New Mexico Destination Guide

Overview of New Mexico

San Miguel Chapel, Sante Fe, New Mexico.
Photo credit: Pretzelpaws

New Mexico, billed as the 'land of enchantment', is a geological wonderland featuring everything from the high Rocky Mountain ranges of the north, the Chihuahuan Desert in the south, the great plains in the east, the spectacular canyons of the west and, cutting right through the centre, the Rio Grande, a river much revered in a state were water is sacred. A rich heritage of ancient Native American culture and Hispanic occupation combines under a bright blue sky, making a fascinating and colourful mosaic that quite understandably draws thousands of visitors looking for a destination that brings surprises at every turn, and reveals hidden treasures behind every mysterious rock formation.

Originally the home of the Anasazi people, who evolved into today's Pueblo Indians still living in their traditional settlements, New Mexico was also the scene of territorial wars between the legendary Apache and Navajo tribes. Along came the Spanish explorers and by 1610 the capital of Santa Fe had been founded and settled.

Today the dual Spanish and Indian heritage provides for some fascinating historic attractions in the State, and the 'living museums' of the pueblos welcome visitors. The state was also home to some of the most legendary mountain men and notorious cowboys, such as Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid, not to mention cattle barons such as John Chisum, who grew rich rounding up longhorns on the southeastern plains. From cowboys to alien space ships is a big leap, but one New Mexico makes with ease in the town of Roswell in the southeast, where UFO enthusiasts flock to investigate the famed 'Roswell Incident'.

Aside from its historic and physical attractions New Mexico has the special appeal of being caught in a time warp. A laid-back attitude prevails even in the cities, and the pace is as slow and languid as the ascent of the myriad of colourful hot-air balloons that fill the skies over the city of Albuquerque in the world-famous annual festival.

Key Facts

Language:

English is the most common language spoken but Spanish is often heard in the south-western states.

Passport/Visa:

It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from them travel destination. A visa is required for short visits unless travellers qualify for entry under the Visa Waiver Program.

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables citizens of certain countries to travel to the US for a stay of up to 90 days without a visa. Visitors under the VWP need to register online three days before travel and have an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). This allows the US government to screen all visitors before travel. Visitors entering the country under the VWP must have a machine-readable passport (MRP) that has a barcode on the photo page. Travellers under the VWP must have passports that include biometrics if they wish to enter the country without a visa, which means that passports must contain unique personal data such as fingerprints or iris details. All passports must contain a digital photo image in order to travel visa-free. All visitors to the USA have a photograph and two fingerprints taken by an inkless scanner on arrival, including those travelling visa-free under the VWP.

As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA, a valid passport is required by immigration authorities. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Currency:

The official currency is the US Dollar (USD), which is divided into 100 cents. Only major banks exchange foreign currency. ATMs are widespread and credit cards are widely accepted. Banking hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.

Electricity:

Electrical current is 120 volts, 60Hz. Plugs are mainly the type with two flat pins, though three-pin plugs (two flat parallel pins and a rounded pin) are also widely used. European appliances without dual-voltage capabilities will require an adapter.

Travel Advisories

Travel to New Mexico

Climate

The summer months from May to October are the warmest, but also the wettest. July and August receive the most rainfall, about 30 to 40 percent of the annual total, which occurs mostly during brief thunderstorms. During the height of summer the temperature averages 90F (32C), with cooler temperatures at higher altitudes. January is the coldest month with average temperatures ranging from 55F (13C) in the central and southern valleys to 35F (2C) at higher elevations.

Health Notes when travelling to United States of America

There are no specific health risks associated with travel within the USA. Medical facilities are excellent, but expensive. Only emergencies are treated without prior payment and treatment can be refused without evidence of insurance or proof of funds. Good medical insurance is essential. Visitors must be fully vaccinated with the primary series of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine to travel to the United States by plane if they are non-U.S. citizens.

Safety Notes when travelling to United States of America

Travel within the United States is generally trouble-free, though travellers should be aware that the US shares with the rest of the world, an increased threat from terrorist incidents. Security has been heightened, particularly at airports. Restrictions on hand luggage apply and travellers are advised to check on the latest situation with airlines in advance. Travellers should also be alert to the dangers of car and street crime in cities and should use common sense and take basic precautions. Hurricanes are common between June and November, putting the southern USA, including the Gulf Coast and the eastern US at risk. There is a risk of wildfires in many dry areas in the US, particularly on the West Coast from March to November.

