Our History

Rancho Manzana is located on the historic Plaza del Cerro in Chimayo, New Mexico. The building dates from the mid-1700's, a time when Northern New Mexico was still largely unsettled. It was the Ortega family residence and housed the original post office and mercantile store, serving the Chimayo community until the 1950's. Great care has been taken in the on-going restoration process, insuring a relaxing, hospitable retreat. A 30-minute drive from Santa Fe takes you to a tranquil, timeless rural paradise. Leaving the main highway, you'll pass through the rural community of Nambe, the Nambe Pueblo and the red sandstone "badlands." The light is magical, and the setting is in many ways unchanged from centuries past, as you head toward the cluster of trees and adobe houses that is Chimayo. (Suggested reading: Sabino's Map - Life in Chimayo's Old Plaza by Don Usner, Museum of New Mexico Press).

Rancho Manzana is within easy driving distance of a number of tourist destinations: Bandelier National Monument, shopping in Santa Fe, the Santa Fe Opera, the High Road to Taos and Northern Villages, Abiquiu and Chama River environs, river rafting, as well as the famous Santuario de Chimayo and traditional weavers in the village. During the winter months skiing under the brilliant blue skies in New Mexico is exceptional. Take advantage of cross country trails nearby and ski the slopes of the Taos Ski Valley, Sipapu and Santa Fe Ski Basin, all within 1 - 1 1/2 hour drive from Rancho Manzana.