Southwest Trails of Native America
| country: | USA |
| location: | Native America |
| departures: | 2008: 21 Sep, 19 Oct |
| price: | From £1335 (10 days) excluding flights. Single supplement £225. Tour can operate in either direction, must have at least 8 to operate. We can help arrange flights from the UK |
the amazing things you'll be doing
Follow the footsteps of the Anasazi through the 4 corner states of New Mexico, Arizona, Utah and Colorado into another era of the development of the region. Learn about the current inhabitants: the Navajo, Apache, Ute Mountain, and Northern New Mexico Pueblo Nations.
Albuquerque is the perfect gateway to explore some of the most enchanting landscapes on earth, and the uniquely fascinating tri-cultural perspective of the region. Follow the trails of the early nomadic peoples, into the archaeological sites of the Anasazi, and the contemporary cultures of present day Native America.
Along the routes of the Spanish explorers and early American settlers, whose arrival ensured that, this mixture of cultures remain obvious today. From the Rio Grande Valley, across the Continental Divide and in to the Colorado Plateau, this is truly a High Desert Classic.
Extensions: Please contact us to find out more information about possible extensions before or after your tour. Many passengers opt for a 2 or 3 night Santa Fe extension following the tour which we can help you arrange.
Please note: Due to the developing tourism industry in the area changes can and do occur in this type of program. Weather conditions, sometimes severe enough to limit where we can drive or walk, can also alter the program. As visitors, we will respect this, and remain flexible and open to local conditions, safety concerns and unforeseen opportunities. Our guides will do their best to keep things on track and in the event that our schedule changes, they will try to keep disruption to a minimum, consider your wishes and organise other options as far as it is reasonable and practical to do so.
Albuquerque is the perfect gateway to explore some of the most enchanting landscapes on earth, and the uniquely fascinating tri-cultural perspective of the region. Follow the trails of the early nomadic peoples, into the archaeological sites of the Anasazi, and the contemporary cultures of present day Native America.
Along the routes of the Spanish explorers and early American settlers, whose arrival ensured that, this mixture of cultures remain obvious today. From the Rio Grande Valley, across the Continental Divide and in to the Colorado Plateau, this is truly a High Desert Classic.
Extensions: Please contact us to find out more information about possible extensions before or after your tour. Many passengers opt for a 2 or 3 night Santa Fe extension following the tour which we can help you arrange.
Please note: Due to the developing tourism industry in the area changes can and do occur in this type of program. Weather conditions, sometimes severe enough to limit where we can drive or walk, can also alter the program. As visitors, we will respect this, and remain flexible and open to local conditions, safety concerns and unforeseen opportunities. Our guides will do their best to keep things on track and in the event that our schedule changes, they will try to keep disruption to a minimum, consider your wishes and organise other options as far as it is reasonable and practical to do so.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Albuquerque, New Mexico. Arrive Albuquerque, check into hotel, and join us for a welcome drink and a brief orientation this evening. |
| Day 2: | Gallup New Mexico. An early start is on the cards to day to be the first at Acoma Pueblo’s, “Sky City”, which has been inhabited for over 1200 years. An Acoma guide will take us through the cliff top village to explain the history and culture of these descendants of the Anasazi. A beautiful drive through the ‘Malpais’ lava lands takes us to El Morro National Monument to view the rock art that spans thousands of years, and see the inscriptions of the early explorers and pioneers. We then cross the Continental Divide to visit Zuni Pueblo, the largest Pueblo Tribes. Our day ends at the famous El Rancho Hotel. |
| Day 3: | Chinle, Navajo Nation. Westward now, into the heart of the Navajo Nation for a visit and presentation at the Navajo Nation capital of Window Rock. A local historian will explain Navajo history and discuss current affairs. We then visit the Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site, the oldest continuously operating trading post on the Navajo Nation. A short drive north takes us to the Navajo town of Chinle and Canyon de Chelly National Monument, where our first experience is to witness sunset overlooking the Antelope House Ruins in Canyon del Muerto. |