Customs in United States of America

Laws vary from state to state, including speed limit, fines and punishment. The age at which alcohol may be legally bought and consumed is 21 years.

Duty Free in United States of America

Travellers to the United States who are returning residents of the country do not have to pay duty on articles purchased abroad to the value of $800 provided their stay was longer than 48 hours and their duty-free allowance was not used in the 30-day period prior. For passengers arriving from Samoa, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, a duty-free allowance of $1,600 is allowed. The following items are included in this: 50 cigarettes and 10 cigars and 150 millilitres (5 fl. oz.) of alcoholic beverages or 150 millilitres (5 fl. oz.) of perfume containing alcohol. Restrictions may apply to goods from Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Burma (Myanmar), Angola, Liberia and Sudan. It is prohibited to import Cuban cigars from any country.

Travellers to the United States who are non-residents do not have to pay duty on the following items: 50 cigars or 200 cigarettes and gifts to the value of $100 provided their stay in the USA is not less than 72 hours and that the allowance has not been used in the preceding six-month period.

Prohibited items for residents and non-residents include meat or meat products, poultry, narcotics, absinthe, plants, seeds, vegetables, fruits, soil, live insects and other living plants or animal pests. Fish is prohibited unless it carries disease-free certification. Wildlife and animals or their by-products carry restrictions. Dairy products and eggs from specified countries are not allowed. Firearms and ammunition are not allowed without the necessary license and permit.

Doing Business in United States of America

In such a large country, filled with so many diverse groups, business practices may differ according to each state, however rarely to any large degree. The East Coast is traditionally more formal than the West Coast, though in states such as California, dress code and conservative appearance are as common as they would be in New York. Punctuality is important throughout the country and it is considered rude to be late for a meeting. Gift-giving is uncommon as it may be construed as bribery. Appropriate titles (Mr, Mrs, Ms) are used upon introduction and until otherwise stated. Americans favour politeness and greetings of 'Hello' and 'How are you?' are often expressed with sincerity. Business hours may vary in each state, but an 8am start and 5pm finish Monday to Friday is the most common with an hour over lunch.

Status and age are not necessarily indicative of seniority, nor do they carry much weight in themselves. Those doing business in the States should be mindful of this fact; foreigners should never make assumptions about someone's position or rank. Best practice is to be respectful to all parties. That said, the US upholds a hierarchal business structure, in which 'the boss' is the ultimate decision-maker. Senior leaders have the power of the last word, and can go against the grain just as easily as they can follow popular opinion. Foreigners should concentrate on winning over this individual, even if the greater group seems unsupportive. Americans value a direct style of communication. In this fast-paced, consumer culture 'time is money', and small-talk is viewed as unnecessary and wasteful. It's best for foreigners to get to the point quickly, speak about issues in a frank and open manner, and to avoid taking offence if someone questions or challenges them outright.

Communication in United States of America

The international country dialling code for the United States is +1. Mobile networks cover most of the country, especially all urban areas, and WiFi is widely available.

Tipping in United States of America

A 15 percent tip is expected by taxi drivers, bartenders, hairdressers and waiters, but travellers shouldn't tip in fast-food or self-service restaurants. In expensive restaurants or for large parties, the tip should be 20 percent of the bill. It is normal to tip staff such as valets and porters in hotels; this is discretionary, although a minimum of $5 is expected. Most services are customarily tipped if the service is good.

Passport/Visa Note

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for Canadians:: The most important requirement on entering the U.S. is providing proof of Canadian citizenship. A valid Canadian passport is the best document to prove Canadian citizenship and the right to return to Canada. However, several other documents can serve, depending on the mode of transport. Generally, Canadian citizens do not require visitor, business, transit or other visas to enter the United States from Canada, though there are some exceptions.
Entry requirements for UK nationals:: UK nationals require a passport valid for duration of stay. Most passport holders can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) through the Visa Waiver Programme, which allows travel to the US for up to 90 days. The VWP includes tourism, certain types of business visit and transit to another country.
Entry requirements for Australians:: Passports must be valid for the period of intended stay. If visiting the US for fewer than 90 days, Australian nationals may be eligible to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), and enter under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
Entry requirements for Irish nationals:: Passports must be valid for duration of stay. Irish nationals can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Programme for entry into the United States.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders:: Passports must be valid for duration of stay. New Zealand nationals can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Programme for entry into the United States.
Entry requirements for South Africans:: South Africans must hold a passport valid for duration of stay. A visa is required.

