Day Trip to Chimayó
There’s no shortage of things to see, do, and eat in Santa Fe. You could spend days visiting museums and soaking up the scenery. However, if you are ready to see more of Northern New Mexico, consider a day trip to nearby Chimayó. Situated in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the village of Chimayó, is just 40 minutes from Santa Fe along The High Road to Taos Scenic Byway. This special place, known for its National Historic Landmark church El Santuario de Chimayó, also features several weaving shops, and delectable food.
The High Road to Taos Scenic Byway
Hotel Chimayó de Santa Fe
For a completely themed experience, reserve a room at the Hotel Chimayó de Santa Fe. This boutique hotel is in the heart of downtown Santa Fe and is a part of New Mexico history. The hotel celebrates the rich culture of Chimayó—a truly distinctive village, steeped in tradition. Each room is beautifully decorated with historical photographs of Chimayó, handmade wooden crosses, woven bed throws, and custom weavings.
Breakfast on the Road to Chimayó
Before your day trip to Chimayó, grab a quick Santa Fe breakfast. A breakfast burrito is often the local’s choice for on-the-go nourishment. Bacon and red chile? Sausage and green? The choice is yours. If you would like to take more time to enjoy your morning meal—maybe you’d prefer it smothered—Tia Sophia’s or Plaza Café Downtown are conveniently located in downtown Santa Fe. And because we know that one breakfast burrito will not suffice, check out the stops along the Breakfast Burrito Tour to sate your hunger on all of the other Santa Fe mornings.
The Weavers of Chimayó
Did you know that Chimayó is famous for the weavings of the Ortega and Trujillo families? Many shops in Chimayó contain their work and other fine crafts from the region. Definitely make plans to visit Centinela Traditional Weaving Arts and Ortega’s Weaving Shop to take home a rug, a jacket, a shawl, or a pillow.
Lunch at Rancho de Chimayó
After working up an appetite visiting area weaving shops, have lunch at Rancho de Chimayó, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The restaurant's illustrious founder and owner, affectionately known as Mrs. J still serves world-class, authentic New Mexican cuisine from recipes passed down for generations. Here’s a tip: It is known for its Carne Adovada—pork that has been stewed to tenderness in Chimayó red chile. Grown from original seeds passed down generations, Chimayó heirloom chile has a unique, rich, and earthy flavor.
Another menu suggestion: the Combinación Picante—a tamale, rolled cheese enchilada, beans, posole, and the signature carne adovada. Use your sopaipilla (the puffy fry bread) to soak up the chile from your plate, but save some to douse in honey! That’s a true Northern New Mexican culinary tradition!
Make Rancho de Chimayó your lunch stop in Chimayó. (Courtesy of Rancho de Chimayó)
El Santuario de Chimayó
By then it will be time to reconnect and see why so many journey to Chimayó each year, hundreds of thousands in fact. Considered to be an important Catholic pilgrimage center, El Santuario de Chimayó, is known for el pocito, the small pit of holy dirt in the side chapel that many people claim possesses remarkable curative powers. During Holy Week alone, and in particular on Good Friday (April 18, 2025), tens of thousands of pilgrims make their way from Santa Fe to what is also called Lourdes of the Southwest. The santuario is open to visitors 9 am to 5 pm daily. Learn a bit more a bit more about its cultural legacy.
Relax and Reflect Back in Santa Fe
Round out your true Chimayó-inspired day back at Hotel Chimayó de Santa Fe. Enjoy locally sourced cuisine, inspired by the flavors of Northern New Mexico at El Rincon Café, with an eclectic menu featuring favorites like the Chile Relleno and Carne Adobada Ravioli, still made by chefs trained by the late great Estevan Garcia. This is the only Santa Fe restaurant to serve Chimayó chile.
Finally stop into relax and reflect on your visit to Chimayó in Low 'n Slow, the hotel bar inspired by Jack Parsons and Carmella Padilla's book, Low 'n Slow: Lowriding in New Mexico. Enjoy authentic New Mexican food and drinks surrounded by a car-themed decor with the "diamond-tuck upholstered seats, hubcapped light fixtures, while tables made of chromed chain-linked steering wheels." Specialty cocktails crafted by the professional mixologists add to the atmosphere and help create an unforgettable experience, as would a unique tour of downtown Santa Fe and the historic Plaza in the establishment's custom '64 Chevy Impala lowrider. Tours are available with the seasonal Lowrider hotel package!
A day trip to Chimayó is just one of many trips easily made from Santa Fe, so remember to squeeze in another day when planning your visit to Santa Fe. There is so much to see!
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