100 Years of Indian Detours
Revisited. Reimagined. Reclaimed.
Dear Friends,
Originally launched by the Fred Harvey Company in partnership with the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway, Indian Detours invited adventurous travelers to explore beyond Santa Fe to discover the region’s dynamic Pueblos. Departing from La Fonda in Harvey motor coaches, guests were guided by educated couriers across Northern New Mexico’s gorgeous landscapes to experience Pueblo communities, ancient ruins and vibrant artistic traditions. These carefully curated journeys helped shape the nation’s fascination with the Southwest and established La Fonda as the gateway to experience authentic, culture-focused travel.
Palace of the Governors Photo Archives
We’re celebrating 100 Years of Indian Detours by partnering with Passport to Pueblo Country, a Native American–owned and operated tour company, to reimagine this historic travel experience. Together, we are creating immersive, respectful, and culturally grounded journeys led by knowledgeable Native guides who share personal insight into the traditions, history, art, cuisine, and contemporary life of New Mexico’s Pueblos.
Our team was recently invited on a tour of San Ildefonso Pueblo, led by Elmer Torres, a former Governor of San Idelfonso Pueblo, and the co-owner of the tour company with his wife, Deborah. We can attest that the experience is equal parts authentic and educational. Complete with a pottery demonstration and lesson by potter and jeweler, Erik Fender, a relative of the revered potter, Maria Martinez. Topped off with a feast day style lunch in a local residence with all the fixings of regional cuisine – posole, ground beef green chile, wild rice, red chile with juicy pork, chicken enchiladas, calabacitas and refreshing watermelon – no one left hungry, I promise!
Potter, Erik Fender
We can’t wait to roll out these special tour packages on May 3, 2026, with a special lecture in the Lumpkins Ballroom, so save the date! The lecture invites folks to head off the beaten path during an armchair travel lecture honoring the Fred Harvey Company’s Indian Detours Centennial Anniversary. Join La Fonda Historian, the esteemed Ed Pulsifer, the New Mexico History Museum Librarian, Kathleen Dull, and Deborah and Elmer Torres, Passport to Pueblo Country’s tour experts for a visual presentation of the newly renovated 1926 La Fonda, motor coaches, accommodations, tour destinations and how the Detours have been revisited, reimagined and reclaimed for today’s travelers.
Our respect for the local Pueblos runs deep and is reflected in our commitment to honoring local artists throughout the hotel. After purchasing the hotel in 1968, Sam and Ethel Ballen continued commissioning and collecting original art, and as the hotel’s art curator, I proudly remain passionate about supporting and promoting local artisans on behalf of La Fonda Family investors.
As we near the finalization of our most recent renovation upgrades, I can’t wait to reveal our latest commissions, one from the incredibly talented, Brian Vallo, the former governor of the Pueblo of Acoma, who painted many of our Colter-like headboards during our 2013 guestroom renovation; this time around, we asked him to paint panels for our new front desk. The art celebrates the gorgeous wildflowers and plant life of New Mexico, presented as bouquets of dance. Marla Allison of Laguna Pueblo painted a large panel in her signature geometric and artistic storytelling style, revealing the rich history embedded in the mountains surrounding the City Different. Titled, “The Mountains Tell Stories”, the piece depicts generations of time and the evolution of the creative spirits of the region. Look for both fantastic new pieces on display soon in our renovated common areas.
The Mountains Tell Stories by Marla Allison
We invite you to join us this spring as we commemorate 100 + years of exploration — and embark on a powerful new chapter of authentic travel into New Mexico’s Pueblos.
Here’s to honoring the past and shaping the next 100 years with intention and respect.
All the best,
Jenny
Jenny Kimball
Ambassador and Board Chair Emerita
La Fonda on the Plaza
DETOURS AT LA FONDA
From HF Coors dinnerware, to Sandy Vaillancourt originals and prints, the Shop has an eclectic mix of hand crafted goods. Explore!
PIÑON COURT BY LA FONDA
Piñon Court is proud to participate in Santa Fe Restaurant Week, celebrating the city’s vibrant culinary scene. Join us for a special menu showcasing fresh flavors, thoughtful ingredients, and the warm hospitality that defines Piñon Court. It’s the perfect opportunity to gather with friends, savor a delicious meal, and experience one of Santa Fe’s favorite dining traditions.
CYNDE ROOF FINE ART
“Have you got the “BLUES”? …we do and you can too. See the newest pieces at Cynde Roof Fine Art. 105 Old Santa Trail.
Cynde Roof
105 Old Santa Fe Trail
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501
505-365-2758
GEMSONG GALLERY
Discover Santa Fe’s largest collection of turquoise at Gemsong Gallery, next to Detours at La Fonda.
Learn about the history of turquoise through Gemsong’s “Turquoise 101 Tour” guided by Peter Vajda, an industry icon and a unique resource in Santa Fe, who:
- Led the jewelry and gemstone trades for over six decades
- Operated on every level of trade from mining to retail
- Is a world recognized expert in colored gems, has lectured widely and advised gemstone laboratories around the globe
- Wrote definitions concerning the proper disclosure and sales of turquoise and other gems, definitions related to authentic Native American jewelry and other Native American Arts and Crafts for both state and federal laws (testifying before the US Congress twice)
- Was intermittently the largest international turquoise dealer during his career (acquiring over 10 billion carats of turquoise from virtually every iconic turquoise mine in the world)
- Specializes in collectable American Turquoise and Native American Jewelry
- Served as a board member for the New Mexico Better Business Bureau and a member of Ethical Trade Organization
- Featured on the front page of the Wall Street Journal
To book a tour, inquire at the gallery or call:
505.819.7227 or 505.988.5536
EXPLORE THE SHOPS