Currency

Exchange rate for 1 USD - U.S. Dollar
0.00 BMD Bermudan Dollar	0.93 EUR Euro	0.80 GBP U.K. Pound Sterling	152.99 JPY Japanese Yen	1.37 CAD Canadian Dollar	0.91 CHF Swiss Franc
1.52 AUD Australian Dollar	39.40 UAH Ukrainian Hryvnia	443.91 KZT Kazakhstani Tenge	93,075.00 LBP Lebanese Pound	4.86 LYD Libyan Dinar	6.86 BOB Bolivian Boliviano
0.00 NPR Nepalese Rupee	0.00 OMR Omani Rial	0.00 QAR Qatari Rial	1.35 SGD Singapore Dollar	10.82 SEK Swedish Krona	0.00 TTD Trinidad Tobago Dollar
0.00 VEF Venezuelan Bolivar	58.11 DOP Dominican Peso	0.00 HRK Croatian Kuna	16.95 MXN Mexican Peso	610.53 XOF West African CFA Franc	0.00 PGK Papua New Guinean kina
0.00 BSD Bahamian Dollar	0.00 FJD Fiji Dollar	0.00 HNL Honduran Lempira	133.87 DZD Algerian Dinar	0.00 MMK Myanma Kyat	0.00 BWP Botswana Pula
3.72 PEN Peruvian Nuevo Sol	938.44 CLP Chilean Peso	386.84 AMD Armenia Dram	23.29 CZK Czech Koruna	17.63 MDL Moldova Lei	139.89 ISK Icelandic Krona
12,582.40 UZS Uzbekistan Sum	3.72 ILS Israeli New Sheqel	0.71 JOD Jordanian Dinar	0.00 KWD Kuwaiti Dinar	38.15 UYU Uruguayan Peso	0.00 MUR Mauritian Rupee
0.00 NIO Nicaraguan Córdoba	10.88 NOK Norwegian Krone	4.03 PLN Polish Zloty	3.75 SAR Saudi Riyal	0.00 LKR Sri Lanka Rupee	36.79 THB Thai Baht
3.66 AED U.A.E Dirham	5.09 BRL Brazilian Real	4.63 RON Romanian New Leu	7.81 HKD Hong Kong Dollar	610.53 XAF Central African CFA Franc	25,405.70 VND Vietnamese Dong
878.36 ARS Argentine Peso	0.00 XCD East Caribbean Dollar	0.00 GTQ Guatemalan Quetzal	10.06 MAD Moroccan Dirham	0.00 BHD Bahrain Dinar	1.00 PAB Panamanian Balboa
1.70 AZN Azerbaijan Manat	3,920.00 COP Colombian Peso	88.42 KGS Kyrgyzstan Som	362.00 HUF Hungarian Forint	10.89 TJS Tajikistan Ruble	16,073.70 IDR Indonesian Rupiah
47.95 EGP Egyptian Pound	1,358.84 KRW South Korean Won	7,456.52 PYG Paraguayan Guaraní	4.74 MYR Malaysian Ringgit	508.31 CRC Costa Rican Colón	1.67 NZD New Zealand Dollar
277.87 PKR Pakistani Rupee	91.39 RUB Russian Rouble	18.51 ZAR South African Rand	3.13 TND Tunisian Dinar	0.00 BBD Barbadian Dollar	1.82 BGN Bulgarian Lev
32.33 TRY Turkish Lira	57.28 PHP Philippine Peso	32.31 TWD New Taiwan Dollar	1,164.84 NGN Nigerian Naira	0.00 XPF CFP Franc	0.00 GHS Ghanaian Cedi
0.00 JMD Jamaican Dollar	0.00 ANG Neth. Antillean Guilder	0.00 BND Brunei Dollar	108.90 RSD Serbian Dinar	7.24 CNY Chinese Yuan	6.94 DKK Danish Krone
3.49 TMT New Turkmenistan Manat	83.42 INR Indian Rupee

