Experience the Land of Enchantment: Bandelier National Monument, El Santuario de Chimayo, Tsankawi Unit of Bandelier, and Ghost Ranch VVAC Members Trip
Sunday, October the 18th – Thursday, October the 22nd 2026
$595 per person
Limited to 12 people
Conducted by Richard McGaugh and Monica Buckle
This tour will sell out fast, and is available to VVAC members only.
Join VVAC for an immersive cultural experience in the Land of Enchantment. Our journey through Northern New Mexico features intersections of various cultures that have made a lasting imprint on the landscape and American culture. Appreciate the Ancestral Puebloan people and their achievements and legacies at Bandelier National Monument and at Tsankawi Unit. Learn about the Spanish contact period and the Missions that are part of the Old Spanish National Historic Trail such as the sacred site, El Santuario de Chimayo. As well as the modern period with Georgia O'Keeffe establishing New Mexico and the Ghost Ranch as an art destination.
Day One: Drive to Los Alamos and check-in at The Hampton Inn & Suites Los Alamos White Rock. Once you have arrived to the hotel and checked-in, relax from the drive, and then join us for a group welcome dinner at Pajarito Brewpub and Grill in Los Alamos.
Day Two: Bandelier National Monument: Exploring the Pajarito Plateau, Frijoles Canyon, and Ancient Pueblo Sites. Our journey begins with a visit to the Pajarito Plateau, where we will explore Frijoles Canyon and the remarkable ancestral homes of the Ancestral Pueblo people. When members of Cochiti Pueblo guided explorer and archaeologist, Adolph Bandelier to these sites, he reportedly exclaimed, “That is the grandest thing I ever saw.” The monument was later named in his honor.
The day starts at the visitor center, where we will watch the park film and explore exhibits that provide insight into the people who lived in the canyon centuries ago. From there, we will take a leisurely walk along the popular Pueblo Loop Trail, a 1.4-mile route that passes the remains of Tyuonyi Pueblo, Long House, and several cliff dwellings carved into the soft volcanic rock. The first section of the trail is relatively flat and offers some of the easiest access to Bandelier’s cultural treasures.
Along the trail, ladders allow visitors to enter cavates—small human-carved alcoves that once served as living spaces. Highlights of the loop include the Big Kiva, Tyuonyi, Talus House, and Long House. This initial section of the trail is generally accessible although some portions exceed accessibility standards and may include stairs or drop-offs.
Approximately halfway through the Pueblo Loop Trail, visitors must decide whether to return to the visitor center or continue an additional half mile each way (one-mile round trip) to Alcove House. Formerly known as Ceremonial Cave, Alcove House sits 140 feet above the floor of Frijoles Canyon and was once home to approximately 25 Ancestral Pueblo people.
Reaching Alcove House requires climbing four wooden ladders (pictured) and several stone stairways. Because of the height and physical demands of the climb, visitors who are uncomfortable with heights, their balance, and stairs may prefer to remain near the visitor center and museum. For those able to make the ascent, the effort is richly rewarded. Inside the alcove is a reconstructed kiva, as well as the viga holes and niches that once supported homes and daily life. Standing in this lofty setting, it is easy to imagine the determination required to carry supplies up the ladders and live in this remarkable cliffside community.
On this day, please bring a packed lunch, snacks, and beverages. We will be at Bandelier the entire day and will have a group picnic for lunch. Please note, each room at our hotel, Hampton Inn & Suites Los Alamos White Rock is equipped with a mini refrigerator and microwave.
After our day at Bandelier, we will return to the hotel and have a group dinner at Blue Window Bistro in Los Alamos.
Day Three: El Santuario de Chimayo and Tsankawi Unit at Bandelier National Monument
VVAC has been granted special permission for a private tour of El Santuario de Chimayo. El Santuario de Chimayo is a shrine and a Mission, and is registered on the Old Spanish National Historic Trail. Today, El Santuario is venerated for its healing properties and Holy dirt. Please note, El Santuario welcomes people of every faith since it is a historic site in addition to a place of worship.
Chimayo is a 30-minute drive from our hotel in Los Alamos. Situated on a prominent hill just North and East of El Santuario de Chimayo, the area was called “Tsimayo” by the nearby Pueblo people when the Spanish arrived in 1598. The Pueblo communities regarded the hill as sacred and believed the surrounding earth possessed healing properties.
Beginning in 1695, Spanish settlers established small neighborhoods, or placitas, around the hill. Over time, the settlement became known as Chimayo.
Our visit and tour will take place at 10:00am followed by lunch at Rancho de Chimayó. Following lunch, we will return to the Los Alamos area and spend the afternoon at Tsankawi Unit of Bandelier National Monument.
Discover one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in northern New Mexico at the Tsankawi Unit of Bandelier National Monument, located 12 miles from the park's main visitor area along State Highway 4. This 1.5-mile loop trail follows ancient pathways across a mesa once inhabited by the Ancestral Pueblo people.
