Santa Fe stands out among New Mexico’s cities for its mixture of art, culture, and original experiences. Unlike many tourist spots that focus solely on museums or historic sites, Santa Fe offers engaging, interactive ways to explore its streets and stories. Recent innovations have brought new twists to sightseeing, like interactive scavenger hunts that turn wandering into a game. These tours cater to curiosity, a sense of humor, and the desire for an authentic experience that’s a bit different from the usual.
If you’re after a quick, lively adventure or an engaging way to learn about Santa Fe’s corners, you’ll find options here that fit. These two city tours are among the best, combining fun challenges with the chance to see the city from unexpected angles. Whether you want to survive a zombie apocalypse or solve riddles across historic streets, these tours bring the city to life in playful, memorable ways.
1. Santa Fe City Scavenger Hunt Excursion by Zombie Scavengers
At number one, the Santa Fe City Scavenger Hunt Excursion by Zombie Scavengers stands out for its creative premise. This tour transforms your wander around Santa Fe into a zombie survival challenge. Using an app, your team will locate a list of survival items and complete zombie-themed challenges — all in about an hour.
What makes this tour unique is its thematic approach and the use of a virtual host for support. The game encourages strategy and quick thinking, with points awarded for finding items and completing challenges. The experience is designed for small groups, up to 10 people, making it perfect for families or friends looking for a lively, less conventional way to explore. The cost is just $20 per group, which makes it an affordable, fun outing. The competitive element adds an extra layer of excitement, especially for younger travelers or those with a sense of humor.
While it’s a shorter, one-hour activity, the Zombie Scavengers tour offers a uniquely themed adventure that turns Santa Fe’s streets into a post-apocalyptic playground. Be prepared for some laughs, strategic planning, and a chance to see the city’s corners in a playful new light.
Bottom Line: This tour is ideal for groups wanting a quick, engaging, and light-hearted way to explore Santa Fe, especially if they enjoy games and themed adventures.
2. Santa Fe City Scavenger Hunt by 3Quest Challenge
The Santa Fe City Scavenger Hunt by 3Quest Challenge offers a different take. This app-based challenge involves solving riddles to find objects and complete challenges across three different quests. The game lasts roughly two hours, making it a more in-depth exploration of Santa Fe’s streets and stories.
What sets this tour apart is its structured approach, with each quest building on the last. Participants are encouraged to set a time limit and see if they can complete all three in two hours. A remote host will be available for chat and support, making it suitable for those who want a guided experience without a guide physically present. The cost is $10 per person, a bargain for the level of interaction and challenge involved.
The focus on riddles and challenges means this tour appeals to puzzle lovers and those who enjoy thinking on their feet. It’s perfect for families, groups of friends, or anyone wanting a more cerebral way to learn about Santa Fe’s different neighborhoods and landmarks. The two-hour duration allows for a comprehensive experience, but it still leaves plenty of time for other sightseeing.
Bottom Line: If you favor a well-structured, challenge-based way to discover Santa Fe, this app-driven scavenger hunt offers good value and a fun mental workout.
How to Choose Between These Tours
When deciding between these two options, consider your interests and time constraints. The Zombie Scavengers tour is great for a quick, themed adventure that appeals to a sense of humor and a love of games. It’s perfect if you’re short on time and want to add some fun to your day.
On the other hand, the 3Quest Challenge is better suited for those who enjoy puzzles, riddles, and a longer, more immersive experience. It’s ideal if you have a couple of hours and want to explore Santa Fe’s streets in a more structured way.
Both tours are designed to be accessible and fun, but they cater to slightly different tastes. Consider your group’s energy level, whether you prefer a quick game or a more thorough challenge, and your budget. Booking early is advised since these interactive tours tend to fill up, especially during peak seasons.
Final Thoughts
Santa Fe offers a variety of interesting ways to explore its streets beyond traditional sightseeing. If you’re after a quick, playful activity, the Zombie Scavengers provides a themed adventure for small groups. For a more involved game that makes you think and explore at a leisurely pace, the 3Quest Challenge is an excellent pick.
Both tours are reasonably priced and deliver memorable experiences, especially suited for those who enjoy interactive, puzzle-like challenges. It’s worth considering your group’s interests, how much time you want to dedicate, and whether you prefer a quick thrill or a more detailed exploration. Booking ahead ensures you don’t miss out on Santa Fe’s latest fun twists; these tours bring a fresh perspective to discovering the city’s charm.