CULTURE, CONSERVATION & ADVENTURE IN THE LAND
of
ENCHANTMENT
TAOS~
THE SPIRIT OF ADVENTURE 9 DAYSIN THE ENCHANTED CIRCLE
TAO S E N V I R O N S > L L A MA T R E K K I N G > H I S TO R I C TAO S > O J O C A L I E N T E
EcoNewMexico, LLC has been chosen to partner with the New Mexico Tourism Department to achieve the goals of Ecotourism New Mexico.
TAO S E N V I R O N S > L L A MA T R E K K I N G > H I S TO R I C TAO S > O J O C A L I E N T E
DAY1 Upon your arrival at
As we wind through the Southern
DAYS 1–3
Albuquerque Airport you will be met by
Sangre de Cristos and up through the
one of our local guides who will spoil
world famous Taos gorge we will stop
you with frothy lattes, or any beverage
along the way to have a celebratory wel-
BAVARIAN INN & CHALETSTAOS SKI VALLEY
of your choice, and enthralling stories of
come cocktail overlooking the vast gorge
H I G H L I G H T S : Hiking, historic
the amazing history of our incredible and
from above. Welcome to Taos where the
undiscovered state. Your guide will drive
spirit of ancient cultures and high octane
pueblo tours, horseback riding with native guides, river rafting, dance lessons, culture, music, incredible organic locally produced and grown food supporting local farms and growers
you directly north
adventures await! We will drive through
to Taos, stopping
the historic town of Taos and up into the
along the way at
towering peaks of Taos ski valley where
the historic Los
you will be staying the next three nights.
Poblanos Historic Inn, a community-supported organic farm that cultivates over 75 varieties of fruits and vegetables. For lunch you’ll dine al fresco under the shade of the ancient cottonwoods and willows, your table resting on a carpet of wildflowers. The farm’s mission is slow food and you will experience it deliciously. After lunch we will set off for our journey up north, enjoying the vivid colors of a New Mexico summers day while following the trails of explorers and war-
The Bavarian Inn--it’s as if someone uprooted a traditional Bavarian ski alm and plopped it intact onto the powdery slopes of Taos’ famous ski area. This cozy log and timber lodge features an acclaimed restaurant attended by a dirndl- and lederhosen-clad wait staff, luxury suites fi lled with European antiques, and the warm and casual ambience of a Europeanstyle ski retreat.
riors, each mile a history marker.
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TAO S E N V I R O N S > L L A MA T R E K K I N G > H I S TO R I C TAO S > O J O C A L I E N T E
named for the
It seems like ananomaly at fi rst: an authentic Bavarian ski alm in the heart of the mountainous Southwest. But settle
exotic dancer who
into one of the luxurious suites at this cozy hideaway and
was King Ludwig’s
you’ll find yourself thoroughly charmed by the inn’s unique
paramour, is the
blend of Western hospitality and German Gemütlischkeit.
most conducive to a honeymoon-
SITUATED AT AN ALTITUDE OF 10.000 FEET, THIS IS THE ONLY MID-MOUNTAIN LODGE AVAILABLE AT THE LEGENDARY TAOS SKI VALLEY.
style retreat, with its rosy color scheme, queen bed, and spa
It is here that expert skiers test their nerves on blackdiamond runs and snow lovers of all skill levels revel in the dry
bath. Families can
powder and bright sunshine of the high desert. Amenities
settle into the Neuschwanstein suite, with three bedrooms,
include ski-in/ski-out convenience, a sunny heated deck
three baths, a living room, and a full kitchen. Adjacent to the
that’s packed with skiers at midday, and a warmly welcom-
lodge are the new Chalets, a complex of three-bedroom,
ing restaurant that serves up Bavarian delicacies as well as
three-bath condos available as full-service chalets, and in
standard American fare. Wash down your Sauerbraten with
addition there is also the Wilderness Lodge at Kachina Peak.
a specially imported Spaten
Spot B ig Ho rn sheep on K ACHINA PE AK
brew or a fine wine from the well-chosen wine list, then settle back to enjoy the gentle heat from the Kachelofen, a traditional Bavarian tile fi replace. It’s rare to find a place that is as appropriate for a romantic getaway as it is for a family gathering, but The Bavarian somehow manages both. Among its four suites, the Lola Montez,
CULTURE, CONSERVATION & ADVENTURE IN THE LAND
Across their range – from the mountains of Canada south to New Mexico, the Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep have become famous for their large curled horns. These impressive growths are a symbol of status and used in epic battles across the Rockies and the Sangre de Cristos. It takes sharp eyes,but these magnificent creatures can be spotted high on the surrounding peaks of the Taos ski valley.
