Taos, New Mexico, isn’t just a pretty face; it’s a place that practically invites you to explore through its various tours. Whether you’re looking for adrenaline on Class III rapids or a deep dive into local art and history, Taos offers experiences that are as authentic and diverse as its breathtaking landscapes. We’re especially fond of the whitewater rafting trips—particularly the Far Flung Adventures Rio Grande Racecourse, which combines safety, fun, and scenic thrill in a way that’s hard to beat. But there’s also a rich selection of cultural tours, scenic float trips, and even scavenger hunts that will satisfy every curiosity and energy level.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best tours in Taos, highlighting what makes each one special. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, art lover, or history buff, our list covers options that are both fun and informative. To help you decide, we’ll include practical details, honest impressions, and who each tour is best suited for.
Quick Overview
Taos shines with a variety of tour options that suit different interests and budgets. From half-day whitewater adventures like the Racecourse half day class 3 to gentle scenic floats such as the Far Flung Adventures Scenic Half-Day Float, there’s something for all. Art and culture aficionados can explore the Taos Artisan Walking Tour + Chocolate or take a self-guided app tour around town. For a more active exploration, the Taos E-Bike Tour offers a fun, eco-friendly way to see the sights, while families and groups will enjoy the Creative Soul Scavenger Hunt of Taos. Each experience is designed to connect you with the local landscape, culture, or history in a meaningful way.
Now, let’s dive into each of these top tours to see what makes them special.
1. Far Flung Adventures Rio Grande Racecourse
At number 1, the Far Flung Adventures Rio Grande Racecourse offers a half-day whitewater rafting experience that’s hard to match for its combination of safety, fun, and stunning scenery. For about $88 per person, you’ll get all the gear, paddle instruction, and a 5-mile stretch of Class III rapids that thrill without being overwhelming. The tour lasts roughly three hours, with options for morning or afternoon trips.
What makes this trip stand out is its accessibility for families and first-timers. Reviewers frequently mention feeling safe thanks to guides like Garrett, who combines professionalism with a storytelling flair. Light refreshments are included, making it a perfect way to connect with the river and learn about the Rio Grande’s history. This trip is ideal if you want a balanced adventure that’s both exciting and easy-going.
Bottom Line: If you want a safe, well-organized whitewater trip that caters to all ages, this tour delivers. It’s a popular choice that consistently earns top reviews.
2. Far Flung Adventures Scenic Half-Day Float
For those who prefer a gentle ride with plenty of opportunity to soak in the scenery, the Scenic Half-Day Float is a perfect option. Priced at $88 per person, this trip focuses on drifting down the Rio Grande and enjoying the high desert landscapes, including canyon walls and rock cliffs. It’s suitable even for complete beginners, with mild Class II rapids and tranquil stretches that invite swimming and relaxing.
Guided by professionals like Brian and Nick, the trip emphasizes education about the ecosystem and local geology. Scenery lovers will appreciate the diverse vistas, and families with older kids find it an easy, memorable outing. Reviewers highlight the calm pace and fantastic views, calling it a “great time” and “awesome scenery.”
Bottom Line: Ideal for relaxing floats with a touch of adventure, this tour offers a calming way to experience Taos’s natural beauty without the adrenaline rush.
3. Racecourse half day class 3 most popular in New Mexico
The Racecourse half day class 3 tour hits the mark for thrill-seekers who want to paddle Class III rapids amid stunning desert surroundings. For just $80, you get a roughly 3-hour trip where guides lead you through rapids and point out local flora and fauna. This tour is especially popular for its adrenaline rush and beautiful scenery, with reviews noting the low water levels leading to manageable but exciting rapids.
Greg and Miguel, guides on this trip, are praised for their engaging commentary and professionalism—making beginners feel confident. The tour ends with a chance to explore Taos afterward, perfect for combining outdoor adventure with cultural exploration. Some reviewers mention it’s best suited for active groups eager for a balanced dose of thrill and scenery.
