Top 5 Durango Cultural Tours: A Detailed Review

Durango, Colorado, is that amazing town tucked away in the southwest corner of the state, yet with loads of history and culture. Planning a trip? You might want to really soak it all in, yet going on a cultural tour could be just the thing to open your eyes. These tours really bring Durango to life, and provide amazing tales and hidden corners that you would not discover all by your lonesome. So, let’s go check out five of the best cultural tours Durango has to offer, yet to make sure your trip really rocks!

1. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Historical Tour

Really, could we actually start with anything other than the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad? It is pretty much an iconic symbol of the region, yet more than that, it’s a really amazing way to see history right in front of you. I was talking to one of the conductors last summer, it seems like, and he mentioned that this train still runs on its original tracks from way back in 1882! I mean, wow! That fact alone makes it very unique, yet it is actually way more than just transportation; it provides this whole journey into the past.

You might very well sit in those vintage cars, and it seems like you’re going back to the Old West. Picture this: You actually puff along, very near to the Animas River, while these breathtaking views unfold. And they actually talk about those knowledgeable guides! They tell fascinating tales, it appears, about the mining days, and, in a way, life in the Wild West and how the railroad was basically central to the town of Durango’s whole deal. So, it’s all informative but pretty entertaining. Tours typically go for around $100-$200, just a little bit, and you probably get this awesome look into the heart of Durango. This isn’t just a train ride; you are getting into a moving history book!

2. The Strater Hotel Historical Tour

Now, you have to think of the Strater Hotel for that dose of historic glamour! Just imagine, this spot has actually been in the center of Durango society since the late 1800s. I actually went in for a tour, just a while ago, and I learned all about the hotel hosting people of note back in the day, like, that’s right, Louis L’Amour! In fact, he liked the spot a lot, it appears, so he wrote a whole heap of books just while staying there. How wild is that? The very rooms look amazing, very decked out in Victorian antiques, it seems like, with a bit of drama that very gives you a taste of a fancy yesteryear.

So, taking the guided tour is just so wonderful! Very interesting anecdotes and tidbits you’d really miss on your lonesome. That very Strater Hotel really presents a very deep dive into Durango’s past; more or less, it’s about all the famous folks who really impacted it. A tour probably sets you back $15-$30, and in that respect, it has fantastic value to glimpse behind that facade and peek into, sort of, Durango’s golden years. It’s a very nice opportunity to link that elegant luxury of our past to what it has become.

3. Downtown Durango Walking Tour

Honestly, nothing beats hitting the pavement for those looking for something hands-on! That Downtown Durango Walking Tour could actually set you off to see a good chunk of the city’s architectural spots, in addition to a bunch of really famous historic spots that the place has. They tend to be very accessible; they’re also at this real street level! So one local pointed out this detail on a facade one day. That, more or less, you very pass often but almost never truly notice. But those guides? They will reveal pretty much everything!

Very, very local tour guides provide interesting anecdotes and make history actually very entertaining. So, many tours visit places like the General Palmer Hotel, so too a great number of vintage buildings along Main Avenue. And you know what else? Shopping and eats will be great. And, very, just maybe you are that kind of person that likes looking. This tour really gives you the opportunity to experience that buzz and hear a little about all the historical happenings. That local tip has to be the best. This tour will often be a bit longer and cost $20-$40, more or less, but worth it; and in other words, if you’re trying to see Durango, very consider that a perfect place to start. As a matter of fact, you understand the area.

4. Mesa Verde National Park Tour from Durango

Want to dig back further in history, so it is almost like, by very many centuries? In that case, it could be the Mesa Verde National Park tour that you might really appreciate; however, remember to set aside some time for it. So, a 35-mile trip out and you get transported back through time – nearly to A.D. 600! Some Pueblo natives made houses for their people in the mountain sides there! It’s very incredible!

It’s also educational but stunning in many different places there too. That experienced local helps so much for explaining those places too, as it goes to things like “Cliff Palace.” Some visitors may very well discover rock structures while learning everything about the people, their ancestors, along the journey. You need that chance so as to better respect history that will show up later. Some day tours very might be very long so you can fully see the cliff dwellings and enjoy the spectacular scenery around the area, so prepare for around $100- $150, more or less. Yet if so, the trip to Mesa Verde’s history really changes and shapes the whole view for that area and place as they exist very now.

5. Animas River Rafting History Tour

Hey look, some tours want all that high energy and sightseeing blended together. One such tour that will bring history, scenery and splashes is very called the Animas River Rafting History Tour. And actually, going along for such a tour does more than let one experience local streams; you may hear a bunch from your local guide with what they knew about Native Americans. Even more you may start a small talk of what it all looked like later with early settlers!

Also the guide makes the rapids pretty amazing because he provides the facts on everything around the entire bank. As it turns out those guides tend to provide facts on so much and what’s around while on some ride and also helps so that others can totally engage by learning what their part truly will have on everyone later. Consider between $75 to $120 in expenses along that kind of time span if that gets added onto a list along some upcoming ventures! You need the splash of outdoors? Add facts to any excursion as some may be likely thinking to take place while here? By the way the excursion provides insight onto local backgrounds to enjoy even those streams themselves!