Exchange Rate for
Euro to U.S. Dollar

1 EUR = 1.07 USD

Exchange Rate for
Canadian Dollar to U.S. Dollar

1 CAD = 0.73 USD

Exchange Rate for
U.K. Pound Sterling to U.S. Dollar

1 GBP = 1.26 USD

Exchange Rate for
Australian Dollar to U.S. Dollar

1 AUD = 0.66 USD

Exchange Rate for
New Zealand Dollar to U.S. Dollar

1 NZD = 0.60 USD

Exchange Rate for
South African Rand to U.S. Dollar

1 ZAR = 0.05 USD

Airports in New Mexico

Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ)
Albuquerque International Sunport Airport
http://www.abqsunport.com

Location: Albuquerque Albuquerque International Sunport is located approximately four miles (6km) southeast of central Albuquerque.

Time: GMT -7 (GMT -6 from mid-March to the first Sunday in November).

Contacts: Tel: +1 505 244 7700

Getting to the city: Ground transportation from the airport and around Albuquerque and New Mexico is provided by numerous cab companies, door-to-door shuttles, buses, limousines, and hotel/motel courtesy vehicles. Bus Route 250 (weekdays only) and Bus Route 50 (weekdays and Saturdays) service the airport.

Car rental: Car rental agencies at the airport include Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz and Thrifty, among others. All are located at the Sunport's Car Rental Center, which is connected to the passenger terminal building by free shuttle buses.

Airport Taxis: Several taxi companies operate from the airport, including zTrip and ABQ Green Cab Company.

Facilities: There are a number of restaurants, bars, and shops available, as well as a tourist information desk. Business facilities are available in nearby hotels. There are smoking areas within the airport. ATMs are located throughout the terminal building in front of and beyond the security checkpoint. Disabled facilities are good.

Parking: Short-term parking at Albuquerque International Sunport is located near the terminal with prices ranging from $2 for 30 minutes up to $12 per day, while long-term parking is slightly farther away and tops out at $7 per day. There is a free cell phone waiting area for drivers picking up or dropping off passengers.

Albuquerque

New Mexico's largest city has been described as having one foot in the past and one in the present, with its eyes firmly set on the future. This certainly sums up this multicultural city, spread across the desert plains beside the Rio Grande.

It is known for its high-tech research facilities and sentimental pride towards its historic Old Town, and offers a mix of museums, galleries, spicy restaurants, and great shopping centres to satisfy the appetite of every kind of visitor. Albuquerque has an ultra-relaxed attitude, with shorts and t-shirts the unofficial uniform and locals cracking jokes about living in a 'dusty hick town'. But the city's numerous attractions are on-hand to prove them wrong.

Albuquerque was born back in 1706 when a group of Spanish colonists decided that the point on the Rio Grande where the river made a sweeping curve, backed by the wooded slopes of the nearby Sandia Mountains, would be a useful place to start a settlement. Water for irrigation and wood for building was plentiful, and the local Indian pueblos were available for trading.

The new town, at first just a cluster of mud houses around a small adobe church, was named for Spain's 10th Duke of Albuquerque. Today the original church, San Felipe de Neri, stands enshrined in the centre of the historic heart of the city, the hub of various special holidays and feast days, drawing visitors and locals alike.

One of the most splendid sights Albuquerque has to offer happens only once a year when, in October, the International Balloon Fiesta has all eyes focussed on New Mexico's blue skies as hundreds of hot air balloons sail past. The New Mexico State Fair is another highlight on the local calendar, and presents a wonderful opportunity to enjoy, among other things, carnival rides, rodeo events and concerts.

Every day of the year, though, the city offers up its attractions such as the zoo, aquarium, museums, and vineyards, as well as an array of activities such as skiing, golfing, mountain biking, hiking, or dancing. If all else fails, visitors can always eat; mild or with chilli, there is nothing to beat New Mexican cuisine to really add spice to life.

