Route 66 Unpolished Driving Tour
Uncover hidden roads and stories of the true Mother Road with expert local guides
From$285/ person
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Discover what we've curated for you
Uncover hidden roads and stories of the true Mother Road with expert local guides
Discover what we've curated for you
9am-4pm
Lunch, Transportation, Local guide
Travel the original Route 66 with local experts on a full-day driving tour. Ride in a luxury Mercedes-Benz van as you uncover hidden roads, historic landmarks, and stories few people know.
Ages 10+; ages 10–17 must be with a guardian. Minimum 4 guests; tours may be canceled if fewer. Expect multiple stops with short walks and getting on and off the van.
7 day or 1 week cancellation policy. Tours may be rescheduled or refunded if heavy rain or snow is forecast. If fewer than 4 guests book, the tour may be canceled with a full refund or alternative date offered.
Jerard truly knows how to show off Santa Fe. He's a genuine local whose family has been in New Mexico for generations, and that deep connection comes through in every tour. Guests rave about his storytelling ability, the way he weaves together indigenous, Spanish, and Mexican history into something engaging rather than dry. The food and drink stops aren't skimpy tastings either – expect full plates and real margaritas at carefully chosen spots like Coyote Cafe's rooftop. The tours strike that sweet balance of being educational without feeling like a lecture. What makes these experiences stand out is the personalized attention and genuine local insight. Beyond the main Plaza walking tours, they also offer custom experiences like trips to Chimayó for golden hour, winery tours through northern New Mexico, and even pottery-making sessions. The pacing feels relaxed and conversational, with guides (including Paul, who shares ghost stories and Oppenheimer connections) treating guests like friends rather than a crowd to hustle through checkpoints. Tours typically run 3-3.5 hours, and many travelers recommend booking early in your visit to get oriented and gather recommendations for the rest of your stay.
I can't say enough about Jerard and the two days we spent with him living like locals in Northern New Mexico. Our first day was a guided walking tour of Santa Fe with a fabulous included lunch at Coyote Cantina, ending the day playing with clay and creating our own treasures at Pottery Pub. We learned so much from Jerard about the land, people, and cultures that make NM unique. The second day was a custom tour of Chimayò. The drive in the late afternoon was magical in itself and we were there for "golden hour." It's truly a spiritual place of peace, and being there in December seeing the luminarias lit up was extra special. Our included meal was dinner at Rancho de Chimayò, a local restaurant with authentic Northern New Mexico cuisine. I had the stuffed sopapillas. If you know, you know. I highly recommend Vigilante Guides for personalized, friendly treatment where you learn a lot from a true local whose family has been in NM for generations. Thanks for making our time in NM extra special, Jerard, down to impromptu stargazing on the way back from Chimayò and my son witnessing his first shooting star. Five stars for Jerard!
Jaclyn King
December 26, 2025
I can't say enough about Jerard and the two days we spent with him living like locals in Northern New Mexico. Our first day was a guided walking tour of Santa Fe with a fabulous included lunch at Coyote Cantina, ending the day playing with clay and creating our own treasures at Pottery Pub. We learned so much from Jerard about the land, people, and cultures that make NM unique. The second day was a custom tour of Chimayò. The drive in the late afternoon was magical in itself and we were there for "golden hour." It's truly a spiritual place of peace, and being there in December seeing the luminarias lit up was extra special. Our included meal was dinner at Rancho de Chimayò, a local restaurant with authentic Northern New Mexico cuisine. I had the stuffed sopapillas. If you know, you know. I highly recommend Vigilante Guides for personalized, friendly treatment where you learn a lot from a true local whose family has been in NM for generations. Thanks for making our time in NM extra special, Jerard, down to impromptu stargazing on the way back from Chimayò and my son witnessing his first shooting star. Five stars for Jerard!
Jaclyn King
December 26, 2025