Santa Fe Follies Scavenger Hunt: An Interactive Way to Explore the City’s Hidden Gems
Imagine exploring Santa Fe not just by walking from one tourist spot to another, but with a tailored adventure that feels more like a game than a tour. For just $29 per person, you can spend about two hours uncovering the city’s secret corners, encouraged by a live remote host guiding you through your phone. This scavenger hunt isn’t your average sightseeing stroll—it’s an immersive, creative challenge blending art, history, humor, and a dash of detective work.
What we really love about this experience is how it encourages you to interact with your surroundings in a playful way, whether walking or driving between carefully selected locations. Plus, the fact that it’s family- and dog-friendly makes it accessible for a wide range of travelers. On the flip side, since it’s remotely hosted, you’ll want to be comfortable with using your smartphone and staying connected—something to consider if you’re not tech-savvy.
Ideal for curious families, adventurous groups, or even corporate teams seeking a fresh way to bond, this hunt transforms Santa Fe into a playground of unexpected discoveries. If you’re after a fun, low-pressure way to learn about the city’s art, quirky sights, and local secrets, this scavenger hunt hits the mark.
Key Points

- Unique format: Remote, live-hosted scavenger hunt combining tour, challenge, and social experiment.
 - Cost-effective: At $29, it offers good value for an engaging two-hour experience.
 - Flexible & inclusive: Suitable for families, pets, and all ages; part indoor, part outdoor.
 - Interactive and social: Encourage chatting with locals, taking photos, and completing challenges.
 - Supports remote participation: Your phone is your guide and camera, with assistance available via WhatsApp if needed.
 - Authentic experience: Discover hidden gems and quirky spots off the beaten path.
 
Exploring Santa Fe Through a New Lens

Santa Fe isn’t just about adobe buildings and Santa Fe Plaza—though those are lovely. It’s also about small surprises, local secrets, and quirky stories that make this city special. The Santa Fe Follies Scavenger Hunt offers a way to see the city in a different light—more playful, more interactive, and deeply memorable.
This experience starts at the charming French Pastry Shop & Restaurant, setting a cozy, inviting tone. From there, your digital quest from your remote host kicks off a journey that takes you around town, uncovering artistic treasures, historic quirks, and local lore. As you move from location to location, solving clues and completing challenges, you’ll discover Santa Fe’s hidden gems—places you might never find on your own.
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The Itinerary: A Closer Look
The exact route isn’t detailed in the description, but the emphasis on carefully curated locations suggests a mix of well-known and lesser-known spots. The starting point at French Pastry Shop hints at a friendly, local vibe, perfect for easing into your adventure.
Participants receive their digital quest via their phones, which means you’ll want a fully charged device. As you follow clues, you’ll alternate between walking and driving—giving you flexibility depending on your group’s energy and interest. This combination allows you to take in Santa Fe’s scenic views and quirky sites at your own pace.
What’s in store during the hunt?
- Clues that blend art, history, and culture: These are designed to be clever and sometimes wacky, encouraging creative thinking.
 - Wacky challenges: Expect tasks that push you out of your comfort zone—like interacting with strangers or performing silly acts—which according to reviews, often results in good laughs.
 - Photo challenges: You’ll send photos to your host, who cheers you on and helps guide you if you’re stuck.
 - Local interaction: The game encourages talking to locals, adding an authentic touch that many traditional tours miss.
 
What makes each stop special?
- A mix of indoor and outdoor locations ensures variety.
 - Hidden gems—places off the main tourist trail—offer a more authentic Santa Fe experience.
 - The challenges are crafted to highlight art, local history, and quirky sights that make Santa Fe unique.
 
The Experience: What Travelers Say

According to the glowing reviews, the guides Trisha and Kat are fantastic, providing constant support via WhatsApp. One reviewer noted, “We didn’t feel lost,” thanks to their attentive guidance. Several reviewers highlight how the experience is fun for all ages—teenagers, adults, and even groups celebrating special occasions like a bachelorette party.
Another key strength is how the hunt brings out laughter and interactions. One reviewer remarked, “We had to go out of our comfort zone and speak to strangers,” which turned into one of the most memorable parts of their day. Multiple comments mention the fascinating insights and clever clues that kept everyone engaged.
The value of the experience is also clear. For a modest fee, you get a personalized adventure that combines sightseeing, social interaction, and a bit of friendly competition. The fact that your team is ranked on an international leaderboard adds a fun competitive edge, even if you’re just doing it for laughs.
Practical Details

This activity starts at the French Pastry Shop & Restaurant on East San Francisco Street, a central and accessible location in Santa Fe. It ends back at the same spot, making logistics simple. Since it’s remote and mobile, you’ll need a smartphone with GPS and data capabilities, and it’s best if you’re comfortable texting photos and messages.
The tour is limited to 30 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience. It’s suitable for most travelers, including those with service animals, and is near public transportation, adding to its convenience.
Booking about two weeks in advance is recommended, and cancellations are free if made 24 hours before. This flexibility makes it easy to adapt if plans change.
Who Is This Tour Best For?

This scavenger hunt suits families looking for a fun, interactive way to explore Santa Fe’s art and culture, as well as groups of friends and colleagues seeking a unique team-building activity. It’s perfect for teenagers, as one reviewer noted, because it pushes them out of their comfort zone in a playful way.
It’s also well-suited for special occasions like birthdays or bachelor parties, thanks to its customizable nature. If you enjoy creative challenges and discovering local secrets, this experience offers a lively, engaging alternative to traditional tours.
The Sum Up

The Santa Fe Follies Scavenger Hunt combines adventure, culture, and humor into a two-hour journey that’s as engaging as it is memorable. Its use of a remote live host adds a personal touch, making you feel guided by a local expert, even from afar. With clever clues, local interactions, and hidden sights, it offers a fresh way to see Santa Fe beyond the usual tourist spots.
The value for the price is excellent. For just $29, you get a dynamic experience that’s suitable for families, groups, and solo explorers alike. Whether you’re after a fun day out, a team-building activity, or just something different from the typical sightseeing routine, this scavenger hunt delivers an authentic and lively glimpse into Santa Fe’s charm.
If you enjoy interactive adventures that combine sightseeing with playful challenges, this is a tour you’ll remember—and probably want to do again. Just remember to bring your fully charged phone and a sense of humor.
FAQ

How long does the Santa Fe Follies Scavenger Hunt last?
The adventure takes approximately two hours, giving you enough time to explore without feeling rushed.
Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at the French Pastry Shop & Restaurant on East San Francisco Street, a convenient, central location.
What do I need to participate?
A smartphone with GPS and data capabilities is essential for receiving clues, sending photos, and communicating with your remote host. You should also bring a fully charged device.
Is the tour suitable for families or kids?
Yes, it’s family-friendly and dog-friendly, making it ideal for children, teenagers, and pets.
Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the scheduled start. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refundable.
Is there any assistance if I get stuck?
Absolutely. You’ll be able to text your host via WhatsApp or email for help if you need guidance during the hunt.
Discover Santa Fe in a way that’s fun, unique, and full of surprises. This scavenger hunt turns sightseeing into a game—perfect for those who want to see the city through an engaging, creative lens.
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