Chimayo & Santa Fe – 22 August 2025

Another early morning out the door of our hotel to drive to the famous shrine in Chimayo. The beautiful church, El Santuario de Chimayo, is about a 40 minute drive from Santa Fe in Chimayo. Built in 1816, it has become a pilgrimage site known for the “healing dirt.”

The earlier the better to be able to experience the sacred, spiritual site. Only a few people are there walking the property. We are able to go into the church and experience the spirituality of the site. The healing dirt is said to do just that, heal people from their many ailments and demons.

It truly is a place that offers much. Of course, there is also the people who need to make a few bucks.

Down the street is the second church, also beautiful and worth walking a short few steps. As much as the Spaniards forced religion on the native Americans, they embraced Christianity more than people raised Christian in modern times. The detailed iconicity and the devotion is something worthy of experiencing.

We spent almost two hours walking the property and we were able to obtain some of the healing dirt to share.

On the way back to Santa Fe, we stop at the Nambe store to purchase a few beautiful pieces for our homes. Nice sale too!

Back in Santa Fe, we venture to the New Mexico History Museum which is also attached to the Palace of the Governors built in the 1600’s by the ruling Spaniards. The history is rich and complex at the same time. The museum does a wonderful job in their exhibits of providing an overview of the New Mexico history and educating those who don’t know anything at all! We have to admit we only knew some of it. 1610 – to now – wow!

Upstairs includes exhibits relating to Zozobra and the development of missiles on ranchers’ lands. This is something everyone should know and learn…I doubt it is rarely being taught outside of New Mexico.

Palace of the Governors is part of the museum and is one of the oldest buildings in Santa Fe. This building is now where along the outside the local Native American artisans are allowed to sell their jewelry daily.

Back at the hotel relaxing and then out to dinner at La Fonda’s restaurant La Plazuela. La Fonda was a Harvey House and celebrated their 100 year anniversary recently. Dinner was fabulous!