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The Lodge is a private 4 bedroom residence that can accommodate up to 8 adults in four private luxury suites with an additional bunkroom with 4 beds and an ensuite bathroom. The house is offered with a three night minimum and as a full service chalet, complete with butler and private chef service. The high-end contemporary decor of the chalets and the Wilderness Lodge offer a contrast to the antiques-fi lled lodge while sharing all the amenities of the sister property. Take in a late afternoon hike to surround yourself with the spectacular mountain scenery and perhaps spot some big horn sheep high above on the rocky cliffs of Kachina. Enjoy a delicious dinner at the Bavarian hosted by owners Jamie and Thomas Schulze. Overnight Bavarian B, L, D
DAY2 After a delicious breakfast you will be met and taken down into the town of Taos where you will enjoy a full day tour of historic Taos with one of our favorite local guides and history buffs. Explore the narrow streets and museums fi lled with amazing galleries and boutiques. You will visit Kit Carson’s home, an eighteenth-century walled farmhouse, and enjoy a delicious picnic lunch prepared by a Native chef and enjoy a horseback ride with a Taos Pueblo guide across the grassy meadows that lie below the sprawling mountains.
TAOS PUEBLO IS A UNSESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE AND IS AMONG ONE OF THE OLDEST CONTINUALLY HABITED COMMUNITIES IN THE UNITED STATES. After your picnic lunch you will visit the ancient Taos Pueblo and later in the afternoon you will return to the Bavarian for a hot shower and some time to relax before heading to a local restaurant for a delicious culinary feast prepared from organic produce grown on local farms. Enjoy another great night in your high octane accommodation! Overnight Bavarian B, L
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DAY3 A one day Rio Grande raft trip with Los Rios
most experienced
River Runners is guaranteed to be an exhilarating adventure
rafting company,
in the most pristine sections of the Rio Grande Gorge. Each
provides all the
state of the art raft is piloted by an experienced, personable
equipment and
guide who is well trained and knowledgeable in the local
expertise you need.
geology and history of this unique area. The Rio Grande is
Los Rios includes
the fi rst river to be protected by the Wild and Scenic River Act,
a conservation
passed by the US Congress in 1968.
donation from
You will participate in this delight-
the profits of their
ful adventure by paddling through
trip to Rivers and
some of the most scenic vistas in the
Birds, a local non-
world. Feast your eyes upon breath-
profit dedicated
taking scenery and wildlife inside the
to youth environ-
Gorge, with cliffs towering as high
mental education and watershed conservation in Taos
as 1500 feet (500 meters). Big horn
County. So you can raft and feel really good about pro-
sheep, river otter, peregrine fal-
tecting the surrounding areas at the same time!
cons, hawks and eagles are among the many who reside deep within the Gorge’s faceted cliff bands. Enjoy a bountiful deli style lunch with fresh fruit, veg-
Close the inspiring day by joining well known local personalities for dinner at another amazing local restaurant with stimulating conversation and country western dance les-
etables and all the trimmings, prepared and served riv-
sons! Hosts include storyteller/multi-generational native New
erside beneath the towering majestic canyon walls.
Mexican Cisco Guevara and author/ screenwriter Allegra
Depending on water levels and your desires, you can explore calm floats (class II), family fun rapids (class III), or big
Huston. Enjoy another great night’s sleep at the Bavarian. Overnight Bavarian B, L
wild whitewater (class IV+). Los Rios, New Mexico’s oldest and
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T A O S E N V I R O N S > L L A M A T R E K K I N G > H I S T O R I C T A O S > O LJ O C A L I E N T E
DAY4
DAYS 4–5 LLAMA TREKKING WILDERNESS ADVENTURE
H I G H L I G H T S : 2 nights and three days spent exploring some of the most spectacular wilderness areas in North America. The gentle llamas andyour amazing guide.
