4 Nights, 5 Days: The Perfect New Mexico Getaway
If you’re looking for a trip that combines art, culture, history, food, and landscapes that will stop you in your tracks—let me tell you about the perfect 4-night, 5-day New Mexico getaway. We just did it, and I’m already dreaming about going back.
Our route took us from Albuquerque to Santa Fe to Taos to Abiquiú, and then back to Santa Fe before flying out. Think pueblos, petroglyphs, jewelry shopping, Georgia O’Keeffe, and some of the most incredible desert views you’ll ever see. Here’s the full itinerary we followed:
Day 1 – Monday: Arrival in Albuquerque & Road to Santa Fe
We booked an early morning flight so we’d have the whole day ahead of us. First stop: Petroglyph National Monument. It’s the perfect way to stretch your legs after flying—short hikes through trails scattered with ancient petroglyphs carved into volcanic rock.
From there, we drove to Bandelier National Monument, just outside Los Alamos. This place is unforgettable. You can climb wooden ladders into ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings, hike canyon trails, and imagine life here hundreds of years ago.
By evening, we rolled into Santa Fe and checked into the Inn of the Governors. This hotel is a gem—walking distance to everything in town, with flowers spilling over balconies, a pool perfect for afternoon lounging, and the sweetest daily happy hour social in the lobby. Order a margarita, sit poolside, and know you made the right choice.
Day 2 – Tuesday: Santa Fe Shopping & Canyon Road
Santa Fe is one of those towns you can just wander. The shopping here is unreal—especially if you’re into jewelry. Think silver, turquoise, coral—stunning pieces that are absolutely works of art (and yes, many with equally stunning price tags). Even if you don’t buy, it’s inspiring to look.
Don’t miss Canyon Road, where gallery after gallery is tucked into adobe buildings. It’s the kind of place where you stroll slowly, take in sculpture gardens, and maybe duck into a café for a bite.
Day 3 – Wednesday: The High Road to Taos & Taos Pueblo
We took the High Road to Taos, a scenic route winding through small towns that are worth stopping in:
Chimayó (visit the famous Santuario de Chimayó)
Truchas (sweeping views and a sleepy artist vibe)
Las Trampas (historic mission church)
Once in Taos, head straight to Taos Pueblo. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is over 1,000 years old and still home to Puebloan people today. Take the guided tour—it’s absolutely worth it for the stories and history you’ll hear. Plus, there are artists and jewelers selling their work right on site (yes, I bought more jewelry).
On your way out of town, stop at the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. The views will take your breath away—there’s nothing like standing on that steel bridge and looking down into the canyon.
We ended the day driving to Abiquiú and checking into the Abiquiú Inn. Horses graze nearby, sculptures dot the grounds, and the food is surprisingly fantastic. This place feels like a retreat—quiet, magical, full of desert beauty.
Day 4 – Thursday: Ghost Ranch & Georgia O’Keeffe
Morning comes early in Abiquiú, but that’s perfect because you’ll want the first tour at Ghost Ranch. This is where Georgia O’Keeffe lived, painted, and found endless inspiration. You’ll see the exact spots where she painted her iconic works, walk among those famous red cliffs, and learn about El Pedernal, the flat-topped mesa she painted again and again (and where her ashes were scattered).
After Ghost Ranch, we joined the Georgia O’Keeffe Home & Studio Tour. Standing in her adobe home, looking out at the same desert views she painted—it’s surreal. Every detail is preserved, right down to her minimalist studio.
From there, we took our time driving back to Santa Fe, soaking up the landscapes one last time.
Day 5 – Friday: Fly Out of Albuquerque
Friday morning was slow—coffee, a walk through Santa Fe—and then the easy drive back to Albuquerque for our afternoon flight.
Why This Trip Works
In just 5 days, you get:
History & Culture: Petroglyphs, Bandelier, Taos Pueblo
Art & Inspiration: Canyon Road, Ghost Ranch, Georgia O’Keeffe’s home
Shopping & Food: Santa Fe’s jewelry scene, Inn of the Governors’ social hour, Abiquiú Inn’s kitchen
Landscapes: Rio Grande Gorge, red cliffs of Ghost Ranch, desert mesas
It’s the perfect balance—adventure, relaxation, culture, and beauty, all in one road trip loop.
