Local Santa Fean tip

Adobe archway portrait

Adobe arches and gated courtyards are everywhere on and around Canyon Road. Find a beautiful adobe archway and take a group photo framed inside the arch.

Adobe mission portrait

San Miguel Mission is one of the oldest church structures in the United States. Find a flattering angle on the adobe walls and bell facade, and take a group photo with the church behind you.

Canyon Road sculpture pose

Canyon Road has the highest concentration of art galleries in the city, and many display outdoor sculptures along the street. Find a striking outdoor sculpture and take a group photo where the team mirrors its pose.

Cathedral Basilica facade

The sandstone Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi sits one block north of the Plaza. Find the facade with its two towers and take a group photo with the cathedral filling the frame.

Checkpoint: Canyon Road

Walk east along Alameda and up Canyon Road. Check in once you reach the densest stretch of galleries (around the 600 to 700 block).

Checkpoint: Loretto Chapel

Walk back across the Santa Fe River to Loretto Chapel on Old Santa Fe Trail and check in at the entrance.

Checkpoint: Palace of the Governors

Walk to the north side of the Plaza and check in on the long Palace of the Governors portal.

Checkpoint: San Miguel Mission

Walk south across the Santa Fe River to San Miguel Mission on Old Santa Fe Trail and check in at the entrance.

Checkpoint: Santa Fe Plaza

Navigate to the Santa Fe Plaza in the historic centre and check in by the obelisk in the middle.

Plaza obelisk circle

Form a circle around the central obelisk on the Plaza and take a group photo from above (one team member stands on a bench or step) so the obelisk anchors the shot.

Portal artisan portrait

Under the long portal of the Palace of the Governors, Pueblo and Navajo artisans sell handmade silver, turquoise and pottery directly to visitors. Ask permission and take a respectful photo of an artisan's display (or buy a small piece).

Red or green chile taste

In Santa Fe the official state question is "red or green?". Order a New Mexico classic (chile relleno, enchiladas, breakfast burrito) and take a group photo with everyone taking the first bite at the same time. Christmas-style (half and half) earns bonus points.

Santa Fe finale

Final challenge. Find a beautiful Santa Fe spot (an adobe wall at golden hour, a courtyard, the Plaza after dusk) and take an amazing closing group photo. Cheers from the oldest capital in America!

Santa Fe kick-off

The hunt begins! Find a classic Santa Fe backdrop (an adobe wall, a string of dried red chile ristras, a turquoise window frame) and take a group photo with the whole team in shot.

Spiral staircase shot

Inside Loretto Chapel stands the famous mystery staircase, a spiral that rises to the choir loft with no visible central support. Buy the small admission, take a respectful photo of the staircase from below and a group shot in front of the chapel.

Trivia: Highest state capital

Santa Fe is the highest state capital in the US by elevation. Approximately how many feet above sea level does it sit (within 100)?

Trivia: Loretto staircase turns

The mysterious spiral staircase in Loretto Chapel rises 20 feet to the choir loft. How many full turns does it make as it rises?

Trivia: San Miguel built

San Miguel Mission is widely cited as the oldest church in the continental United States. In what year was it originally built?

Trivia: Santa Fe founded

Pedro de Peralta laid out the Spanish colonial town of Santa Fe and made it the capital. In what year?