After a lovely breakfast on the
deck of the Bavarian, you will be met by naturalist guide and adventure outfitter Stuart Wilde, with his team of gentle and eco-friendly pack llamas, for a 3 Day Llama Trek in the Columbine-Hondo Wilderness. On the trail, your woolly hiking companions carry the gear, while your guide shares information about local ecology, natural history, and wilderness lore. You’ll hike through lush Rocky Mountain forests of spruce, fi r, and aspen. Lunch will be served on the trail, with an opportunity to see remnants of an old 1800’s gold miner’s cabin and learn about the area’s mining history. You’ll arrive at the 11,300’ base camp by mid afternoon, a pristine alpine meadow scattered with summer wildflowers. We’ll set up our high-tech and spacious dome tents, strike camp, and settle down
CULTURE, CONSERVATION & ADVENTURE IN THE LAND
for dinner and an evening campfi re, before turning in for a well deserved night’s sleep, in the heart of the New Mexico wilderness. Overnight Llama Wilderness Camp B, L,D
DAY5 You awake in an alpine paradise, with our llamas grazing in the morning sun. The smell of campfi re and coffee says it’s going to be another great day in the wilderness. After a hearty breakfast and morning orientation, we’ll get our gear ready for the day’s adventure. Guests may choose to help with the brushing and saddling of the llamas, and loading up for the day.
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TAO S E N V I R O N S > L L A MA T R E K K I N G > H I S TO R I C TAO S > O J O C A L I E N T E
and chanterelle mushrooms along the way to cook up a gourmet feast incorporating the bounty of the forest in our meal. We’ll have an evening demonstration on wilderness skills and primitive fi re making, and swap stories around the campfi re, with an astronomy lesson before retiring to our tents. Overnight Llama Wilderness Camp B, L,D
DAY6
DAY 6 HISTORIC TAOS
H I G H L I G H T S : Galleries, boutiques, epicurean delights, great margaritas and amazing live music!
After campfi re and break-
fast, we’ll break camp, and make sure we We’ll head off on our day hike to climb Gold
leave our alpine meadow looking just as
Hill at 12,711’. We’ll hike above tree-line,
pristine as it was when we arrived. We’ll head
where a true alpine tundra makes a colorful
up to tree-line and connect up with the
“mat” of tiny wildflowers. We’ll have lunch
ridge trail that will bring us back to Taos Ski
at the top of the saddle, before continu-
Valley. We’ll share our final lunch on the trail.
ing onto our peak ascent. As we hike to the peak we may have an opportunity to see the
You will be picked up at TSV and brought
area’s resident herd of bighorn sheep. At the
to the Historic Taos Inn for margaritas and
top of Gold Hill, we’ll have spectacular 360º
a dinner at the acclaimed Doc Martins
panoramic views of the Southern Rockies
Restaurant. Take an evening stroll around
and High Desert of northern New Mexico.
Taos Plaza, and experience the unique
We’ll return to camp, gathering wild porcini
southwest flavor of the downtown area.
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TAO S E N V I R O N S > L L A MA T R E K K I N G > H I S TO R I C TAO S > O J O C A L I E N T E
At the Historic Taos Inn, guests will experience authentic southwestern rooms, located in the center of Taos’s Historic District and across the street from Taos Plaza, where shops and art galleries abound. The architecture consists of traditional adobe, latilla and viga elements in a pueblo revival format. Modern amenities abound and a full scale recycling program is in place for guests. The Historic Taos Inn has rooms to suit your every need, from traditional king and queen rooms to their larger suites. The Taos Inn also boasts an award winning restaurant, Doc Martins, along with a Wine Spectator approved wine list. Specializing in local new American foods, homemade desserts and regional cuisine, any dinner is enchanting at Doc’s. Also on site is the famed Adobe Bar, serving a New Mexican style bistro menu and the people’s choice favorite for best margaritas in Taos. Another treat is complimentary live music presented every evening in styles from Flamenco to Jazz to world beat. The Adobe bar has been dubbed “the living room of Taos” by National Geographic Explorer. The Historic Taos Inn
DAYS 7-9
is the perfect package
OJO CALIENTE MINERAL RESORT & SPA
New Mexico and the
H I G H L I G H T S : The dawn ascent Balloon Ride through the gorge and champagne breakfast. The mineral springs and their therapeutic effects. Exploring O’Keeffe country, mountain biking & hiking.
for those exploring Taos, region. Everything comes together under our roof! Overnight Historic Taos Inn B, L
ing 15 minute process! Once on board, your pilot will give you a pre-fl ight briefing for the voyage of your lifetime!
