New Mexico Expeditions

It takes time to explore 1000 years of history, and our expeditions will only give you glimpses of a past that fascinates everyone: prehistoric and Native cultures, Spanish heritage, Old Wild West, and of a future that makes everyone dream: astronomy, aviation and aerostation, all this in the most varied climates and landscapes. But our expeditions will make your experience of New Mexico one you will treasure for many years to come... until you won't resist any longer and will need to come back.

"Thank you all for such a great time and experience. I treasure each of you for what you have given me - new friends and GREAT memories. Carole, you will be happy to know that I have launched a photography career (or sort of!!). My friends have loved a lot of the pictures I took with you and I have a friend who owns a decorating store and she has allowed me to display some of my work. All because of you and your trip!!!" K.W. (Ohio)

Northern New Mexico and International Balloon Fiesta
September 29 - October 7, 2008; 9 days/8 nights $2,695 (based on single occupancy). NOTE: Deadline: SEPTEMBER 7, 2008
Albuquerque - Turquoise Trail - Taos - Llama trek - Ojo Caliente Hot Springs - Chimayo - Santa Fe - Balloon Fiesta

"Saturate yourself with your subject and the camera will all but take you by the hand." Margaret Bourke-White (American photographer 1904-1971)

Day One
Arrive in Albuquerque and check into 3-star hotel MCM Elegante. Welcome reception and dinner with the expedition leader at the hotel restaurant. (D)

Day Two
We leave today to discover Northern New Mexico, taking the Turquoise Trail that brings us to the old mining town of Madrid, now a big Art center and where we stop for lunch. We continue via the high road to Taos, passing through the villages of Truchas and Las Trampas and the Carson National Forest. Stop at Ranchos de Taos to photograph the famous St Francis adobe church.
We then check into the Kachina Lodge. Enjoy a complimentary wine & cheese reception at the hotel before dinner. (B,L,D)

Day Three
Today, we have a taste of New Mexico's wilderness without the burden of a back pack as we spend the day hiking with llamas and a naturalist guide either in the majestic Rio Grande Gorge or at Columbine Park to view the aspens in glorious fall colors. The non-competitive pace of the hike will emphasize photography and enjoyment of the backgrountry, with a stop in a scenic location to enjoy a gourmet lunch in the wilderness. We'll be back at the Lodge in time for Pueblo Indians dances. Kachina Lodge (B,L,D)

Day Four
Early morning visit of the Taos Pueblo, the only living Native American community designated both a World Heritage Site and a National Historic landmark. The multi-storied adobe structure has been continuously inhabited for over 1000 years. Leisure visit of the city of Taos before lunch in town.
In the afternoon we head off to Ojo Caliente Hot Springs and check-in at the Spa's Historic Hotel. The spa has many natural geothermal pools of various mineral waters in which to soothe our muscles and rejuvenate our souls. Deemed sacred by indigenous Native Americans, Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs has been a gathering place and a source of healing for hundreds of years. Now's our turn! Provided there is a minimum of 3 participants, we'll enjoy soaking under a starry sky in our own secluded outdoor pool complete with a kiva fireplace. (B,L,D)

Day Five
We enjoy a leisurely morning at the spa. The mud bath area offers many fun photo ops between participants. After check-out at 11:00AM, we drive to Rancho de Chimayo restaurant, a restored century-old adobe home turned into a restaurant and serving the best sopapillas and delicious New Mexican cuisine.
After lunch, we visit the Santuario de Chimayo, a religious and Easter pilgrimage site, rendered famous by the miraculous dirt people dig from a hole in the church.
We arrive in Santa Fe in the afternoon and check into historic St Francis Hotel near the Plaza. The rest of the afternoon is leisurely spent on Canyon Road bordered by dozens of art galleries. Canyon Road used to be the end of the Santa Fe Trail. Dinner on Canyon Road. (B,L,D)

Day Six
The morning is spent in Santa Fe, exploring the oldest capital in the U.S.
We head back to Albuquerque in the afternoon via the Turquoise Trail. Visit of Cerrillos, an old town that could have been NM capital and has been the site of Western movies. Check into the MCM Elegante Hotel in Albuquerque and dinner on your own (B,L)

Day Seven
We arrive at Balloon Fiesta Park before dawn for the mass ascension of the 750 hot air balloons, an awe inspiring sight. By mid-morning we return to the hotel. Lunch on your own. In the afternoon enjoy a digital presentation on ballooning of select work by expedition leader, who will answer questions about this morning ballooning experience. Afterwards we head back to Balloon Fiesta Park for the night Balloon Glow event. Pilot Jonathan Wolfe, the only known artist/balloonist/scientist to tie-dye hot air balloons, will join us with his crew for a picnic dinner on the field. Three of his tie-died balloons will be participating in the Balloon Fiesta. We'll return to the hotel after the glow and fireworks. (B,D)

Day Eight
This morning, weather permitting, some of us can either go to the Balloon Fiesta field and photograph the balloon ascension, or take an optional balloon ride (not included in cost). We will then enjoy lunch at the Pueblo Harvest Cafe at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and photograph scheduled Native American dances.
Rest of afternoon at leisure. Farewell dinner in Albuquerque.(B,L,D)

Day Nine
Breakfast on your own at the hotel. Transfer to the airport by hotel courtesy shuttle.(B)

Expedition Cost: $2,695 (land arrangement only).
If you are two persons booking together and sharing a double room, the cost is $2,295 per person.
Reservations: A $1000 deposit per person is required to secure a place on our expeditions, which can be paid via Paypal or by check (preferred). The balance is due 60 days prior to start date. Under three sign-ups, a small-group supplement of $350 p.p. will be requested at time of departure.

*Expedition Cost includes:
Hotel accommodations based on single occupancy; all ground transportation; all meals but two (as indicated); entrance fees at Taos Pueblo, Balloon Fiesta and Pueblo Cultural Center; Hot Springs pools; expedition leader services; llama trek; all New Mexico taxes.

Cost does not include:
Airfare to/from your home city; alcoholic beverages (unless indicated in itinerary); entrance fees not mentioned above; camera fees; items of personal nature and incidentals; luggage and mandatory travel insurance; gratuities to guides.

Optional Hot Air Balloon flight: $325 per person (payable by check - includes $30 non-refundable processing fee required by Rainbow Ryders Balloon company).

Schedule is flexible to accommodate photography and weather conditions, and itinerary is subject to slight changes as necessary.


For complete details, see our General Information page.