Bandelier / Puye Cliff Dwellings - Driving Tour

Departing from Santa Fe, this unforgettable day trip begins with a scenic drive to Puye Cliff Dwellings. There, guided by descendants of the original inhabitants, you’ll climb into the cliffside homes and hear the stories that bring this ancient place to life. From the top of the mesa and seeing their summer homes, to picking up ancient shards of pottery, and hearing stories that date back a millennium. Then we'll walk down the south facing cliff side climbing down 40ft ladders as we descend the rocks just like they did long ago.

If you are not able or wanting to climb down, you will have the option of taking the van back down to the visitors center.

After Puye we'll be on our way to Bandelier National Monument, where you’ll hike among rugged canyons, explore ancient cliff dwellings, and walk in the footsteps of the Ancestral Puebloans. We'll uncover ancient petroglyphs, see wildlife, and walk along the frijoles canyon under large pines, cottonwoods, and oak trees as we head to the largest cliff dwelling of the Alcove House.

After working up an appetite, enjoy a delicious local lunch.

Adventure, culture, and history—all in one epic day.