Discover 15 Great Tours & Things To Do In New Mexico

New Mexico offers a surprising variety of activities that go beyond the typical tourist spots. Whether you’re into tasting local flavors, exploring underground caves, or getting a dose of art and history, the state has a lot to offer.

One of our favorite experiences is the PistachioLand Farm Tour, which combines education with tasting and a bit of fun for the whole family. It’s a great way to learn about pistachio production while sampling the delicious results.

For those craving outdoor adventure, the Rio Grande Gorge Full Day offers a thrilling raft trip that combines scenic views with a splash of adrenaline.

And if you’re into quirky history, the Pancho Villa’s Raid in Columbus NM takes you back to one of the most dramatic episodes in southwestern history.

New Mexico’s diverse landscape and rich culture mean there’s a wide array of tours to suit all tastes and budgets. From awe-inspiring natural wonders to engaging artistic experiences, you’ll find plenty of options to fill your itinerary. Keep reading to explore the top 15 picks, each offering a unique perspective on this captivating state.

1. PistachioLand Farm Tour

Rating: 5.0/5 (230 reviews)
Price: $5.30 per person
Duration: 30 minutes

Those curious about pistachios—including the world’s largest pistachio at 30 feet—will find delight in the PistachioLand farm tour in Alamogordo. This 90-acre property offers a 14-passenger open-air shuttle ride among over 12,000 pistachio trees and rolling vineyards.

You’ll not only see the impressive orchard but also learn about every step of pistachio production, from harvest to the final handful. After the tour, visit the gift shop for local souvenirs, free samples, and tasty pistachio ice cream.

The tour is limited to 14 people, which means you’ll get a more intimate experience—and Emilio, your guide, keeps it lively and informative. Plus, the complimentary wine tasting makes a perfect ending.

Bottom Line: Great for families, curious foodies, and anyone interested in nuts or agriculture in general. The $5.30 price tag makes it an excellent value for half an hour of fun and learning.

2. Rio Grande Gorge Full Day

Rating: 5.0/5 (189 reviews)
Price: $145.00 per person
Duration: 6 hours 30 minutes

At number 2, the Rio Grande Gorge Full Day offers a fantastic rafting adventure suitable for families and first-timers alike. You’ll kick off at the headquarters, where you’ll get outfitted with gear, and then float down the scenic Lower Gorge. The trip includes a delicious hot fajita lunch on the riverbank, perfect for refueling after a float through the broad canyon.

The rafting offers a mix of relaxing scenic floats and exciting class 2-3 rapids, with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife, from mule deer to raptors. The guides, like Hannah and Jack, bring enthusiasm and regional knowledge, making it more than just a boat ride.

Bottom Line: An excellent choice for active families and anyone wanting a full-day, guided outdoor experience that combines stunning scenery with a bit of thrill.

3. Artist Studio Tour & Private Tea Party on the Turquoise Trail

Rating: 5.0/5 (6 reviews)
Price: $300.00 per group (up to 6)
Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes

For a true New Mexico art experience, the Artist Studio Tour & Private Tea Party offers an intimate glimpse into the creative process. Located just south of Santa Fe, this tour includes a visit to a working artist’s studio in a 150-year-old adobe compound along the Turquoise Trail.

Hosted by both local and international artists, this experience features a private studio visit, a “high tea” gathering, and time to create your own art. It’s perfect for art lovers and those wanting a relaxed, personalized encounter with local talent.

Bottom Line: Ideal for small groups seeking a personal connection with artists in a beautiful setting. The $300 price reflects the exclusive nature of this experience.

4. Las Cruces El Paso Weekend Wine Shuttle

Rating: 5.0/5 (2 reviews)
Price: $65.00 per person
Duration: 5 hours

Wine lovers will enjoy the Las Cruces El Paso Weekend Wine Shuttle. Starting at Zin Valle Vineyards—El Paso’s only vineyard—you’ll sample local wines with a view of the Organ Mountains. The tour then visits historic La Vina Winery, New Mexico’s oldest winery, and Sombra Antigua Winery with its outdoor venue and vineyard.

The afternoon includes visits to Rio Grande Vineyards and NM Vintage Wines, Beers, Spirits & Cigars. The small group size and relaxed pace make it perfect for a leisurely day of tasting and socializing.