| Day 4: | Chinle, Navajo Nation. There are a few choices for each passenger this morning as to how they access the various archaeological sites and side canyons of Canyon de Chelly. First we join the escorted tour in an off road vehicle, with a local Navajo guide, to the mysterious White House Ruins. From here you can choose to return by the same vehicle and tour the various overlooks along the south rim, or enjoy a wonderful hike to the top of this incredible canyon. Today offers a fantastic insight into the Navajo Culture. |
| Day 5: | Kayenta, Navajo Nation. We head north to Navajo National Monument for a short walk to the overlook of the Betatakin Ruins and take a walk on one of the guided or self guided trails. Late afternoon we will join our Navajo guide into some of the most stunning landscapes on earth at Monument Valley Tribal Park. Access is often restricted here so we will take the advice of our guide who will be able to show and talk us through all that we can see in the area. |
| Day 6: | Cortez, Colorado. This morning we have an early start as we take the opportunity to witness the sunrise over Monument Valley. A beautiful afternoon drive will take us to the UTE Mountain Tribal Nation. A Ute Mountain Indian guide will leads us on an unforgettable tour into Lion's Canyon Archaeological sites located along the Mancos River. These are some of the most untouched cliff dwellings in the region. Pottery shards and arrow heads line the trails, and enormous ladders take us into ancient cliff dwellings, some wih sealed sandstone granaries which have not been opened since they were abandoned over 800 years ago! |
| Day 7: | Cortez, Colorado. We are joined today by a National Park historian to introduce us to the incredible maze of Anasazi cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park. A variety of possibilities are available as you can choose to participate in a guided tour or self-guided tours through the maze of Anasazi sites that make this place such an important one. The park is a world heritage site and offers visitors excellent and protected access to these sensitive areas. The area was hit hard by wild fires recently, and is an excellent example of how fire plays such a significant role in this high desert ecosystem. |
| Day 8: | Jemez Springs, New Mexico. Chaco Canyon National Historic Park, once the centre of Anasazi Culture and Commerce, is our destination today. We will join a National Park Interpretive Guide for a hike to some isolated and intriguing archaeological sites. Chaco Canyon is one of the least accessible parks in the USA so there are no crowds, just isolation and stark beauty. It is back across the Continental Divide into the volcanic Jemez Mountains. Our lodge is situated next to natural hot springs to soak away the day. |
| Day 9: | Jemez Springs, New Mexico. A relaxing morning at last before we explore the Valle Grande Volcanic Caldera and witness the latest comprimise between National, State and Private land managers to offer a multi use environment for travellers, hunters, ranchers, and local Tribes. Jemez Pueblo, Wallatowa, is an optional afternoon visit, or you might want to schedule a relaxing hot springs soak and massage. |
| Day 10: | Albuquerque, New Mexico. After a relaxing morning we will transfer passengers to the airport for their departures. Upon booking we will be able to give you advice about flights but please note that we would suggest that you do not schedule flights before 2pm. |
this tourism business was Highly Commended
In our 2005 First Choice Responsible Tourism Awards, the largest awards of their kind in the world, and organised by responsibletravel.com in association with The Times, World Travel Market and Geographical Magazine. The idea behind the Awards is that all types of tourism – from niche to mainstream – can and should be operated in a way that respects and benefits destinations and local people. how this holiday makes a difference
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We employ locally based residents to supply services such as outfitting and step on guide services. Acoma Pueblo, Navajo, Ute Mountain, and Northern Pueblo tribal guides and services are contracted at a fair rate of pay. Shopping for arts and crafts is offered through co-operatives and/or with the craftspeople themselves, thus avoiding the middleman.
 Where possible, all accommodation and food services contracted are with locally owned and operated businesses to ensure that the money stays locally. About 50% of the tour cost remains with the local populations. Almost all properties are chosen because they practice responsible tourism methods involving recycling, water use, and energy consumption. The others must soon comply with much stricter regulations and guidelines due in the near future. Our guides and drivers practice and promote responsible tourism methods and techniques, and participate in the National Park Conservation and Development programmes. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |