DAY 1

1. Airport pickups from Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO) will be available at various times throughout the day, with hotel check-in beginning at 3:00 p.m. Mountain Time.
2. Join us for a Meet & Greet, followed by an optional group dinner at The Chile Pod, a local restaurant specializing in New Mexico cuisine. Known for its flavorful dishes featuring red and green chile, the menu includes items like enchiladas, tacos, burritos, and other Southwestern favorites. The restaurant is a popular spot for locals and visitors to enjoy authentic New Mexican flavors.
3. After dinner, include a leisurely stroll through downtown Farmington, where historic architecture blends seamlessly with modern amenities, offering a unique vintage charm.
4. Back at the hotel, take a free evening to relax and unwind from your travels.

DAY 2

1. We set out on an 2-hr drive for an interpretive tour of Chaco Culture National Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where we will explore its most significant sites. Highlights include Pueblo Bonito, the park’s largest ancestral Puebloan structure, and Casa Rinconada, the most prominent Great Kiva.
2. Along the way, we will also view petroglyphs and pictographs before pausing for lunch under a shaded pergola, surrounded by the breathtaking landscape.
3. Afterward, take some time to rest before experiencing a 40-minute cultural demonstration, followed by a dinner showcasing indigenous local cuisine.

DAY 3

1. Today, we set out on a 1.5-hr drive to one of the most iconic landmarks of the Navajo Nation: Shiprock Peak. This majestic volcanic formation in northwest New Mexico is celebrated for its dramatic silhouette and deep cultural significance. We will have the opportunity to either walk to an overlook or capture stunning photographs from a mid-terraced platform.
2. To fully appreciate Shiprock’s grandeur, we will view it from both the east and west sides before enjoying lunch with breathtaking panoramic views. Be sure to bring your camera—fully charged!
3. Our journey continues with a visit to a Diné family farm, an agricultural cooperative dedicated to producing traditional Indigenous baby food. Here, participants will have the option to engage in a hands-on farming activity, contributing to their meaningful work.
4. Afterward, we return to rest before a 40-minute cultural demonstration, followed by a dinner showcasing indigenous local cuisine.

DAY 4

1. Today, we embark on a 1-hour drive to one of the region's most surreal landscapes—the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness. This otherworldly terrain, sculpted from sandstone, shale, coal, and silt, features remarkable rock formations such as Stone Wings, Pedestals, and Manta Ray. Located in the San Juan Basin, Bisti is renowned for its vast expanse of dramatic hoodoos, pinnacles, and spires. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the breathtaking scenery!
2. Lunch is back in Farmington at a former mercantile drug store downtown called Three Rivers Eatery & Brewhouse. A local establishment, offering a variety of American-style comfort foods, including sirloin, prime rib, burgers, sandwiches, and salads. This eatery is also known for its craft beers, brewed on-site, making it a favorite spot for both dining and enjoying quality beer.
3. Afterward, take some time to rest before attending a 40-minute cultural demonstration, followed by a dinner featuring indigenous local cuisine.

DAY 5

1. Our Wonders of New Mexico adventure comes to an end after breakfast.
2. Departures to Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO) will take place throughout the day.