DAY7 After a great night sleep you will rise early with a hot cup of coffee and be transferred to Taos gorge for your next great adventure….ballooning in the gorge…
When you arrive at the launch site the winds and weather are checked again and if all is well the ground crew will loons – we inflate them :-) You will want to have your camera
CULTURE, CONSERVATION & ADVENTURE IN THE LAND
Gorge, following the running water of the Rio Grande River. Once airborne, your pilot will guide the balloon over the Gorge and gently descend as much as 600 feet below the rim. As you float through the Gorge, you will want to have your camera glued to your eyes ready to snap shots of the shadow of the balloon ( called “ ballooner eclipses “) or Golden Eagles or perhaps a hawk perched on the cliff walls.
prepare the balloon for inflation ( we don’t “blow up” balready for up close and personal shots of this very fascinat-
Because the cool mountain air usually drains southward out of Colorado, the balloon will likely drift gently down the
After flying inside the Gorge for awhile, your pilot will ascend to an altitude that will allow you to see the entire Taos Valley.
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TAO S E N V I R O N S > L L A MA T R E K K I N G > H I S TO R I C TAO S > O J O C A L I E N T E
While you’re flying, the fearless chase crew (since we
for over 1000 years), Ojo is one of the oldest natural
don’t know where we will land they are called “chase
health resorts in the United States. This secluded sanc-
crew” instead of “catch crew ”) will be following.
tuary is ripe with history to explore and has a relaxed eclectic charm that is sure to leave you rejuvenated!
After the fl ight you will participate in the 226-yearold tradtional Champagne toast and will also fi ll out
The resort’s full-service spa offers a serene experi-
“Flight Certificates” as proof to the world that you are now “Lighter-than-air-heads.” You cannot imagine how
ence for mind, body and soul with a wide range of
excited you will be with what you have just experienced,
services plus an incredible eucalyptus steam room,
and you will truly enjoy reminiscing about your fl ight!
sauna, and seasonal detoxifying mud pool. After checking into your Plaza Cottage, you will find the
After your amazing ballooning experience you will be met and transferred
original fountain of youth awaiting you. Ojo Caliente is the
to Ojo Caliente Mineral
world’s only hot springs with four types of sulphur-free heal-
Hot Springs Resort & Spa,
ing waters- lithia, soda, iron and arsenic. Let our pools ease
where you will arrive late
your mind and body, then dry off before being cocooned
in the afternoon fully
in our Signature Milagro Relaxation Wrap. This dry blanket
prepared to soak and
wrap will help accelerate the release of toxins from the
experience the legend-
body. Now you are ready to enjoy a 50-minute spa treat-
ary waters deemed
ment. Guests may choose either a custom massage, cus-
sacred by the Native
tom SUDARI Face Treatment or an Ojo Aroma Wrap. Dine
Americans of Northern
in the Artesian Restaurant and taste fresh, local northern
New Mexico. Healing
New Mexican cuisine. Satisfied with the savory side of life,
mind, body and spirit for
now it’s time to cozy up beside the fi re. Learn about our
over 140 years (and used
local history and folklore with Native American Storytelling-
by the Native Americans
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After dinner stop by
- while you enjoy Ojo S’mores with ancho chili chocolate for desert. Fall fast asleep and dream
our wine bar and cozy
away in the comfort of your blissful cottage for
lounge for a a local
the most peaceful night of sleep in your life!
beer or a glass of wine.
Overnight Ojo Caliente Mineral Hot Springs Resort & Spa B After dinner take
DAY8 Wake up refreshed and ready for restor-
in the healing waters
ative yoga, then enjoy a delicious northern New Mexican
one last time. You will
breakfast. As the sun rises over the mesa and fi lls the val-
be transformed in our
ley with sunlight, follow your guide as you hike into Antiquity
private outdoor pool,
and discover the history of the 1100 acre oasis with a picnic
enjoyed best with a
lunch. Full with history, enjoy an afternoon soak or leisurely
fi re beneath the clear
ride on a beach cruiser around the 3 mile Bosque River Loop.
sky canopy of stars. All the elements combine for a perfect last night! Overnight
In the late afternoon, it’s time to mountain bike 12 miles of single-track trails across ancient mesas and capture the spectacular New Mexican sunset,
Ojo Caliente Mineral Hot Springs Resort & Spa (B)
DAY9 Enjoy restorative Yoga or morning hike before
followed by a restorative
breakfast and then head out to discover O’Keeffe coun-
Custom Massage or Radiant
try. Have a picnic lunch, exploring the stunning and
Salt Glow therapy.For dinner,
spectacular scenery made famous by Georgia O’Keeffe,
choose your flavor and be
and enjoy a full day tour including ghost ranch.
sure to enjoy a chocolate
Ojo Caliente Mineral Hot Springs Resort & Spa B, L
cigar, a sensuous desert not for the faint of heart!
Prices upon enquiry – each trip is custom designed to suit your dates, size of group and specific requirements. CULTURE, CONSERVATION & ADVENTURE IN THE LAND
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