Before I start my review, please please please make sure you book through their original website when booking online. Our money ended up going to some fake company instead of AbqTours!
Regardless of my folly, they were very accommodating and invited us to go on the tour anyways, so long as we made sure to take care of the guides and leave a review. Which I'll get to right now.
I've been on plenty of tours over the course of my entire life so far but this was my very first ghost tour. And after my experience last night, it won't be the last!
The spook factor was thankfully not very high (at my age I value my sleep and being spooked kinda ruins bedtime) but it was definitely fun, informative and engaging! We did the public group tour at 8 pm and this never usually happens but our entire group turned out to be locals. I thought that was quite fascinating. There were a few skeptics in the group but everyone was respectful and no one heckled. I really appreciated that. Me? I'm a believer. I've had too many odd encounters that defy logic, with a recent one taking place at the High Noon Saloon (I'm never going back there!!!), which is one of the places featured on this tour and the story shared about the place gave me information that fell in line with my experience there.
Moving on to our guides, Erica and Adam (I think? I hope I got their names right) were absolutely pleasant, knowledgeable, approachable but most of all, incredibly entertaining! Sure, it was a blustery winter night but Erica's stories helped us enjoy the walk through the cold, crisp Old Town Albuquerque air.
Now, I don't know how true it is but I'm inclined to believe it when the guides say that it was one of the weirdest nights they've ever experienced.
Every stop we made seemed to have a huge distraction or "interruption", from a truck that was lit up with Christmas lights and blasting YMCA around the square while she was sharing the first story, to one of their gadgets refusing to turn on even though it was brand new and fully charged during the third story, and then to the sweet little cat that our guides named "Distracto", who seemed to be on the lookout between the third and fourth location. Her behavior suggested to me that she was on a mission to protect us while we were in "her territory" but that's just my observation. Take it however you please.
That being said, Erica took it all in her stride and never let it bother her one bit, even incorporating the moments into her storytelling. She still kept the stories well told and energetic, even through the biting cold. But the tour wasn't just entertaining though, it was also highly informative and educational. I learnt why Old Town Albuquerque was called just that, on top of other things.
What other things, you ask? Well, I strongly recommend taking the tour and finding out for yourself.
Also, I just thought to share, while I'm quite spiritual, I'm not deeply religious but I made sure to prepare for the tour by bringing holy water with me. Just to sprinkle on ourselves after getting home. You never know what you might bring home with you after visiting places like this. And I'm not...
Read moreErika & Isabel were the guides when I went. They were both very friendly and welcoming at the ticket booth as well as polite. Erika complimented my nails and made me laugh which I totally needed after a long day dealing with flight, car rental, and hotel stuff. I really enjoyed the entire tour, from start to end. The stories and lore, learning about the history here in ABQ, and walking through Old Town. Old Town is so amazing; so rich in history, spirits, culture, all of it! I can feel it in the air. The way Erika depicted all the ghost tales, stories, and sightings was remarkable to witness—so much enthusiasm and passion for what she does! I love how you can really tell that she loves what she does and sharing it with others. What a charismatic human! Great job!
Upon leaving, I heard them both ask many people in the group, if they knew where to go, how to get back to their car, if they’re “good” for the night, etc! I thought that was super thoughtful of them and really showed their concern.
The tour itself—you are on your feet for the duration of the walk, which I don’t mind at all! But I just wanted to let others reading this Know that… although there are quite a few stops where you’re able to find a spot and have a seat while you listen to the guides. It’s about 2 hours.
There was actually one point of the tour where I smelt perfume, and I didn’t really stay very close to the group because I wanted to take tons of pictures so I was like on the outskirts if we stopped. It was by the Amijo place. It was so wild that I actually didn’t even believe it for a second so I stepped to my right and didn’t smell it, then stepped back to where I was. And I’m not even kidding, it was only in that one spot. It was so strange! I can’t wait to look through all my photos. They do provide a water upon check in at the booth.
Highly...
Read moreJust got back from our private tour with Craig! It was excellent. Craig is a passionate storyteller who clearly cares for his craft and thoroughly enjoys sharing stories of the strange, spooky and surreal happenings around Albuquerque’s old town.
As a horror wroter and fan, I was especially impressed with Craig’s sense of timing and knack for detail. His stories never go overboard, and are well-built to give you a real sense of unease. Worth noting is that my group was three adults who all work in the entertainment industry - Craig adapted to our humor and taste quickly, and was courteous to check on any boundaries we had regarding taste and content. Of course, we were all in, but I appreciated that he did this.
I myself am an experienced tour guide, having worked for years in Chicago with multiple companies. Craig was considerate and alert, always sure to point out anything we might trip on or walk into along the dark paths of his tour.
Beyond Craig, the experience was exceptional. The location is easy to find, and they have water and restrooms available to guests at the top of the route.
The route itself is an easy stroll around old town - no stairs, no tight alleyways. This is a well planned tour that is certainly accessible and accommodating to all. I could not recommend it more, and will certainly...
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