There’s something undeniably special about a summer or fall getaway to Santa Fe. The city’s crisp high desert air, adobe architecture, and deep-rooted cultural traditions offer a vacation experience you won’t find anywhere else. From the vibrant art galleries along Canyon Road to the immersive exhibits at the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, there’s no shortage of inspiration around every corner. For an unforgettable glimpse into the region’s past, don’t miss a visit to the Puye Cliff Dwellings—ancestral homes carved into the cliffs by the Pueblo people, offering panoramic views and a meaningful connection to the land.
Attractions like the Puye Cliff Dwellings aside, what truly sets Santa Fe apart is the spirit of northern New Mexico itself. This part of the Southwest has a distinctive flavor that blends Spanish, Native American, and Anglo influences into something that feels entirely its own. Whether you’re sampling red or green (or Christmas!) chiles at a roadside café, watching the sunset light up the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, or exploring quiet mountain villages like Chimayó and Abiquiú, there’s a sense of place here that lingers long after you leave.
In a world that often feels too fast-paced and overstimulating, finding a getaway that feels authentic, rich with stories, and a world away from the usual beach towns or big cities is a refreshing change. Let the quiet, elevated ambiance of our Bed and Breakfast in Santa Fe be the relaxing destination you crave. A short walk from the State Capital and the Santa Fe Plaza, this intimate Santa Fe Bed and Breakfast blends Southwestern charm with thoughtful touches and a warm, welcoming vibe.
With knowledgeable hosts, delicious breakfasts, and a location that lets you walk to galleries, shops, and restaurants with ease, the Four Kachinas offers a truly relaxing home base for your Santa Fe getaway. Book your stay today!
Why You Should Visit the Puye Cliff Dwellings
If you’re planning a trip to northern New Mexico, the Puye Cliff Dwellings should absolutely be on your list. Located on the Santa Clara Pueblo, just over an hour’s drive from Santa Fe, this ancient site gives you a rare chance to step into the story of the Southwest—literally. Carved into the volcanic tuff of the Pajarito Plateau, the Puye Cliff Dwellings were once home to up to 1,500 people and served as a significant cultural hub between the 900s and the 1500s. Unlike other cliff dwellings that are now protected behind glass or viewed from afar, visiting the Puye Cliff Dwellings allows visitors to walk through rooms, climb ladders, and see petroglyphs up close, offering a much more immersive experience.
Driving the Puye Cliff Dwellings Scenic Byway
Puye Cliffs Scenic Byway may only be an eight-mile segment of road, but the incredible views are incredible. This beautiful drive winds through the heart of northern New Mexico’s high desert landscape, leading you to one of the region’s most culturally significant ancestral sites. As you wind through the Santa Clara Pueblo lands, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Jemez Mountains, dramatic mesas, and wide-open skies. It’s a peaceful, photogenic route that sets the tone for a meaningful visit to the historic Puye Cliff Dwellings.
Visiting the Puye Cliff Dwellings
There’s plenty to do once you arrive at the Puye Cliff Dwellings. You can choose from several guided tours—each led by members of the Santa Clara Pueblo who provide personal insights and cultural context you won’t get from guidebooks. The Puye Cliff Dwellings Adventure Tour is a combo tour that gives you access to the best of everything. It takes you up close to the multi-storied homes carved directly into the rock, then onto the Mesa Top, where you’ll find stunning overlooks of the Rio Grande Valley and the surrounding desert terrain. You’ll learn about the daily lives of the ancestors who built this community, the spiritual significance of the site, and how their descendants continue to honor and protect it today.
If you’re the type of traveler who values authenticity and a deeper connection to place, this experience delivers. Standing at the edge of the mesa, you get a real sense of the ingenuity and resilience of the people who lived here centuries ago.
Other Interesting Sites to Explore
After fully immersing yourself in the thousands of years of local history at the Puye Cliff Dwellings, you can grab lunch in Los Alamos and check out the Bradbury Science Museum before hiking through Bandelier National Monument. Both areas lie near the Pajarito Plateau and the town of Los Alamos. Bandelier National Monument is full of even more cave dwellings and ancient housing, sitting in scenic canyons. It’s the perfect place to cap off your day of exploring Northern New Mexico’s natural beauty.
Plan Your Northern New Mexico Retreat
As you wind up this day immersed in the traditions and history of northern New Mexico, you’ll welcome the elevated and authentic Southwestern-themed rooms at our Bed and Breakfast in Santa Fe. Our beautiful Inn is home to a collection of well-appointed rooms filled with locally made art and furnishings, and plenty of high-end amenities that will help you fully relax and unwind.
Every morning of your stay, you’ll enjoy a complimentary breakfast that will have you up and ready to explore even more of this incredible spot. Book one of our rooms to start planning your trip today. We look forward to welcoming you to our northern New Mexico oasis!