Getting around in Albuquerque

A bus network operates around Albuquerque, but is not comprehensive enough to link all the major tourist sights, and most bus routes stop running at about 6pm. The sprawling city is difficult to get around without a car, while the simple layout makes driving easy, as long as rush hour is avoided. Most agencies require drivers to be at least 21 years of age. Metered taxis are also available and can easily be hired from outside main transport terminals and major hotels; Lyft and Uber are also available. Albuquerque also has an extensive bike route system.

Climate in Albuquerque

The weather in Albuquerque is generally dry and sunny all year, although temperature variations between winter and summer are fairly extreme. During the summer months Albuquerque is extremely hot, with the mercury rising to well over 90F (32C) most days, particularly during June and July. Winters are cold and daytime temperatures can plummet to below freezing during December and January.

Sightseeing in Albuquerque

Albuquerque can be described as a breath of fresh air, offering an array of choice attractions. Those in search of some relaxation will find it in its incredible golf courses and beautiful scenery. Visitors can take a hot air balloon trip over the Rio Grande Valley, go horseback riding on the river banks, enjoy the top-class New Mexican cuisine, or simply stroll through the Old Town.

The Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway is a popular attraction, providing wonderful views as it climbs the 10,378-foot peak of the mountains. There are many tours on offer; trams, trolleys, and buses all provide great tours whatever the interest.

For those wishing to explore the depths of Albuquerque's cultural history, a visit to the National Hispanic Cultural Center will satisfy their curiosity as will the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. With about 19 museums to explore, including the Albuquerque Museum and the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, there is lots to learn.

For serious outdoors action, travellers may enjoy the 17-mile-long (27km) stretch of escarpment that is the West Mesa, home to historic rock carvings or petroglyphs. It is here tourists will find the Petroglyph National Monument. The Carlsbad Caverns National Park is another top spot for visitors to explore the regions many trails and appreciate nature.

Albuquerque Attractions

Sandia Peak Tramway

An awe-inspiring view of Albuquerque can be had from nearly one mile (2km) above the city on top of Sandia Crest, the windy mountaintop where the view extends for over 1,000 miles (1,609km). Visitors should simply follow Tramway Boulevard for a few miles north of the city to board the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway, the world's longest continuous jigback passenger tramway, which makes the ascent from the foothills to the summit in about 20 minutes. In winter, skiers make use of the more than 30 trails descending from the mountain crest, while in summer hikers and mountain bikers can take the tramway up and enjoy nature on their way down. Pleasure seekers simply ride to the top to enjoy the view, which is particularly spectacular at sunset.

Website: http://www.sandiapeak.com

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is designed to give an introduction to New Mexico's rich Native American cultural heritage and the 19 individual pueblo communities of the State. The centre is situated on 12th Street, about a mile northeast of the Old Town in Albuquerque. It is a recreation of Pueblo Bonito, a ruined Indian village in the Chaco Culture National Historic Park dating from the 9th century. The centre also features a museum displaying early photographs, artefacts, and artworks. A restaurant serves traditional fare, and traditional dances are performed by different tribal groups. Those interested in seeing the real thing can make an excursion to Pueblo Acoma, 60 miles (96km) west of Albuquerque, the oldest inhabited village in the United States, situated on a 367-foot (112m) high sandstone rock.

Website: http://www.indianpueblo.org

Petroglyph National Monument

One of Alquerque's best attractions is the 17-mile-long (27km) stretch of escarpment of the West Mesa, that is a treasure-trove of more than 25,000 prehistoric and historic rock carvings or petroglyphs, some dating as far back as 2,000 years. Maps and information about the geology and history of the area are available from the information center. Hikers can follow various trails to explore the Boca Negra Canyon, or join rangers on scheduled walks during the summer months. Picnic areas, drinking water, and restroom facilities are provided.

Website: http://www.nps.gov/petr/index.htm

American International Rattlesnake Museum

Albuquerque's Rattlesnake Museum is an exciting and educational experience for the entire family, where myths are explore, phobias are cured and mysteries are revealed. Billed as an animal conservation museum, the establishment is dedicated to displaying how rattlesnakes influence our lives. Exhibits include artwork, artefacts and memorabilia such as toys and games, paintings, sculptures, photographs, licence plates, rocks and fossils, as well as the largest collection of live rattlesnakes in the world. The snakes, gathered from North, Central and South America, are kept in specially recreated habitats.

