A small village in the state of New Mexico, Chimayo is the perfect holiday destination for people who want the small-town vibe with no traffic and long queues. This place seems to be frozen in time. It is famous for miraculous religious sites such as El Santuario de Chimayo. If you are already in the village, you might as well explore its many galleries and try its regional cuisines by dining in traditional and local restaurants and eateries. In case you’re wondering what other activities and attractions to see here, read on and discover our list of the best things to do in Chimayo, New Mexico.
1. Learn about local history at Chimayo Museum
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Located at the historic neighborhood of Chimayo, the museum with the same name is the perfect place to visit if you want to learn more about the culture and tradition as well as the history of this small hamlet. You will get to know the place more as you view its collections of artifacts, 20th-century photographs, and numerous donated things. Also, you’ll discover more enthralling things about Chimayo by attending special events often held here. Another function of this museum is it serves as a venue where historians, artists, genealogists, community advocates, and the like, come together to exchange ideas and hold talks where students can gain knowledge about Southwestern traditions.
Chimayo Museum
Address: 13 Plaza De Cerro , Chimayo, NM 87522, Chimayo, NM 87522, United States
Website: Chimayo Museum
Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed from Sun - Tue)
2. Have an awesome lunch at Rancho De Chimayó
A family-owned restaurant, Rancho de Chimayo has been serving the locals with great food for over 50 years now. The culinary expert Mrs. J, as the patrons call her, runs the business. You will often see her running around the place, making sure everything is top-notch. The pueblo-style restaurant is set in an ancestral home surrounded by large windows that make the place bright and airy. As for their menu, they offer authentic and traditional Southwest fare and New Mexican dishes.
Rancho De Chimayó
Address: 300 Juan Medina Rd, Chimayo, NM 87522, USA
Website: Rancho De Chimayó
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 11:30am - 8:30pm; Sat - Sun: 8:30am - 8:30pm (closed on Mon)
3. Visit the miraculous El Santuario De Chimayo
Built in 1816, El Santuario De Chimayo is a well-known Roman Catholic church in Chimayo that receives over 300,000 visitors every year, making it one of the most important pilgrimage site in the United States. The place is famous for its founding story–a friar saw a light from the hillside and found a crucifix then brought it to the Santa Cruz church, but the crucifix kept coming back to its original spot. As a result, the friar and the priest decided to build a chapel in the hillside, which is now El Santuario De Chimayo. Learn more about the legends revolving this church as you visit the Santuario.
El Santuario De Chimayo
Address: 15 Santuario Dr, Chimayo, NM 87522, USA
Website: El Santuario De Chimayo
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. See beautiful tapestry at Centinela Traditional Arts
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
If you’re into arts and crafts, you shouldn’t miss the chance of visiting Centinela Traditional Arts. It is a gallery that showcases handwoven tapestry wool items. Their tapestries are made through the traditional Chimayo and the Rio Grande weaving techniques. Also, they use natural dyes, handspun yarns, and custom-dyed yarns. You can watch Irvin and Lisa Trujillo weave or listen to their talks, for they are the ones who run the gallery. These two people are award-winning weavers, whose works are in many museums throughout the world. Additionally, you can buy woven products like rugs from the gallery.
Centinela Traditional Arts
Address: 946 State Road 76, HCR 64 Box 4, Chimayo, NM 87522, United States
Website: Centinela Traditional Arts
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 6pm; Sun: 10am - 5pm
5. Buy personalized items at Ortega's Weaving Shop
Are you looking for beautiful and unique souvenirs to bring back home after your trip in Chimayo? If so, then you have to drop by Ortega’s Weaving Shop. Products from this local store are world-class and continuously perfected, from nine generations of weavers. Aside from ready-made woven items, you can also order personalized rugs, blankets, vests, accessories, and more, by choosing from their five signature colors.
Ortega's Weaving Shop
Address: 53 Plaza Del Cerro, Chimayo, NM 87522, USA
Website: Ortega’s Weaving Shop
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sun)
6. Go swimming in the clear waters of Santa Cruz Lake
Apart from galleries and historical sites in Chimayo, the village also offers many natural attractions like Santa Cruz Lake. It is a scenic lake at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The lake offers numerous activities that will surely be enjoyed by everyone, making it a perfect tourist destination for the whole family. You can go hiking, swimming, fishing, and engaging in water sports. Also, you can have picnics as well as go camping with your friends.
7. Marvel at the architecture of Santo Nino Chapel
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Located near El Sanctuario de Chimayo, the Chapel of Santo Nino is another must-see religious site in the village. It is notable for its architecture which was very common during its time. The chapel was founded in 1856 by the Medina Family as a promise to God. Also, the inside of the chapel must not be ignored for it features beautiful wood carving and vibrant paintings. Because the chapel is made to honor the child Jesus, the place seems to be built with a child in mind.
Santo Nino Chapel
Address: 6 Santuario Dr, Chimayo, NM 87522, USA
8. Buy souvenirs at El Potrero Trading Post
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
You can’t leave Chimayo without dropping by El Potrero Trading Post. It is a local store next to El Sanctuario de Chimayo that has been part of the culture and traditions of the village for many years now. The original owner used to open its kitchen for tired pilgrims, and up until today, this hospitality is extended by her children. The store sells numerous items ranging from religious items to folk arts up to charms, crafts, jewelry, fresh produce, and more. Their bestseller here is the green and red chile.
El Potrero Trading Post
Address: 17 Santuario Dr # A, Chimayo, NM 87522, USA
Website: El Potrero Trading Post
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
9. Take home unique finds at Galeria Ortega
One cannot buy too many souvenirs when vacationing to other places. If you’re the kind of person who loves bringing back something for your friends and families when going abroad, then you have to check out Galeria Ortega for unique find and specialty items. It is a gift shop where you can buy a variety of products like shirts, socks, grocery items, and more. Another good thing about Galeria Ortega is everything is reasonably priced. You’ll surely go home with lots of items on hand.
Galeria Ortega
Address: 55 Plaza Del Cerro, Chimayo, NM 87522, USA
Website: Galeria Ortega
Opening hours: Mon - Sun: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sun)
Old souls in Chimayo
A village that looks like it remained in the past, Chimayo will make sure you’ll have a relaxing and tranquil holiday. Make sure you try new things while you’re here and make the most of your time by following our list of things to do in Chimayo, New Mexico. Enjoy and have an amazing vacation ahead.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to