Along the route, hikers will explore cavates carved into the soft volcanic rock, view numerous petroglyphs etched into canyon walls, and visit the remains of the ancestral village of Tsankawi. The trail also offers sweeping views of the surrounding landscape and a unique opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the people who lived here centuries ago.
Several wooden ladders are required to complete the hike, and portions of the trail involve uneven surfaces and exposed areas. Sturdy footwear, water, and sun protection are recommended. Allow approximately 1–3 hours to fully enjoy the archaeological features, scenery, and interpretive opportunities along the trail.
After Tsankawi Unit, we will return to the hotel, which is a quick 5-minute drive. That evening join us for a group dinner at Yuan’s Dumpling and Noodle House in Los Alamos.
Day Four: Immersion at Ghost Ranch
After breakfast we will check-out of our hotel and depart for Georgia O’Keeffe’s Ghost Ranch. Which is approximately a one-hour drive from Los Alamos. We will spend a full-day immersing ourselves in its extraordinary beauty, history, and spirit. From sunrise to starlight, we will experience the landscape that has inspired generations of artists, scientists, historians, and seekers.
Ghost Ranch is a world-renowned destination, its story spans centuries, from Spanish land grants and Native American history to Mexican, French, and Anglo settlement. Over time, it has served as a working ranch, a dude ranch, a conference center, and the beloved home and creative sanctuary of America’s most celebrate artist, Georgia O’Keeffe.
Enjoy a private group Georgia O’Keeffe Landscape Tour. This tour is a narrated journey into the red hills and colorful cliffs that Georgia O’Keeffe painted while living here at Ghost Ranch. The guide will show you reproductions of paintings close to the actual painting sites, as well as drive by her Ghost Ranch house. Please note, we get out of the bus three times during the tour. At one of the stops, we will look over the gate at the property Georgia O'Keeffe owned at Ghost Ranch for many decades.
Included with this tour is a Day Pass and access to the grounds, hiking trails, and the Museums of Anthropology and Paleontology. If you are an artist, please feel free to bring art supplies with you to create.
Meals at Ghost Ranch: All meals at Ghost Ranch are served in The Dining Hall, which is cafeteria style. Lunch (12:00pm – 1:00pm) and Dinner (5:30pm – 6:30pm). The following morning before check-out enjoy Breakfast (7:30am – 8:30am).
Day Five: Check-out of Ghost Ranch and depart home and/or continue your New Mexican adventure.
Trip Information
To book this VVAC Members Trip staying at both the Hampton Inn & Suites Los Alamos White Rock and at Ghost Ranch is required.
To keep the cost of this trip economical, VVAC decided to stay in Los Alamos and not in Santa Fe. Los Alamos is closer and more accessible to all the sites on the itinerary. The discounted Los Alamos room rate is half the price of quotes VVAC received for Santa Fe hotels.
Hampton Inn & Suites Los Alamos White Rock: $180 per night. This is the discounted group rate. Rooms with two queens, and rooms with a single king are available at this rate. This is the discounted group rate. It includes complimentary breakfast each morning and free parking. Tax is not included.
Ghost Ranch: We are staying in The Mesa Building, which features parking and accessible entry to each room. The Mesa Building also features private bathrooms in each room whereas other lodging on the ranch has communal restrooms.
Mesa Room: $289 per night. This is the discounted group rate. Each room has landscape views and features one double and one twin bed with a private bathroom. As well as access to a 24-hour communal lounge with a kitchenette.
Mesa Suite: $306 per night. This is the discounted group rate. Each room has landscape views and features one double bed and one twin bed with a private bathroom, and a small living area. As well as access to a 24-hour communal lounge with a kitchenette.
Included in VVAC’s Fee:
Bandolier National Monument Park admission
El Santuario de Chimayo private tour fee
Tsankawi Unit of Bandelier National Monument admission
Georgia O’Keeffe Landscape Tour fee and day pass
Not Included in VVAC’s fee:
Lodging at The Hampton Inn & Suites Los Alamos White Rock and at Ghost Ranch are separate expenses. All meals for the duration of this trip are a separate expense as well.
Transportation from Arizona to New Mexico (roundtrip) is not provided by VVAC. However, once in Los Alamos both Richard and Monica can carpool members to-and-fro itinerary sites and restaurants in their cars. Other members are welcome to carpool to sites and restaurants as well.
Once you have successfully booked your place via VVAC’s registration link, you will then receive an email in the coming days with lodging reservation links that include the discounted rate for The Hampton Inn & Suites in Los Alamos White Rock and Ghost Ranch.
Please note, The Dining Hall at Ghost Ranch offers standard cuisine. As well as a light selection of vegetarian options and limited gluten-free options. If you have a serious allergy to gluten and/or are a vegan please contact The Dining Hall directly regarding your dietary restrictions and preference.
Registration Link: https://verdevalleyarchaeology.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F48401