CITY OF SANTA FE
Downtown Santa Fe and Summer Sunset
Santa Fe is a beautiful, historic city — founded in 1610 — located in northern New Mexico. It is surrounded by breathtaking desert and mountains. It is an art hub with many beautiful galleries and works of art can be seen throughout the city. The state capitol building (the Roundhouse) houses an amazing collection of art created by artists with a connection to the state. Santa Fe is also home to the Santa Fe Opera and Meow Wolf.
Other Attractions:
- Fine Dining
- Museums
- Shopping
- Walking Tours
- Live Music
- Dancing
- Spas
- Outdoor Recreation
LOCAL GUIDES
Local guides and publications are essential for catching much of the city’s arts and culture. Most gallery openings and music events will have listings. The Santa Fe Reporter is a weekly guide, and lists movies, events, restaurants, and provides reviews and commentary. The weekly arts and culture publication of the Santa Fe New Mexican, Pasatiempo — for a fee — lists the entire week as well as reviews. Pasatiempo can be found in newsstands or in the Friday edition of the New Mexican. The Tourism Santa Fe website has a wealth of information on happenings in Santa Fe.
FLIGHTS
The closest international airport to Santa Fe is the Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ). If the timing works, there is a train — Rail Runner — from Downtown Albuquerque to Santa Fe. A shuttle bus runs from the airport to the downtown train station. If the train does not work well, riding sharing services are available from ABQ to Santa Fe.
The Santa Fe Airport (SAF) is a regional airport with connecting flights to larger airports in nearby states. This can be a good option; check times and pricing.
If you are traveling far, you may want to arrive a day early and look for lodging near the airport and then make your way to Santa Fe for check-in day. If you are traveling from sea level, a night in Albuquerque at 5,300ft (1600m) can be helpful for adjusting to high altitude before coming to Santa Fe at 7,200ft (2200m).
EXTENDING YOUR STAY
You are welcome to arrive early or stay late in order to coordinate a vacation with your participation in the program. However, we are unable to offer accommodations in participant housing outside of the dates of the program, and thus accommodations for extended stays (likewise, meals, transportation, etc.) are your responsibility. Guests are not permitted to stay overnight at our program venues. Many visitors on a budget have enjoyed staying at the Santa Fe International Hostel. Santa Fe has many hotels and rent-from-owner options.
GETTING AROUND
Car Rental: Car rental is available in Santa Fe at your own cost. It's always a good idea to compare prices across businesses and vendors. You must be 25 or older to rent a car.
Ride Share Services: There is no taxi service in Santa Fe. Uber and Lyft are available.
Personal Car: If you have the ability (and desire) to drive to your program, previous participants have been glad that they did. Parking is free at all program venues.
HIKING NEAR SANTA FE
Clockwise from Upper Left: Aspen Vista Trail | Ravens Ridge Trail | Rio en Medio Trail | Windsor Trail
There are many hiking trails within easy driving distance of Santa Fe.
- Aspen Vista Trail
- Chamisa Trail
- Dale Ball Trail System (link to trail system map)
- Picacho Peak
- Atalay Mountain Trail (local favorite)
- Nambe Lake Trail
- Raven’s Ridge Trail
- Rio en Medio
- Windsor Trail
See descriptions and more options by clicking here.
HIGH ALTITUDE DESERT
Santa Fe is located at 7,200 feet (~2,200 meters), with some parts of the city even higher. The weather is beautiful — warm and sunny most days, cool in the evenings. A good night’s sleep your first two days and staying well-hydrated are the two best things one can do to acclimate.
The sun is also more intense at high altitude/less atmosphere. Handy items to pack for the outdoors — city, desert, or mountains:
- Sunscreen
- Water Bottle
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Lightweight Long-sleeved Shirt
- Rain Jacket (for summer monsoons)