Join one of Taos’s famous writer, artist, and storyteller for this walking tour of the city, named Sam Richardson. Along the way you’ll learn about the cultural and historical figures like Padre Martinez and Kit Carson. You’ll explore the wild west Red Light District. See where early artists created their work, and visit several other spots in town with vivid histories and plenty of stories.

Take a tour from one of Taos’s most famous storytellers, artists, and writers
Make several stops around town, each with its own history and story
Get an insider’s look at Taos that you couldn’t know yourself
Go at your own pace, and ask as many questions as you like

What's Included

Walking narrative about Taos' history and culture, art scene, and historical figures.

Meeting And Pickup

Meeting point

Taos Plaza
N Plaza, Taos, NM 87571, USA
We begin at the statue of Padre Martinez on the Taos Plaza

Start time

11:00 AM

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Taos Plaza

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

R.C. Gorman Navajo Gallery

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

The Michael McCormick Gallery

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Dona Luz Street (Pass By)

Bent Street

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

John Dunn Way

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Veteran's Memorial

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed
Surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Not recommended for travelers with back problems
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Most travelers can participate
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.0

46 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

Showing 1-10 of 46 reviews

Sam was fantastic! A...

Ellen_B, Sep 2023

Sam was fantastic! A delightful personality with wonderful information about Taos history and the plaza. He is also a celebrity. Everyone knew him! This "group tour" was wonderful. We appreciated all of the photos and illustrations that made Taos come to life. Thanks!

History at its MAX

Christina_H, Aug 2023

Our tour guide was very knowledgeable about the history of the area. My husband is a retired history teacher and was impressed. The tour was amazing except the town square...which is not the tour company's issue, but something needs to be done about fixing it up. I would recommend the tour highly.

Great Taos Overview

Kathleen_B, May 2023

Sam was a knowledgeable and entertaining guide. Easy walk and good recommendations for restaurants and galleries.

Great overview of Taos!

Thomas_A, Apr 2023

Sam provided a fine overview of Taos! He was easy to listen to, had good stories, and excellent insights from many years of living here.

Great guide - provides...

Erik_L, Apr 2023

Great guide - provides some nice history of the plaza and landmarks . Didn’t feel rushed and guide answered many questions

Sam was full of little...

Jeffrey_H, Oct 2022

Sam was full of little anecdotes that add greatly to a fuller understanding of the local hx of the region.

Fun tour around Taos.

Margaret_D, Oct 2022

Our tour guide Sam was a wealth of knowledge. He seems to know everyone in the community and so many interesting little stories from the past and present. His drawings gave us a look into the subject and kept things on course. He was excellent!

Would not recommend

Catherine_P, Sep 2022

We payed for a private tour. 10-12 others were present, we could not hear the voice of the tour guide.

Great Day In Taos!!

Jacqueline_P, Jul 2022

Sam was a great tour guide!! His knowledge of Taos and its history is without compare, His many stories gave context to the places we were visiting so that we could go back again at our leisure and really understand what we were seeing.

Sam did a great tour for...

Bob_M, Jul 2022

Sam did a great tour for us...highly recommended. Great Taos history lesson. Made our visit worth the trip.

Great way for understanding some lesser known Taos history

Robert_M, May 2022

Sam was entertaining and knowledgeable. A good value. We enjoyed learning about Taos’ history. Recommend this tour for everyone.

Interesting and educational

Robert_M, May 2022

Enjoyed it very much - history especially. Knowledge of current local artists also fascinating. Sam was very personal Nagle with a great sense of humor.

Sam was knowledgeable and...

Lynn_E, Apr 2022

Sam was knowledgeable and did a wonderful job sharing history, culture and arts. We would recommend this tour for anyone wanting to learn more about Taos!

Sam was an excellent...

Kim_M, Jan 2022

Sam was an excellent guide. He is a wealth of knowledge about Taos and the surrounding area. I would take a tour with Sam anytime.

A must-do for first time Taos visitors

Preeya_T, Jan 2022

Sam is very knowledgeable and a great story teller and historian. He gave us great recommendations for shops and restaurants.

Sam was easy to get along...

Lynn_T, Aug 2021

Sam was easy to get along with and shared some great history. His personal perspective of the different cultures was interesting and we enjoyed his friendly demeanor.

Response from Host, Sep 2021

Thanks!