Bottom Line: Great for wine enthusiasts and social travelers seeking a low-key, guided experience without the hassle of driving.

5. Carlsbad Caverns National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour

Rating: 5.0/5 (1 review)
Price: $14.99 per group (up to 15)
Duration: 1 to 2 hours

Explore the depths of Carlsbad Caverns with a Self-Guided Audio Tour. While park entry tickets are separate, this tour provides engaging narration as you walk through the vast underground chambers and formations. It’s perfect for those who want a flexible, informative experience without a guide.

The tour includes stops at Walnut Canyon Nature Trail and the visitor center, where you can also purchase food or souvenirs. The narration brings the formations’ stories to life, making it a memorable subterranean adventure.

Bottom Line: Best suited for self-motivated explorers who appreciate detailed stories and want the freedom to explore at their own pace.

6. Carlsbad Crusade Scavenger Hunt

Rating: 5.0/5 (1 review)
Price: $29.00 per person
Duration: 2 hours

Looking for something interactive and fun? The Carlsbad Crusade Scavenger Hunt turns the city into a giant game. Using your phone and a live remote host, you’ll hunt for clues, solve puzzles, and uncover hidden spots around town. It’s a mix of tour, social challenge, and detective work, making it ideal for families, groups, or corporate outings.

The online leaderboard adds an extra competitive edge, and the host keeps everyone engaged with hints and encouragement.

Bottom Line: Perfect for competitive groups who want a memorable, puzzle-based city tour with a tech twist.

7. Los Alamos Scavenger Hunt

Rating: 5.0/5 (1 review)
Price: $29.00 per person
Duration: 2 hours

Another creative scavenger hunt, Los Alamos offers an engaging way to explore the historic town. The hunt, guided remotely by a live host, takes you through key sites and lesser-known spots, combining challenge and discovery. It’s ideal for families, history buffs, or teams looking for a different kind of sightseeing experience.

The experience emphasizes interaction and fun over traditional touring, with the added bonus of discovering Los Alamos’s science and wartime secrets.

Bottom Line: Best for curious travelers who enjoy puzzles and want a fresh take on exploring a historic town.

8. New Mexico: Carlsbad, Santa Fe & White Sands Audio Tour

Rating: 5.0/5 (1 review)
Price: $29.99 per person
Duration: 7 to 8 hours

This bundle combines self-guided audio tours of three top destinations: Carlsbad Caverns, White Sands, and Santa Fe. It’s perfect for independent travelers who prefer to explore at their own pace.

You’ll learn about the geology, culture, and stories behind each location through engaging narration, with stops including the Santa Fe Visitor Info Center and the park entrances. It’s an economical way to cover a lot of ground without a guide.

Bottom Line: Excellent for self-sufficient travelers and those planning a multi-stop trip, especially if you want control over your schedule.

9. Roswell Raid Scavenger Hunt

Rating: 5.0/5 (1 review)
Price: $29.00 per person
Duration: 2 hours

Add some extraterrestrial fun with the Roswell Raid. This scavenger hunt combines uncovering alien secrets with exploring the city’s quirky sites through puzzles and clues.

Using your phone and a remote guide, you’ll visit alien-themed spots, learn odd facts, and compete for the top spot on the online leaderboard. It’s perfect for families, sci-fi fans, or anyone wanting a humorous, interactive way to see Roswell.

Bottom Line: A humorous, interactive experience that’s ideal for fans of the strange and unusual.

10. Pancho Villa’s Legendary Border Crossing Raid in Columbus NM

Rating: 5.0/5 (1 review)
Price: $29.95 per person
Duration: 2-3 hours

Travel back to 1916 with the Pancho Villa Raid. Starting at the Railroad Depot Museum, this tour covers the dramatic raid on Columbus, NM, with visits to the victims’ graves, historic downtown, and Pancho Villa State Park. The guided walking tour offers insights into this turbulent event, which still resonates today.

The history comes alive through the storytelling, and the tour is suitable for history buffs and curious travelers alike.

Bottom Line: A captivating, historical experience that vividly recounts one of the most famous border crossings in early 20th-century America.

