The valley of Chimayó is famed for its traditional weavers and for the Santuario of Chimayó, beloved by people of all faiths. During Easter week, tens of thousands of pilgrims come from all over the United States and Mexico in search of healing and miracles. Its reredosor altar screens, were painted by some of the most famous santeros ("painters of saints") in New Mexico.

Chimayó was founded when the Spanish returned after the Pueblo Revolt, bringing many new colonists from Mexico. Originally the settlement centered around a fortified plaza, the Plaza del Cerro. The Spanish dug acequias (irrigation canals), built adobe homes, and raised crops and farm animals. They also began a centuries-old tradition of weaving, still maintained in Chimayo by some of the original families. Visit some of the weaving shops to see the artists weaving using the huge old looms. And be sure to taste the famous local Chimayó red chile.