Santa Fe Plaza: New Mexican Food Tour & History Walk

Summary

Santa Fe’s flavors and legends on foot with a local food lover

You’ll taste classic New Mexican dishes right near Santa Fe Plaza, hear local stories from your guide, and pause at landmarks like Loretto Chapel and San Miguel Mission. Expect laughter over spicy bites and time to wander historic streets—plus dessert and drinks included. It’s more than just lunch; it’s a few hours feeling like you belong here.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the smell — roasted chile drifting out of a doorway as we gathered by the Santa Fe Plaza, sunlight bouncing off turquoise jewelry in the market stalls. Our guide, Carlos, grew up here (he pointed out his cousin’s shop across the street) and started us off right in front of the Palace of the Governors. He told us how this building has been standing longer than any other in the US. I kept getting distracted by the sound of someone strumming guitar nearby — it felt like a movie set, honestly.

We wandered past the Basilica (I almost tripped on an uneven brick because I was looking up at those yellow roses climbing the fence), then made our way to our first bite: sopaipillas warm enough to steam my glasses. Carlos warned us about the spice — “New Mexican food doesn’t mess around,” he grinned — but honestly, that green chile sauce was addictive. At one point, Li from our group tried to pronounce “posole” and everyone laughed, including two locals sitting at the next table who gave us tips on what else to order if we came back. It felt friendly, not forced.

Later we stood outside Loretto Chapel while Carlos told us about the Miraculous Staircase — he said you really have to see it yourself after the tour since we didn’t go inside (I made a mental note). The sun was sharp and bright, but there was this cool breeze every time we turned a corner. We caught glimpses of adobe walls and heard snippets of Spanish from shopkeepers. The day trip around Santa Fe Plaza wasn’t just about eating; it was little stories tucked between bites, like how San Miguel Mission was built by hand with help from Indigenous people long before anyone called this place New Mexico. That stuck with me more than I expected.

I left full — maybe too full — but mostly just glad I’d spent a few hours walking and listening instead of rushing through another checklist. If you’re curious about New Mexican food or want a taste of Santa Fe history with someone who actually lives here, this is probably your kind of afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Santa Fe Plaza food and history tour

• Gather for brief Santa Fe history
• Stroll to Basilica built in 1866
• Intro talk at Palace of the Governors
• See Miraculous Staircase outside Loretto Chapel
• View San Miguel Mission exterior
• Catch glimpse of New Mexico Roundhouse

Top questions

How spicy is the New Mexican food on this tour?

The tour features New Mexican-inspired foods that can be quite spicy for some guests; if you’re sensitive to heat or have serious food restrictions, it may not be suitable.

Does this Santa Fe food tour include alcohol?

Yes, alcohol pairings such as wine, margaritas, or local beers are included along with non-alcoholic beverages.

Are entry fees to Loretto Chapel or San Miguel Mission included?

No, entry fees are not included; you’re encouraged to revisit these sites after the tour ends for a small fee ($5 for Loretto Chapel; $4 for San Miguel Mission).

Is hotel pickup included in this Santa Fe Plaza food tour?

No hotel pickup is provided; you meet at or near Santa Fe Plaza for the start of your tour.

How much walking is involved during this day trip around Santa Fe Plaza?

You’ll walk about 1.5–2 miles total during the tour; moderate fitness is recommended.

Is this Santa Fe food tour wheelchair accessible?

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

Can infants or small children join this food tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

What’s included in the price of this Santa Fe Plaza food tour?

The price covers all tastings (full lunch), dessert, alcohol pairings or non-alcoholic drinks, and gratuity for servers (not for your guide).

What’s included

Your afternoon includes all tastings—think classic New Mexican lunch dishes plus dessert—with both non-alcoholic drinks and local alcohol pairings along the way. Gratuities for restaurant servers are covered too (but not your guide). Entry fees to Loretto Chapel or San Miguel Mission aren’t included if you want to visit them after; just bring some cash for those stops if you’re curious enough to go back later.