DAY TRIP TO CHIMAYÓ

There’s no shortage of things to see, do and eat in Santa Fe. You could spend days here just visiting museums and soaking up the scenery. If you’ve spent some time exploring the city and 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, New Mexico is just 40 minutes from Santa Fe along The High Road to Taos Scenic Byway. This special place has known for its historic church also features several weaving shops and delectable food.

road to chimayo2

The High Road to Taos Scenic Byway.

Hotel de Chimayó

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 magical culture of Chimayó—a truly distinctive town. Each room is beautifully decorated with historical photographs of Chimayó, handmade wooden crosses, woven bed throws and custom weavings.

Each room at this hotel features hand-made wooden crosses created by the community members of Chimayó (Courtesy of Hotel Chimayó ) Each room at this hotel features hand-made wooden crosses created by the community members of Chimayó (Courtesy of Hotel Chimayó )

Breakfast on the Road to Chimayo

Before your day trip to Chimayo, 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 The Plaza Café are conveniently located in downtown Santa Fe.

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. Make plans to visit Centinela Traditional Weaving Arts and Ortega’s Weaving the morning you arrive.

Weaving traditions are passed on through family generations in Chimayó. Courtesy of Ortega Weavers. Weaving traditions are passed on through family generations in Chimayó. Courtesy of Ortega Weavers.

Lunch At Rancho de Chimayó

After working up an appetite visiting area weaving shops, have lunch at Rancho de Chimayó. It serves world-class, authentic New Mexican cuisine from recipes passed down for generations. Here’s a tip: the restaurant 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 Kimberly S) Make Rancho de Chimayó your lunch stop in Chimayó. (Courtesy of Kimberly S)

El Santuario de Chimayó

By then it will be time to reconnect and see why so many journey to Chimayó. El Santuario de Chimayó, is known for its side chapel where the dirt floor is reputed to have healing powers. You’ll want to see "el pocito", the small pit of Holy Dirt many people claim possesses remarkable curative powers. Every Good Friday, tens of thousands of pilgrims make their way to this "Lourdes of the Southwest." The santuario is open to visitors 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (October-April) and 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (May-September).

Weaving traditions are passed on through family generations in Chimayó. Courtesy of Ortega Weavers Weaving traditions are passed on through family generations in Chimayó. Courtesy of Ortega Weavers

Relax and Reflect Back in Santa Fe

Make your way back to Santa Fe. Round out your true Chimayó-inspired day back at Hotel Chimayo. Enjoy locally-sourced cuisine, inspired by the flavors of northern New Mexico at Estevan's. With an eclectic menu featuring favorites like chile relleno and goat's milk flan. Estevan 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. The bar serves authentic New Mexican food and drinks. Specialty cocktails crafted by the professional mixologists add to the atmosphere and help create an unforgettable experience.

From hubcaps to tuck and roll upholstery, you’ll find car details here at the Low and Slow Bar. From hubcaps to tuck and roll upholstery, you’ll find car details here at the Low and Slow Bar.

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! Don't forget to get your official Santa Fe visitors guide!