned by George R. R. Martin, the creator of "Game of Thrones". It is both a small cinema and an art gallery and this place also hosts a variety of events from live music to book readings and burlesque shows. It also features a small bar that offers wines, beers and cocktails that can be taken to the viewing rooms and enjoyed while watching a movie. Also, try the yummy buttered popcorn sprinkled with brewer's yeast or red chile powder or the indulgent cinnamon+sugar popcorn.
36 Einheimische empfehlen
Jean Cocteau Cinema
418 Montezuma AveThis Santa Fe landmark cinema is named after the French filmamker and artist Jean Cocteau and is now owned by George R. R. Martin, the creator of "Game of Thrones". It is both a small cinema and an art gallery and this place also hosts a variety of events from live music to book readings and burlesque shows. It also features a small bar that offers wines, beers and cocktails that can be taken to the viewing rooms and enjoyed while watching a movie. Also, try the yummy buttered popcorn sprinkled with brewer's yeast or red chile powder or the indulgent cinnamon+sugar popcorn.
To firmly ground yourself in New Mexico's rich past, visit this museum on the Santa Fe Plaza. Built by the Spanish as a government building in 1610, the Palace remains the country's oldest continuously occupied public building. Its exhibits chronicle the history of Santa Fe as well as New Mexico and the region. American Indian artists sell their wares under its historic portal as part of the Native American Artisans Program.
64 Einheimische empfehlen
Palace of the Governors
105 W Palace AveTo firmly ground yourself in New Mexico's rich past, visit this museum on the Santa Fe Plaza. Built by the Spanish as a government building in 1610, the Palace remains the country's oldest continuously occupied public building. Its exhibits chronicle the history of Santa Fe as well as New Mexico and the region. American Indian artists sell their wares under its historic portal as part of the Native American Artisans Program.