11. White Sands National Park Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour

Rating: 4.5/5 (6 reviews)
Price: $16.99 per group (up to 4)
Duration: 2-3 hours

White Sands’ surreal landscape is even more magical with this self-guided driving and walking tour. It includes a 5-mile hike on the Alkali Flat trail, where you can see the dunes up close. The tour is flexible, allowing you to explore Dune Life Nature Trail and the Interdune Boardwalk at your own pace.

It’s especially suited for nature lovers who want an immersive experience and the chance to learn about the desert’s plants, animals, and geology.

Bottom Line: Excellent value for those wanting a personalized exploration of one of America’s most striking landscapes.

12. White Sands National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour

Rating: 4.5/5 (5 reviews)
Price: $14.99 per group (up to 15)
Duration: 6-7 hours

For a deep dive into White Sands, the Self-Guided Audio Tour offers a comprehensive narration as you explore the dunes. This tour covers over 275 square miles and includes stops at the Visitor Center, Playa Trail, and Dune Life Nature Trail.

It’s perfect for travelers who prefer to listen and learn while wandering through this otherworldly environment. The detailed stories about prehistoric beasts and Apache warriors add depth to the awe-inspiring scenery.

Bottom Line: Best suited for those who want an extensive, narrated experience and to learn about the park’s natural and cultural history at their own pace.

13. Carlsbad Caverns Self-Guided Walking Tour (Not a ticket)

Rating: 4.0/5 (6 reviews)
Price: $16.99 per person
Duration: 1-2 hours

This self-guided walking tour offers an engaging way to explore Carlsbad Caverns at your own pace. It provides a detailed route, storytelling, and offline maps, so you won’t miss anything without cellular service. The tour highlights include the Kings Palace and the vast underground chambers. It’s an excellent choice for travelers who want to control their exploration and skip the group tours.

Bottom Line: Suitable for self-motivated explorers who value detailed narration and flexibility.

14. Amazing Alamogordo Scavenger Hunt

Rating: N/A
Price: $29.00 per person
Duration: 2 hours

For a playful exploration, the Amazing Alamogordo Scavenger Hunt offers a remote, interactive adventure. With a live host guiding you via phone, you’ll solve puzzles and uncover local secrets in this small city. It’s an innovative way to discover Alamogordo’s sights and stories while having fun. Suitable for families and curious travelers with a sense of humor.

Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want to add a puzzle-solving twist to their visit and enjoy a guided challenge.

15. Amazing Artesia Scavenger Hunt

Rating: N/A
Price: $21.60 per person
Duration: 2 hours

Like the Alamogordo hunt, the Amazing Artesia Scavenger Hunt takes you through the city’s hidden gems using your phone and a live host. It combines exploration with creative and detective challenges, revealing Artesia’s best-kept secrets. It’s ideal for travelers who want a fun, interactive way to experience small-town charm and local culture.

Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers looking for an engaging, social activity that highlights Artesia’s unique character.

How to Choose the Perfect Tour in New Mexico

When deciding among these options, consider your interests and travel style. If you love outdoor adventures, the Rio Grande Gorge rafting trip or the White Sands self-guided tour offer unforgettable natural experiences.

For art and culture lovers, the Artist Studio Tour or historic Pancho Villa tour provide insight into local creativity and history. Budget travelers might enjoy the PistachioLand Farm Tour for its affordability and family-friendly atmosphere.

For those seeking active fun, the scavenger hunts, offer a playful way to explore while solving puzzles. Always check the latest reviews and book early to secure your spot, especially during peak seasons.

Final Thoughts

From exploring caves and dunes to tasting wines and discovering art, New Mexico’s tour options are as diverse as its landscape. For a quick, affordable introduction to pistachios, the PistachioLand Farm Tour is a delightful start.

If you’re after a full-day adventure, the Rio Grande Gorge rafting offers a perfect mix of scenery and adrenaline. History buffs and puzzle lovers will find plenty to love in the various scavenger hunts and historical tours.

Whatever your interests, this list offers a solid foundation for planning your trip. Be sure to book early if you’re visiting during busy months, and don’t hesitate to try a mix of activities to get the full flavor of what New Mexico has to offer.