Taos Artisan Walking Tour + Chocolate: Meet Local Artists

Walk through Taos' art galleries and studios, then taste handmade chocolate with its makers

A three-hour guided walking tour of Taos' historic art district, starting on Kit Carson Road and moving through downtown galleries and studios where you meet local artisans at work. The tour includes a live English-speaking guide and concludes with a sipping chocolate elixir at Chokola, where owners Deb and Javier walk you through their chocolate-making process. Minimum age 18.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Taos art and chocolate

• Walk historic Taos Plaza
• Learn about Taos Artist Society founders
• Meet artisan Rich Nichlos at art studio
• Discover WPA frescoes by Taos artists
• Visit Tres Estrellas Gallery and see weaving demo
• Enjoy Chocolate Elixir at Chokola

The experience

The tour begins in the historic Taos Plaza and moves through the winding alleyways of downtown, stopping at working studios and galleries. You'll meet artisan Rich Nichols in Ernest Blumenschein's Art Studio, learn about the founding members of the Taos Artist Society, and see the WPA-commissioned frescoes they painted. The route weaves between old and new spaces, grounding the walk in the town's reputation as an art colony since the late 1800s.

At Tres Estrellas Gallery, owners Chris and Carla share the history of Rio Grande blankets and the churro sheep that provided weaving materials for northern New Mexico's textile tradition. Carla demonstrates her handweaving process, showing how hand-dyed yarns and native textile patterns come together. This stop sits at the heart of what makes Taos' artistic community distinct: the continuity between historical craft and contemporary makers.

The tour wraps at Chokola with a hot or cold sipping chocolate elixir. Owners Deb and Javier explain their approach to each step of chocolate making, from sourcing to the finished truffles, mousses and tarts. This final stop ties the day's theme together: watching artists work, whether in paint, textiles or chocolate.

What’s included

• Experience guide in English.
• hot or cold sipping chocolate elixir at Chokola.

Before you book

Days and timesThursday to SaturdayDeparts at 13:00Last departure this season: 28 Nov

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 to 80 years) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupUp to 2

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcome

Operated by Heritage Inspirations

Is this one for you?The tour moves at a walking pace through downtown Taos over three hours, so you're on your feet exploring galleries and studios rather than sitting and listening. This is how you encounter the artists and their work directly.

Traveler reviews

4.80★★★★★★★★★★

54 verified traveler reviews

5 ★48

4 ★3

3 ★2

2 ★0

1 ★1

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What is the Taos Artist Society and when did it form?

The Taos Artist Society was founded in the late 1800s and established the town's reputation as an art colony. The tour visits the WPA-commissioned frescoes painted by its members and introduces you to the founding fathers' legacy through the galleries and studios that still operate downtown.

Will I meet the artists and gallery owners during the tour?

Yes. You'll meet artisan Rich Nichols at Ernest Blumenschein's Art Studio, and owners Chris and Carla at Tres Estrellas Gallery, where Carla demonstrates her handweaving. The tour concludes at Chokola, where owners Deb and Javier share their chocolate-making process with you.

What does the chocolate elixir include?

The sipping chocolate elixir is a hot or cold drink made by Chokola's owners. They also create truffles, mousses and tarts, and explain their approach to each step of the chocolate-making process during this final stop.

How much walking is involved in this tour?

The tour covers downtown Taos and the historic area around Taos Plaza, moving through winding alleyways and between galleries and studios over three hours. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, and the tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What's the difference between Taos' textile tradition and what I'd see elsewhere?

Taos' weaving heritage is tied to the churro sheep introduced to the region, which provided some of the finest materials for Rio Grande blankets. The hand-dyed yarns and native textile patterns you see at Tres Estrellas reflect this specific history of northern New Mexico and the Mexican border region.