Founded by art historian Elaine Ritchel, Santa Fe Art Tours opens the door to Northern New Mexico’s vibrant galleries and adobe-lined streets through intimate, conversation-driven walks. Each small-group outing is thoughtfully cur...
Canyon Road can feel overwhelming with its 80+ galleries, but guides like Elaine and Mary transform it into something manageable and meaningful. They both come highly praised for their deep knowledge of Santa Fe's art history and strong relationships with gallery owners and artists throughout the district. Reviewers consistently mention how welcome they felt entering each space, with guides making introductions and providing behind-the-scenes access that feels almost VIP. Several people noted learning a helpful framework for analyzing and interpreting art that enhanced their appreciation beyond just looking. What makes these tours special is the personalization. Guides tailor gallery selections to visitors' interests while mixing traditional Native and Indigenous art with contemporary works. The blend of art education, local history, and practical recommendations for restaurants and shops gives you a fuller Santa Fe experience. Even longtime residents report rediscovering Canyon Road through fresh eyes. First-timers and repeat visitors alike describe the tours as highlights of their trips, with many wishing they could have continued longer or already planning to book again.
My group of four booked a private Canyon Road Art Tour with our guide Mary, and I’m so glad we did. This was my third visit to Santa Fe, and although I’d been to Canyon Road before, I never knew where to start—there are over 80 galleries to choose from. Mary transformed what could have been an overwhelming stroll into a curated, engaging, and educational experience. She guided us through a moveable story of Santa Fe: Native and Indigenous art galleries where we learned more about Santa Fe’s history, an artist-in-residence home where we discovered how Canyon Road developed, and contemporary galleries where she introduced us to owners and working artists. Along the way, she also pointed out additional galleries, eateries, cafés, and gardens worth returning to—I took notes and can’t wait to visit again. Mary was knowledgeable, friendly, and flexible, making the tour both interactive and accessible. She seemed to know everyone—every gallery owner we visited greeted her—which made us feel like we were walking in with a VIP or a local celebrity. As a matter of fact, I’d book this tour with Mary again on my next visit just to explore more galleries we didn’t get to this time. The behind-the-scenes insights, personal introductions, and Mary’s thoughtful curation elevated the entire experience and greatly reduced my FOMO. Booking the tour was seamless as well! The operators were a pleasure to work with, very responsive, and flexible in helping us arrange the experience. I highly recommend this tour for anyone who wants to go beyond simply “looking at art” and really connect with the history, people, and culture of Canyon Road.
Nicole Haldeman
August 19, 2025
My group of four booked a private Canyon Road Art Tour with our guide Mary, and I’m so glad we did. This was my third visit to Santa Fe, and although I’d been to Canyon Road before, I never knew where to start—there are over 80 galleries to choose from. Mary transformed what could have been an overwhelming stroll into a curated, engaging, and educational experience. She guided us through a moveable story of Santa Fe: Native and Indigenous art galleries where we learned more about Santa Fe’s history, an artist-in-residence home where we discovered how Canyon Road developed, and contemporary galleries where she introduced us to owners and working artists. Along the way, she also pointed out additional galleries, eateries, cafés, and gardens worth returning to—I took notes and can’t wait to visit again. Mary was knowledgeable, friendly, and flexible, making the tour both interactive and accessible. She seemed to know everyone—every gallery owner we visited greeted her—which made us feel like we were walking in with a VIP or a local celebrity. As a matter of fact, I’d book this tour with Mary again on my next visit just to explore more galleries we didn’t get to this time. The behind-the-scenes insights, personal introductions, and Mary’s thoughtful curation elevated the entire experience and greatly reduced my FOMO. Booking the tour was seamless as well! The operators were a pleasure to work with, very responsive, and flexible in helping us arrange the experience. I highly recommend this tour for anyone who wants to go beyond simply “looking at art” and really connect with the history, people, and culture of Canyon Road.
Nicole Haldeman
August 19, 2025
