The Land of Enchantment may be known for its fiery chiles and scenic vistas, but did you know that part of New Mexico’s allure is its rich history? Our state has an amazing number of historic areas—both impeccably well-preserved and in varying states of dilapidation—that depict how life has changed for New Mexicans.

One such example? Los Luceros Historic Site, a historic ranch dating to the 1700s that sits isolated along the Rio Grande north of Santa Fe.
Los Luceros Historic Site/Google
Los Luceros as a historic site is fairly new; it only obtained its status in 2019 and still easily flies under the radar for most New Mexicans. However, one look at the grounds of this home and you'll instantly want to visit.
The ranch is best known for being one of the best-preserved and most complete 18th-century haciendas in the state.
Los Luceros Historic Site/Facebook
The entire site contains a total of five buildings on its 148-acre property. The main building—the hacienda itself—is a stunning example of the blend in regional adobe building styles and a more classical architecture.
The ranch house dates to the late 1700s and is named after a prominent family who called it home.
Los Luceros Historic Site/Facebook
Some parts of the buildings are believed to date to the early 1600s during the Spanish occupation of the area and Indigenous pottery sherds from as early as 1150 have been found on the property.

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Also on the property: a small cottage from the Victorian era, a guest house, a chapel, and another adobe building that is rumored to have served as a community jail.
Los Luceros Historic Site/Facebook
The chapel is also known as Capilla de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe and is a lovely example of the small churches found on large family properties like Los Luceros.
One of the most enchanting features of Los Luceros, though, is its picturesque land.
Los Luceros Historic Site/Facebook
The ranch sits just a few hundred feet from the Rio Grande, so the property is rich in greenery and transforms into an autumnal paradise once fall rolls around. Today, you'll see some of the property still operating as a ranch, with livestock roaming the grounds and apple orchards ripe for picking.
Los Luceros Historic Site is located approximately 45 minutes north of Santa Fe via Route 84 and Route 68.
Google Maps

The historic site is open Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is closed the remaining days of the week and admission is free, though donations are accepted. For additional information on the historic site, visit their website or Facebook page.

Website: New Mexico Historic Sites
Facebook: Los Luceros Historic Site
Address: 253 County Road 41, Alcalde, NM 87511
Phone: 505-476-1165

Have you heard of this or visited this little hidden gem? If not, when do you plan to pay a visit?

Looking for more reasons to explore some of New Mexico’s historic sites and buildings? The city of Las Vegas is home to an extraordinary number of historic buildings: more than 900! Read about these buildings and the city’s restoration efforts to There Are More Than 900 Historic Buildings In The Small Town Of Las Vegas, New Mexico.

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253 Co Rd 41, Alcalde, NM 87511, USA