Optional tours for Hillerman Conference spouses and friends

To register, please complete the form at the end of this page. Thanks!

Thursday, Nov. 6, Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway, 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., $65

Head to the foothills of the Sandia Mountains for a ride on the Sandia Peak Tram, the world’s longest free-span cable tramway.  The 2.7-mile tramway ride to the top will take you through four of the seven life zones found in North America. Traversing these zones is equivalent to taking a trip from Mexico City to Alaska! Once atop Sandia Peak, at an elevation of 10,375 feet above sea level, you will marvel at the thousands of square miles of breathtaking scenery and panoramic views in all directions. Lunch is not included, but you may choose to have lunch at High Finance, “fine dining above it all,” or bring your own lunch and have a picnic.  There is also an extensive system of maintained trails in the Sandia Mountain Wilderness Area with many scenic overlooks.  Fee Includes the drive  from the hotel (1/2 hour eache-way), round-trip boarding pass on Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway, guide, all applicable tickets.

Friday, Nov. 7, Acoma Pueblo Tour 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. , $79 includes lunch

Visit Acoma Pueblo, known as "SkyCity", located in the spectacular West-Central Plateau of New Mexico. Acoma Pueblo, situated 350 feet above an outstretched valley atop a massive sandstone mesa at 7,000 feet above sea level, is the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in the United States. Archeologists put the initial occupation of the Pueblo around 1150 AD. The first Europeans, led by Francisco Vasquez de Coronado, visited Acoma in 1540. A Pueblo member will take you on a ¾-mile leisurely guided tour of the village, explaining the culture and history of the tribe. Points of interest include San Estevan del Rey Mission, built in 1629, the largest and most remarkable of all the Spanish Colonial mission churches in New Mexico. All building materials for the church and other structures in the village were carried or hauled great distances by hand up the steep slope of the mesa. The 360-degree views from Acoma are breathtaking and offer many photo opportunities. There is a $10 permit fee per camera. Video recorders are prohibited.   Includes admissions, tour guide, box lunch with assorted soft drinks and bottled water, all applicable taxes and transportation to and from hotel (About 2.5 hours round trip.)

Saturday, Nov. 8, Santa Fe via the Turquoise Trail, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. $75

 Travel the historic Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway that links Albuquerque and Santa Fe and encompasses 15,000 square miles in the heart of central New Mexico. You will drive back into history through the mining towns of Golden, Madrid, and Cerrillos, whose mines once yielded gold, silver, lead, zinc, and turquoise.  Upon arrival in Santa Fe you may take an optional guided walking tour, visiting such points of interest as the historic Plaza, St. Francis Cathedral, the Loretto Chapel, with its famous “miraculous” staircase, and the San Miguel Mission. Founded in 1610, Santa Fe was the last stop on the Camino Real, the fabled Royal Road that stretched from Mexico City to the northernmost reaches of the Spanish Empire. Today it is the heart and soul of the Southwest, and “Santa Fe Style” is synonymous with all the best the region has to offer. Its historic Plaza, winding streets, covered arcades, hidden gardens and courtyards, and Pueblo-style architecture reflect the blending of Indian, Hispanic, and Anglo cultures. Lunch will be on your own at one of the many restaurants near the Plaza.  Your guide will provide maps and offer suggestions.  After lunch you may continue to explore on your own or indulge in a southwestern shopping spree at the many unique specialty stores and galleries around the Plaza. Nearly all the city’s main cultural attractions are also within walking distance of the Plaza, including the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and the Palace of the Governors.  Later this after noon you will board your coach and travel a short distance to the Shidoni Foundry & Galleries, a bronze art foundry, sculpture garden and gallery, is situated along the Rio Tesuque on a former apple orchard. You will have the opportunity to watch 2000 degree molten bronze being poured into ceramic shell molds, stroll around the sculpture garden and visit the gallery which represents 100 different sculptors from all over the country. Includes guide, admissions and applicable taxes and transportation to and from hotel (About 2.5 hours round trip.)

 

TONY HILLERMAN WRITERS CONFERENCE TOUR REGISTRATION

 

Date                  Tour                                               Price  x # of Persons      Total
         

________________________________________________________________________________________________
Thursday   Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway        $65.00  x_______        $________
11/06/08  
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Friday    Acoma “Sky City” Pueblo                     $79.00  x_______        $________
11/07/078 
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Saturday   Santa Fe via the Turquoise Trail   $75.00  x_______         $________
11/08/08
________________________________________________________________________________________________

                                                                                                           TOTAL  $_________

METHOD OF PAYMENT (Mark one)  
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Name 
 

Guest/Spouse Name  
 

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(Please note that a minimum of twenty guests is required for the tour to run.  Destination Southwest reserves the right to

cancel the tour if pre-registration does not meet the minimum number.  A complete refund will be offered in that event. 

No refunds will be made for pre-registered tours unless that tour is cancelled due to insufficient registration.  Pre-paid

tours are refundable (less a $6.00 per ticket handling charge) if attendee cancels by October 24, 2008; no refunds after

that date.  Destination Southwest will not be responsible for tours that are not available due to construction, renovation,

acts of God, weather, or closures.  The tour will depart from hotel main entrance.)
 

Send or fax form with payment information to:
Destination Southwest
20 First Plaza Galeria NW, Suite 212
Albuquerque, NM 87102
505.766.9068 direct
505.766.9065 fax
800.999.3109 toll free
www.destinationsouthwest.com