Santa Fe: History Walking Tour with Ana Pacheco, City Historian

Summary

Santa Fe stories come alive on a walk with a true local historian

You’ll walk Santa Fe’s storied streets with Ana Pacheco, city historian & author, hearing vivid tales of the Plaza, Loretto Chapel’s mysterious staircase, Burro Alley’s wild past and more. Expect real family stories mixed with centuries-old legends — and moments that linger long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

“That’s where my great-great-grandfather first set foot,” Ana said, pointing at a sun-warmed patch of the Plaza. I wasn’t sure what I expected from a Santa Fe history tour, but it wasn’t this — not someone whose family has been here since 1692, telling you about the city like she’s sharing old family secrets. The Plaza was already busy that morning, vendors setting up turquoise jewelry and the faint smell of roasting chile drifting from somewhere nearby. I kept getting distracted by the sound of church bells and Ana’s easy way of weaving in stories about La Conquistadora or how the San Miguel Mission is actually the oldest church in the country (I’d walked past it twice before and never noticed).

We ducked into Loretto Chapel — honestly, I thought it’d be just another church, but then Ana started talking about the Miraculous Staircase and how no one really knows how it stands up. She told us about Archbishop Lamy and Saint Chapelle in Paris, but what stuck with me was how quiet everything felt inside, like even the dust motes were listening. Outside again, we wandered down Burro Alley while Ana described vendors tying up their burros and sneaking off to saloons — she laughed when I tried to pronounce Doña Tules’ full name (I definitely butchered it). Sometimes she’d pause mid-story to greet people passing by; you could tell she actually lives here.

I didn’t expect to hear about Route 66 or Japanese internment camps alongside tales of Billy the Kid and Pueblo history — Santa Fe is layered in ways that don’t show up on postcards. There was something grounding about hearing all this from someone who’s written books on it but still gets excited when she talks about old gambling halls or why Canyon Road became an art mecca. By the end, my feet were tired but my head was buzzing with names and dates and little details (like how salt traders used to rest their burros right where we stood). I still think about that view from Cross of the Martyrs — sky wide open over four hundred years of stories.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Santa Fe historical landmarks

• Visit La Conquistadora Madonna
• See Santa Fe Plaza and San Miguel Mission
• Learn Native American and Spanish history
• View WWII Manhattan Project checkpoint
• Explore oldest US government building
• Discover Native American symbol building
• Tour Loretto Chapel and Miraculous Staircase
• Walk through Burro Alley history

Top questions

Who leads this Santa Fe history walking tour?

The tour is led by Ana Pacheco, former City Historian of Santa Fe and author whose family settled here in 1692.

What landmarks are included on this tour?

The tour covers Santa Fe Plaza, Loretto Chapel, San Miguel Mission church, Burro Alley, Cross of the Martyrs and more.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible; transportation options are also accessible.

Does this tour include information about Native American history?

Yes, there is an overview of four hundred years of Native American history including New Mexico's 19 Indian Pueblos.

How long does the walking tour last?

The exact duration isn’t specified but covers several key historical sites in central Santa Fe within a day trip format.

Are children or infants allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are welcome.

Is public transportation nearby for this tour?

Yes, public transportation options are available near the starting point.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided walk through Santa Fe’s historic center with Ana Pacheco as your storyteller—no extra tickets needed—and every stop is accessible for wheelchairs or strollers so you can just focus on soaking up four centuries of living history together.