Bottom Line: This tour is excellent for those who want a short but exciting whitewater experience with a focus on safety and natural beauty.
4. Taos Artisan Walking Tour + Chocolate
The Taos Artisan Walking Tour + Chocolate is perfect for art lovers who also crave a sweet treat. For $125, you’ll spend about three hours exploring the city’s galleries, studios, and historic sites, including the Couse-Sharp Historic Site, where the founders of the Taos Artist Society created their work. Along the way, you’ll meet local artisans like Rich Nichlos at Blumenschein Home & Museum and visit the WPA-commissioned frescoes in Taos Plaza.
End your walk with a visit to a boutique chocolate shop or wine bar, enjoying organic, handcrafted chocolates. Reviewers love the mix of art, local history, and the delicious ending, with many noting how much they learned about Taos’s artistic roots.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded cultural experience, this tour suits those interested in art, history, and local flavors—plus, who doesn’t love chocolate?
5. Taos E-Bike Tour
If exploring by bike sounds appealing, the Taos E-Bike Tour balances fun with education. For $180, this roughly three-hour ride takes you through historic sites like Taos Plaza, La Hacienda del los Martinez, and the Taos Art Museum. The pedal-assist bikes make hills manageable, so no one needs to be a seasoned cyclist.
Guided by knowledgeable guides like Stephanie, the tour provides insight into the town’s history, art, and culture while allowing you to cover more ground than walking. Reviewers appreciate the high-quality bikes and the inside tips on local eateries and points of interest.
Bottom Line: This is a great choice for active travelers who want a fun, leisurely ride with educational highlights, suitable for most fitness levels.
6. Taos Half Day Cultural Tour | A Magical Taste of Taos and its Cultural Diversity
For a deep dive into Taos’s cultural diversity, this Half-Day Cultural Tour offers the chance to visit the Taos Pueblo and the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. For $225, in about four hours, you’ll see historic sites, including the 1700s San Francisco de Assisi Mission Church, and enjoy a scenic drive with bottled water and snacks.
The visit to the Pueblo is especially meaningful, providing insights into a community that’s been inhabited for over a thousand years. Reviewers mention the tour’s comprehensive itinerary and the opportunity to see Taos’s blend of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo influences.
Bottom Line: Ideal for first-time visitors wanting an immersive cultural experience with manageable logistics.
7. Taos Private Walking Tours
Led by storyteller Sam Richardson, the Taos Private Walking Tour is perfect for those who want a personalized, insider’s look at Taos. Over 1.5 hours, you’ll explore key sites like Taos Plaza, historic streets, and the Red Light District, with stops at galleries and landmarks like Kit Carson’s house.
Sam’s storytelling skill brings the town’s colorful characters and vivid history to life. Guests rave about his engaging manner and detailed local knowledge, making it a rich, personalized experience. It’s especially good for travelers who prefer a flexible pace and want to ask questions along the way.
Bottom Line: A flexible, intimate tour suited for those keen on local stories and deeper understanding of Taos’s past and present.
8. Creative Soul Scavenger Hunt of Taos
Those who love a bit of playful exploration will enjoy the Creative Soul Scavenger Hunt. For just $39, you get a self-guided adventure with a WhatsApp-connected host, solving clues by interacting with locals and visiting landmarks.
This scavenger hunt makes the experience interactive and social, perfect for families or groups wanting a fun way to discover Taos without the usual tour format. Reviewers mention how it’s a “wacky,” educational, and memorable approach to sightseeing.
Bottom Line: Best for those who enjoy puzzles, local chatting, and an active, personalized exploration.
9. River Guru Rio Grande Mindfulness Adventure (remotely hosted)
This unique remote experience is ideal if you want to connect with Taos’s natural surroundings from afar. The River Guru Rio Grande Mindfulness Adventure combines walking, mindfulness exercises, and creative prompts via WhatsApp. It’s a gentle journey designed to awaken your senses and deepen your connection to the river and landscape.
