Destination New Mexico Family Vacation and Getaway

River

Rio Chama

Duration

Multi Day

Minimum Age 8

Meals

yes

Price

$3450

About the trip

We begin your destination trip in New Mexico! Your trip leader will meet you this morning at 9 a.m. at your hotel.

Trip Highlights

Immerse yourself in New Mexico landscapes and culture
Spend 3 days on the Wild and Scenic Rio Chama
Discover the amazing Bandelier National Monument
All accomodations and most meals included

This trip meets at Bode’s General Store, an iconic landmark in Northern New Mexico. Bode’s has offered safe parking for Rio Chama rafters for decades. Bode’s is in the heart of the artists village of Abiquiu, NM which is a mere 1 hour drive from Santa Fe and 1.25 hour drive from Taos. Plan on arriving early to enjoy their famous breakfast burritos and grab any last minute items you may be missing including beer and drinks.

For directions to Bode’s General Store click here!

Frequently asked questions

Can you accommodate my dietary restrictions?
We will do our best! We have carefully crafted our menus to be inclusive of a variety of dietary preferences.

Do I need my own camping equipment?
No, although lots of guests choose to bring their own sleeping bags, we can provide you with a sleeping bag, sleeping pad and tent to share with other members of your group for no extra charge. Just be sure to indicate on your individual trip registration form what gear you would like us to provide and we’ll make sure your covered.

What is the cancellation policy?
For our Rio Grande overnight trips and for groups of more than 18 participants, no refunds are offered inside of 14 days before your trip date and for our Rio Chama overnight trips, no refunds are offered within 30 days of your scheduled trip date. If you cancel outside of these time frames, you will be eligible for a full refund.

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REVIEWS

Fun in the Sun on the Chama! We did the three day float down the Rio Chama. We loved being out on the water with a great crew! The food was great, the scenery was spectacular. Our crew made our trip memorable as well as educational. They were the consummate professionals yet personable. Luke, Rachael, Eric and Austin worked together seamlessly. We worked like a well oiled machine. Luke was our trip leader and had a wealth of information of the area and history to share with us. He handled any situation that arose with care and diplomacy. He led us on a short hike through sagebrush and desert plant life. We had a NM folk band along with us that provided midday and evening entertainment. I was impressed with the helpful community we developed over the course of the trip where everyone pitched in to pack and unpack each day. I can't wait to take another trip with NMRA!!

Palma H
3 Day Rio Chama The 3 Day Rio Chama trip was stunning. Our guides Brenden and Jack were next level. The food was exquisite, the views were spectacular, and the people were phenomenal. I can’t wait to return to this beautiful river. If you love friends, good food, kayaking, tent camping, and a cold beer after a day in the water this is the perfect trip for you. Thank you for providing us an adventurous outlet after a long quarantine in a safe but fun manner. I highly suggest this trip to anyone looking. This is my second trip with this company and I continue to be beyond impressed with the organization, professionals, and overall experience. Also, I don’t think I ever saw my guides without a smile on their faces. What an amazing time.

Kristina W
I was looking for a "family rafting" experience for my daughter's first time rafting and New Mexico River Adventures came up in the search. We decided to go on the three day Rio Chama trip and it was fantastic. The staff was very helpful, attentive, and quick to answer any and all questions from the booking, to the COVID-19 procedures, to the day of rafting and the return. Our guides, Luke Stacy, and Eric, did an excellent job making sure we were safe, entertained, and well cared for during our time on and off the river. We had wonderful views, several hiking opportunities, and delicious meals provided and we all wouldn't hesitate to recommend New Mexico River Adventures to anyone and everyone.

Paul Uribe

WHAT TO EXPECT

Trip Itinerary

Day 1
We begin your destination trip in New Mexico! Your trip leader will meet you this morning at 9 a.m. at your hotel. After a brief orientation, its time to start our week of history, culture and adventure with a walking tour of historic Santa Fe. Our local Santa Fe guides will provide you with a unique glimpse into the rich history of this beautiful city. After lunch in one of the many acclaimed restaurants in Santa Fe, it’s time to travel the short distance to nearby Chimayo. On the way we will stop to visit El Santuario de Chimayo. This is quite possibly the most significant shrine in New Mexico built between 1814 and 1816, it is well known to believers who travel from afar to seek cures for their ailments. Don’t forget your cameras here, as we will finish up our visit and head to our quaint bed and breakfast for the evening. Directly across the street is the famous Rancho de Chimayo restaurant where we will enjoy some of New Mexico’s finest cuisine tonight in another historic adobe setting.

Day 2
After breakfast its time to make our way to Abiquiu and the former home of famed artist Georgia O’Keeffe. As seen in the paintings done by O’Keeffe, rock palaces of red, orange, pink, gold, and variations of browns surround this area. The colors are layered in wide bands like the layers of an exquisite dessert. Our day will be spent exploring the many trails in the canyons surrounding the Ghost ranch with unsurpassed vistas and incredible photographic opportunities.

Days 3-4
It’s time for the New Mexico river trip! This morning we will meet our guides at the put-in of the Wild and Scenic Rio Chama. All of the gear will be assembled and ready and after a detailed safety orientation, its time to begin our journey downstream. The upper reaches of the river are well known for the fantastic trout fishing and gorgeous pine trees lining the banks of the river. This stretch of river hides many treasures within the high reaching walls from hot springs to homesteads to ancient dinosaur tracks. We will spend two nights at camps that are right on the river’s edge and backed up by excellent opportunities for hiking and the exploration of numerous side canyons and vistas. We highly recommend that the adventurous types opt for navigating the river in their own craft, an inflatable kayak.

Day 5
After we reach the take-out of the Rio Chama in the morning, we will say goodbye to our river guides and drive 40 min to our next destination, Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs. This will be a welcome afternoon of soaking in the therapeutic mineral pools and reflecting on the adventures of the past few days. Tonight’s stay will be at the mineral springs lodge.

Day 6
After a leisurely morning and breakfast, we will drive toward Santa Fe to the Santa Clara Pueblo. Unlike its neighbor, Bandelier, Santa Clara is little known, much less crowded and offers incredible insight into the pre-historic culture and ruins of this region. We will immerse ourselves in Pueblo culture for a day and learn first-hand, about the first peoples of New Mexico who have continuously lived in this region for thousands of years. This is an amazing visit lead by a member of the Pueblo offering us detailed interpretation and unique stories about the past. After our tour, we will drive the short distance back to Santa Fe and settle into our deluxe accommodations near the historic plaza. Tonight is our farewell dinner, as we will dine at one of the many favorite New Mexican restaurants and relive an incredible week of culture, history and adventure!

Day 7
This morning is the end of the trip and the beginning of your journey home or onward to your next destination.

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