If you’re considering a way to explore Santa Fe’s vibrant drink scene, the Official Margarita Trail Tour offers a fun and flavorful option. This two-hour walking experience is designed for those who love a good cocktail and want to learn more about the city’s tequila traditions, all while enjoying some local bites.
What makes this tour stand out are its well-crafted margaritas featuring local spirits and fresh ingredients, and the interactive passport stamp experience that adds a playful element to your city exploration. On the flip side, since it’s a walking tour of about a mile, it’s best suited for travelers in good shape and comfortable with some light exercise. This experience is perfect if you’re curious about Santa Fe’s cocktail culture and want a guided, social outing.
One thing to keep in mind is that the tour is curated with pre-selected tastings—so if you’re particular about customization, that might be a consideration. Overall, it’s an engaging way to combine social sipping with a dose of local culture, especially if you’re a fan of margaritas or looking for a unique activity that’s both fun and educational.
Who will love this? If you’re a curious traveler, a cocktail enthusiast, or someone who enjoys guided walks with a focus on food and drink, this tour could be just right. It’s also a nice choice for groups—up to 12 people—looking for a lively and relaxed way to spend part of their day in Santa Fe.
Key Points
- Expertly crafted margaritas featuring local spirits and fresh ingredients
- Guided walking tour of Santa Fe’s Margarita Trail with cultural stories
- Passport stamps add a fun, collectible element to your experience
- Pairings of drinks with delicious bites enhance the tasting experience
- Limited group size (max 12) ensures an intimate, engaging atmosphere
- Duration of 2 hours makes it a manageable activity for most travelers
What to Expect from the Santa Fe Margarita Trail Tour
This tour offers a lively way to see Santa Fe without feeling like you’re on a hurried itinerary. It’s designed to be an enjoyable mix of exploration, education, and tasting. The tour’s main appeal is its focus on margaritas—arguably New Mexico’s most iconic cocktail—made with local spirits and fresh ingredients. The guide, often a chef, brings enthusiasm and insight, making the experience more than just drinking.
The tour begins at a meeting point near the Burro sculpture on San Francisco Street, a spot easy to find and central for exploring the city’s lively downtown. Once everyone’s gathered, the guide will lead you through about a mile of Santa Fe’s streets, stopping at three popular spots known for their margaritas and bites.
Throughout the walk, expect engaging stories about Santa Fe’s tequila traditions and the history behind each cocktail. The guide’s enthusiasm adds a personal touch, making the experience feel more like a friendly chat than a formal tasting. Plus, you’ll get three passport stamps—a fun incentive to visit each location and collect souvenirs.
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The Margarita Tastings and Food Pairings
Each venue is curated to serve a unique margarita, such as those made with local spirits or featuring inventive twists. These aren’t generic drinks; they’re carefully crafted with fresh ingredients, often paired with delicious bites. Reviews mention the excellent wine selection, tasty food, and tapas that accompany the drinks, elevating the tasting experience beyond just sipping cocktails.
While the specifics of each stop aren’t detailed, the focus is on quality and flavor. Some reviews highlight the delicious bites and how well they complement the drinks, making it a well-rounded tasting journey. Keep in mind, all food, beverages, taxes, and tips are included, so there’s no need to worry about extra costs during the tour.
The Walking Itinerary
With about a mile of walking, the tour is easy for most participants in good walking condition. The pace is relaxed, but it’s still walking through Santa Fe’s streets, so comfortable shoes are recommended. The tour is also wheelchair accessible, which is a nice touch for those with mobility needs.
The tour’s duration—just two hours—makes it a flexible addition to your day. Whether you’re looking for a fun afternoon activity or a lively start to an evening out, this tour fits well into most itineraries.
The Value of the Margarita Trail Experience
Priced at $149 per person, the tour might seem a bit steep at first glance, but when you consider that it includes three tastings, bites, tips, and passport stamps, it offers solid value. You’re getting a curated experience led by an enthusiastic chef-guide, which adds a lot of personality and insight that you wouldn’t get with a self-guided visit.
The small group size—up to 12 people—means you’ll get more attention from the guide and a more intimate vibe. If you’re after a lively, social experience with good drinks and interesting stories, this setup works well.
Plus, the full cancellation policy—cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund—adds flexibility, especially if your plans change unexpectedly.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Experience Provider
Wander New Mexico, the company behind this tour, offers a variety of experiences in Santa Fe and beyond. Their reputation for curated tours suggests you’re in good hands, especially if you prefer small-group, personalized experiences over large, generic tours.
Is It Worth It?
For the price, you’re paying for more than just drinks—you’re paying for a guided, cultural, and culinary introduction to Santa Fe’s Margarita Trail. If you’re a social person who enjoys trying local drinks, learning about tequila traditions, and exploring the city on foot, this tour delivers a lot of value.
However, if you’re someone with specific tastes, or if you prefer more flexibility in your tastings, you might find the curated selection limiting since substitutions aren’t available. It’s also not suitable for those under 21, so plan accordingly.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This experience is ideal for curious travelers, cocktail lovers, and those interested in learning about local traditions through food and drink. It’s suitable for groups of friends traveling together, couples, or solo travelers who want a relaxed, social activity. Because it involves walking and standing, those in good health will enjoy it most. It’s also wheelchair accessible, so inclusive for some mobility considerations.
If you’re looking for a quick, engaging way to spend a couple of hours in Santa Fe and sample some of the best margaritas around, this tour ticks many boxes. It’s a fun, tasty, and educational experience that brings you into Santa Fe’s lively spirit.
The Official Santa Fe Margarita Trail Tour
FAQs
Is the tour suitable for people who don’t drink alcohol?
No, this tour involves tasting margaritas, so it’s not suitable for those under 21 or anyone avoiding alcohol.
How long is the walking involved?
The tour covers about one mile of walking, which is manageable for most people in good walking condition.
Are there any food options included?
Yes, the tour includes bites at each stop along with the margaritas, all covered in the ticket price.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if needed.
Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it more inclusive for different mobility needs.
What is the meeting point?
It’s at the corner of San Francisco Street, near the Burro sculpture—easy to find and central.
Can larger groups be accommodated?
Yes, larger groups can book private and custom tours if the 12-person maximum feels limiting.
In all, the Santa Fe Margarita Trail Tour offers a well-rounded taste of Santa Fe’s cocktail culture, delivered with local charm and expert guidance. It’s a particularly good fit if you want a social, tasty experience that combines walking, learning, and drinking—without taking yourself too seriously.
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