Website: http://www.rattlesnakes.com

New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science

The exciting Museum of Natural History takes visitors on a trip through 12 billion years, from the formation of the universe up to the present day. From the earth's beginnings, exhibits, displays, and recreated scenes take visitors through an erupting volcano, an ice-age cave, an aquarium, the dinosaur age, and a fossil centre, giant-screen theatre, planetarium and a naturalist centre, to name just a few of the educational entertainments offered.

Website: http://www.nmnaturalhistory.org

Albuquerque Museum

The Albuquerque Museum, on the edge of the city's Old Town, explores New Mexico's history and heritage. With the largest collection of Spanish colonial artefacts in the United States, the museum also pays homage to the Vaqueros, the original cowboys who rode the range in New Mexico in the 16th century. Exhibits such as Spanish armour and swords mingle with a recreated 18th-century adobe house compound. There are also hands-on experiences to try such as spinning wool, and a theatre where films about the city are shown regularly. The museum provides a walking tour of the Old Town area departing at 11am each day except Monday during spring, summer and fall.

Website: http://www.cabq.gov/museum

Turquoise Trail

Travellers who abandon the highway and opt for the scenic byways will be rewarded with the Turquoise Trail state-designated scenic and historic route, which runs from Albuquerque to Sante Fe through the majestic Sandia Mountains, passing through the revived 'ghost' towns of New Mexico's mining belt. The route begins on NM14 about 16 miles (26km) east of central Albuquerque, covering about 61 miles (98km) before reaching Sante Fe. En route is the Cibola National Forest, mining towns of Madrid, Golden, and Cerrillos filled with art and craft practitioners, the Tinkertown Museum, The New Mexico Office of Archaeological Studies, Old Coal Mine Museum, and the Turquoise Mining Museum.

Website: http://www.turquoisetrail.org

Roswell

The town of Roswell in south-east New Mexico has become the focus of UFO and alien hunters from all over the world. This has been the case ever since the 'Roswell Incident' in 1947, when an alien craft purportedly crashed near the town, leaving surviving extra-terrestrials. Conspiracy theorists believe government authorities deliberately covered up the crash. The incident is highlighted at the International UFO Museum and Research Center in Main Street, along with a large collection of UFO memorabilia and artefacts. The museum also features a worldwide UFO sighting map and a comprehensive library. Roswell itself is just as UFO-crazy, and visitors can eat at UFO-themed cafes, and buy just about anything they can think of with an alien on it.

Website: http://www.roswellufomuseum.com

Carlsbad Caverns

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a popular attraction in New Mexico. Containing the Carlsbad Cavern, also known as the 'Big Cave', one of the largest underground chambers on earth. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the cave is one of 80 around the park, but is incredibly popular for tours due to its stunning stalagmite and stalactite formations. Visitors enter the cave by descending over 600 feet (183m) in an elevator, and explore the chambers via paved trails that are mostly wheelchair accessible. There is also a natural entrance by the visitor centre, involving a longer and rougher walk.

Website: http://www.nps.gov/cave

Las Cruces

Located in the middle of an arid desert that sees only eight inches (20cm) of rain per year, Las Cruces was an important waypoint on El Camino Royal, a trade route between Santa Fe and Mexico City. The historic town acted as the backdrop for wild west dramas involving Billy the Kid and Pancho Villa, and has museums dedicated to farm and ranching history, natural history, and railroads in New Mexico. The New Mexico State University Museum has several exhibits on local history and archaeology. There is also an older settlement located in nearby Mesilla with a historic district of traditional adobe buildings.

Website: http://www.lascrucescvb.org

Events in Albuquerque

International Balloon Fiesta
Saturday October 02, 2021 to Sunday October 10, 2021 (2—10 October 2021)

Where: Balloon Fiesta Park

Back in 1972 Albuquerque won a bid to host the 1973 World Hot Air Ballooning Championships, and since then the floating colourful orbs have become a familiar sight in the skies over the city. Over 500 hot air balloons each year over the nine say event.