Perfect for solo travelers, families, or couples looking for a meditative, artistic retreat, reviewers say it’s an inspiring way to reflect on nature’s beauty without leaving your home.
Bottom Line: A calming, thoughtful experience suited for those seeking mental renewal and a creative boost.
10. Taos Downtown Self Guided App Walking Tour
For independent explorers, the Self-Guided App Walking Tour is a cost-effective way to see Taos at your own pace. For only $7.75, you can wander outside, visiting sites like Taos Plaza, Kit Carson’s house, and historic streets, with the tour never expiring.
It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy flexibility and want to learn about the city’s famous characters and landmarks without a scheduled guide. Reviewers appreciate its straightforward, info-rich format and the ability to revisit any site later.
Bottom Line: Perfect for self-motivated visitors who want an inexpensive, flexible way to explore Taos independently.
11. Kokopelli ~ Taos, NM Racecourse Half Day Rafting
This Kokopelli half-day rafting offers a 5-mile stretch with Class I-III+ rapids, making it an exciting but manageable adventure. For $69 per person, it’s another excellent pick for thrill-seekers wanting a half-day on the water. The river has sections of calm water between rapids, allowing plenty of scenic viewing and even some water play.
Reviewers highlight the professionalism of guides like Pete and the safety precautions in place, giving confidence to beginners. It’s a good option if you want a short, energetic rafting trip with stunning canyon views.
Bottom Line: A fun, moderate whitewater trip ideal for families or small groups wanting a quick, exciting outing.
12. Raging Red River Scavenger Hunt
The Raging Red River Scavenger Hunt turns sightseeing into a detective game. For $29, a live remote host guides you through clues, local interactions, and challenges, making it a dynamic outdoor activity.
Designed for those who enjoy puzzles and social challenges, it’s a flexible experience that can be played at your own pace. Reviewers mention its interactive, social nature and the fun of engaging with local stories in a new way.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for groups seeking an interactive, puzzle-solving adventure that adds a playful twist to Taos sightseeing.
$29.00 per person
13. Enchanting Eagle Nest Scavenger Hunt
Finally, the Enchanting Eagle Nest Scavenger Hunt provides a similar interactive, guided scavenger hunt experience. Costing $29, it’s perfect for those wanting a lighthearted, engaging way to explore the scenic northern New Mexico landscape, with a live host helping you discover local stories and sights.
While reviews are currently unavailable, the format is perfect for families or groups who like a creative, social challenge outdoors.
Bottom Line: An engaging, low-cost activity for those who enjoy solving puzzles and discovering Eagle Nest’s natural beauty.
$29.00 per person
How to Choose the Best Tour in Taos
When selecting your tour, consider your budget, interests, and physical activity level. If you’re after adrenaline and fun on the water, the Far Flung Adventures Rio Grande Racecourse or the Racecourse half day class 3 are excellent choices. For a more relaxed, scenic experience, the Scenic Float or self-guided Taos Downtown Tour fit well.
Art lovers and those interested in local culture should consider the Taos Artisan Walking Tour + Chocolate or the Cultural Tour. For active travelers, the E-Bike Tour offers a fun, eco-friendly way to explore.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak seasons like summer and fall, when tours tend to fill up fast. Also, check each tour’s suitability for children or those with mobility limitations before booking.
Final Thoughts
Taos’s diverse tours range from adrenaline-pumping whitewater rides to contemplative art walks—there’s truly something for every type of traveler. If you want a thrilling adventure, the Far Flung Adventures Rio Grande Racecourse should be at the top of your list. For culture, the Taos Artisan Walking Tour + Chocolate offers a delightful blend of art, history, and local flavors. And if you prefer flexibility and independence, the self-guided tours provide excellent options at a budget-friendly price.
Whatever you choose, Taos’s combination of natural beauty and authentic culture makes it a place you’ll want to visit again—and again. Book early, plan wisely, and prepare for a memorable adventure in this unique corner of New Mexico.