Private tour in Taos Julian S

Historic Downtown Taos Walking Tour

4.9

(9) reviews

-
Hours icon 5 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 5 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Julian S.

4.9

Guide rating

13

Reviews

Tours delivered

1 hrs

Avg. response time

I am the former publisher of AlbuquerqueArts magazine. I live with my husband Terry in Taos, New Mexico. I have lived in my adopted state of New Mexico most of my adult life. We moved to Taos in 2018 to experience the particular beauty and culture of northern New Mexico, at 7, 000 feet elevation, at the foot of Taos Mountain, "El Monte Sagrado. " I have a deep knowledge of the Land of Enchantment. My warm personality makes me a pleasure to be with, whether in a formal or social situation. I am a member of the Osage tribe of Oklahoma. I publish a poetry blog. LGBTQ friendly. Certified Life-Cycle Celebrant© Bachelor of Arts in English Tours By locals guide 55 year resident of New Mexico All tours are conducted in English. I am a docent at Fechin Taos Museum and can guide you in the museum.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Julian S.

Overview of your Taos tour

Join me on my 5 hour historical walking tour of Taos! My tour will give you an overview of Taos history, the Spanish/Indian/Anglo sub-cultures and the historical spots. Taos was a popular destination for artists in the early 20th century when Anglo artists, writers and painters discovered Taos. Of utmost interest are the Mabel Dodge Lujan House and The Fechin Taos Art Museum (where I am a docent) which draw visitors from all over. My knowledge gleaned from 50 years' living in New Mexico will bring Taos' top highlights to life. Meander with me through the streets of old Taos and learn about the ancient pueblo history, the Spanish history, the early 20th century artist colony and the pioneers who settled Taos. You will love my knowledge, humor and attention to detail. Customizable to suit your need. Available year round, except in inclement weather. Shorter distance tour available for those with walking impairment...or combo walk and drive in your car. I require a two day notice to notify my tour contacts.

Recent Reviews

Ann S.United States
August 2025

We really enjoyed our tour with Julian! We saw so many places we never would have seen on our own. Taos is a cool little town. We loved it. Thanks Julian!

Howard S.
May 2025

We had a walking “taste” of Taos today provided by our guide Julian Spaulding. He met us at El Monte Sagrado and, after introductions, we headed out to tour Taos. Julian had curated our tour to allow for our afternoon arrival. Julian is very knowledgeable of Taos history, architecture, and culture. He gave us enough information without overwhelming us. I appreciated that. We visited the important and significant museums and galleries in Taos and had some exceptional chocolate along the way. Sensing we were tiring we headed back to El Monte and ended with a cocktail. Julian is a great tour guide and an asset to Taos!

Van P.United States
October 2024

While our travel schedule allowed us only about 3 hours in Taos, Julian did a great job of describing the fascinating history of Taos and took us to and guided us through two impressive historical sites that we wouldn't have seen if not for Julian: the Taos Art Museum at Fechin House and the Mabel Dodge Luhan House. Julian was very attentive to our schedule. He made a lunch reservation for us at a great restaurant and arrived well before the reservation to make sure were timely seated and he made sure we were able to depart Taos on time. Julian made our short 3 hour visit to Taos fun and memorable. Highly recommend Julian.

Ellen L.United States
May 2024

Our tour had to be cut short but our time with Julian was well spent. He was very responsive to our special needs and redesigned his itinerary accordingly. He is a knowledgeable, personable and interesting guide.

Elizabeth Y.United States
April 2024

Julian was extremely knowledgeable about the area, including local art and architecture. The tour was personalized, relaxing, and fun. We felt fortunate to have such a wonderful guide.

Timotheos P.United States
July 2023

We visited Taos in June 2023. We wanted to get a better perspective of the area and booked the Historic Downtown Tour with Julian. We enjoyed the tour very much. Especially the historical, and current history, he was able to provide. The of Fechin House was amazing and Julian was very knowledgeable about it. The overall experience was very enjoyable and informative

Your Taos tour itinerary

We will walk to visit notable sites: -The Mabel Dodge Lujan House lobby and shop (where the famous artist salons were held 100 years ago!), owned by Dennis Hopper in the 70s. - The Fechin Taos Art Museum, in the home built by Russian emigre, Nicolai Fechin. - Lunch at a local restaurant. - The Blumenschein House Museum - The Harwood Museum - Wander the Historic Plaza and John Dunn shops We will include a stop for no-host lunch at one of Taos' famous restaurants, such as Manzanita Market or Bent St Grill. Also included is a stop at Chokolå, one of only two bean-to-bar chocolatiers in New Mexico. We can prioritize stops according to your interests. We can accommodate as many, or as few, stops as you desire within five hours. *Some of the sites in the itinerary may be impacted by closures. I will contact you in advance to advise you of any changes to the itinerary so we can plan around this and discuss alternatives. MONDAYS ARE NOT AVAILABLE DUE TO MUSEUM AND OTHER CLOSURES.

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Walking

This is a walking tour. Please be ready to walk 1 mile and wear appropriate walking shoes. Carry water. Do not book this tour if you or anyone in your party is unable to walk 1 miles. NOTE: longer portions can be driven, requiring advance notification. Also the time can be reduced by eliminating lunch. Advance notice required to adapt tour accordingly. Tour price is for the tour, NOT per person.

What's included
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. Admission fees to all sites and museums. Lunch
Food Drinks Snacks
Tickets
Private Transportation
Private Transportation With Driver
Public Transportation
Accommodation
Tastings
Equipment
Services
Classes Workshop
Meeting location

Taos, New Mexico, 87571, United States

Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide: Any location within downtown Taos.

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
History
Art And Culture
City Highlights
Museums
Architecture
Food And Drink
Tour reference number
809689
Languages
English
Activity level
Minimal

Traveller reviews

4.9

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Taos best suited for?

This private tour in Taos is perfect for history enthusiasts, art lovers, and those interested in the cultural blend of Spanish, Indian, and Anglo influences. It's also ideal for travellers who enjoy walking and want to explore the historic sites and museums of Taos with a knowledgeable local guide like Julian S.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in Taos be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

What happens if a site is closed, crowded, or the weather changes?

What languages is this tour offered in?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 5 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 5 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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