Route 66｜A “Coco”-Style Dream Journey in Santa Fe 🎨🏜️✨

Santa Fe, the capital of New Mexico, is the oldest state capital in the U.S. 🇺🇸 and is nicknamed “The City Different.” The name “Santa Fe” means “Holy Faith” in Spanish. Influenced by Native American, Spanish, and Anglo cultures, this diverse and enchanting city has always been high on travelers’ bucket lists. Driving along Route 66, I passed through Santa Fe and was instantly captivated by its fairytale-like architecture. It felt like stepping into a game map or the world of Disney’s Coco! The pace here is slow, the cost of living is affordable, making it an ideal destination for a relaxing getaway 👌🏻. The iconic “Pueblo” adobe architecture reflects strong Latin and Spanish influences. In fact, city regulations require all buildings to follow this style, creating Santa Fe’s unique and cohesive cityscape. ➕ Must-See Architectural Landmarks: 1️⃣ San Miguel Chapel – The oldest Catholic church in the U.S. ⛪, and the original seat of government. It remains preserved in its original form and sets the standard for Pueblo-style architecture. 2️⃣ Loretto Chapel – Famous for its “miraculous” staircase: a 22-foot wooden spiral staircase that makes two 360-degree turns with no central support, held together only by square wooden pegs. Even modern engineers can’t fully replicate it! 🔧✨ 3️⃣ Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi – A striking Romanesque Revival structure that contrasts with the city’s adobe buildings. The interior is solemn and elegant, decorated with Brazilian granite and imported French stained glass. 4️⃣ El Santuario de Chimayo – A humble adobe Catholic church listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s an important pilgrimage site and radiates deep spiritual energy. ➕ Natural Attractions: 1️⃣ Valle Caldera National Preserve – Located 50 miles from Santa Fe, this is the crater of a supervolcano 🌋. Today, it’s a lush landscape of meadows, forests, and streams where you can spot elk, eagles, and trout. 2️⃣ Bandelier National Monument – An hour’s drive from Santa Fe, this 30,000-acre park features rugged canyons and ancient cliff dwellings 🏞️. You’ll see petroglyphs, soft-stone carvings, and stone walls left by Indigenous communities. ➕ Art & Culture: Don’t miss Canyon Road 🖼️—home to over 100 art galleries, making it one of the most gallery-dense areas in the world. It’s also lined with cute boutiques and restaurants. ➕ Stay in Style: Book a stay at a local resort to fully experience the rustic beauty of Pueblo architecture. Imagine cozying up next to a clay fireplace on a terrace, drink in hand, gazing at the hills—pure dream life 🍷✨. #TravelGoals #Route66 #SantaFe #CulturalJourney #ArtAndHistory #DesertDreams #ExploreNewMexico #RoadTripVibes #HiddenGems #Wanderlust