Albuquerque is now the official balloon capital of the world, and the weeklong International Balloon Fiesta held in the first week of October each year draws thousands of pilots, balloons and avid spectators from the four corners of the world. The city pulls out all the stops to ensure that the Fiesta is a memorable experience in all respects.

http://www.aibf.org

New Mexico State Fair
Monday September 09, 2019 to Thursday September 19, 2019 (9—19 September)

Where: Expo New Mexico

One of the greatest show in New Mexico, the State Fair is far more than just an agricultural show. Professional rodeo events and the showing of livestock are big drawcards, or course. But fair-goers also flock onto the 236-acre fairground in the heart of Albuquerque for everything from corn on the cob and cotton candy to carnival rides. The fair also includes arts and crafts, various animal events, concerts, and a variety of free entertainment.

http://www.exponm.com

Airports in Albuquerque

Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ)
Albuquerque International Sunport Airport
http://www.abqsunport.com

Location: Albuquerque Albuquerque International Sunport is located approximately four miles (6km) southeast of central Albuquerque.

Time: GMT -7 (GMT -6 from mid-March to the first Sunday in November).

Contacts: Tel: +1 505 244 7700

Airport Taxis: Several taxi companies operate from the airport, including zTrip and ABQ Green Cab Company.

Santa Fe

New Mexico's capital city and the oldest capital in the United States, Santa Fe, is situated just 60 miles (97km) north of the state's largest metropolis, Albuquerque, from which it differs quite remarkably. Where Albuquerque is high-tech and expansive, Santa Fe is arty and intimate. The home of Georgia O'Keefe, the city has become a haven for artists of all persuasions, featuring more than 250 art galleries and studios.

Tourists not only flock to this 400-year-old city at the foot of the Rocky Mountains for the museums and galleries, but also because it is surrounded by almost a hectare (two acres) of National Forest, offering great opportunities for skiing, rafting, golf, horseback riding, mountain climbing, hiking and a host of other associated recreational pursuits, including unusual activities such as geocaching.

More urban attractions are plentiful as well, with enough to keep the whole family busy. Kids will love the Santa Fe Children's Museum and going for a ride on the Southern Railway, while adults will enjoy the numerous art museums and Spanish colonial architecture. Everyone can enjoy Santa Fe's multitude of festivals, including wine festivals, rodeos, cultural events, and film and art festivals. Santa Fe's music calendar is full as well, and the Santa Fe Opera enjoys an international reputation.

The local culture is built firmly on Spanish and Native American roots, which is reflected in the city's historic architecture and the crafts sold on the plaza by the hawkers. The city is also confusing to navigate by car, with its narrow winding lanes and one-way streets, making it best explored on foot from its busy central plaza. Santa Fe makes an ideal base from which to explore the many Indian pueblos, which are within an hour's drive throughout the valley of the Rio Grande.

Getting around in Santa Fe

Getting around town in Santa Fe is relatively easy because the downtown area and surrounding historic districts are compact, most conveniently explored on foot. For travelling further afield the options are a local taxi service, public transport, charter vans or rental cars, and ride sharing services such as Lyft and Uber. The city bus system, Santa Fe Trails, serves seven major routes through the city, connecting the central Plaza to the outlying attractions. Buses run from 6am till 10pm on weekdays, and there is limited service on Saturdays and Sundays. The most used by visitors is Route 10, which runs from downtown to the museums on the Old Santa Fe Trail. Bicycles are another popular way of getting around.

Climate in Santa Fe

Santa Fe enjoys a temperate seasonal climate with about 300 days of sunshine a year. Summer temperatures seldom exceed 86F (30C), and a few inches of rain falls. Around five inches of snow falls during the winter, but temperatures seldom drop below freezing. In general the weather is dry and mild, and humidity is low.

Sightseeing in Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a sightseeing haven offering those who visit the vibrant capital city a range of things to do, and lots to tour in this multicultural and historic city.

Santa Fe is a fascinating place in that it has a very distinct character which it gets from its Native American, Spanish, Mexican and Anglo-American influences and history. This melting pot of influences means that there is a great deal of art and culture to see and enjoy. The El Rancho de las Golondrinas is one of the most popular heritage sites: A living museum on a 200 acre ranch, the El Rancho de las Golondrinas has successfully preserved the Spanish Colonial life as it was. The Museum of Contemporary Native Arts is also a captivating site in that it offers incredible homage to the modern Native arts. Another drawcard for lovers of the arts is the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum which is home to the largest collection of the artist's work. For something a little different, the Museum of International Folk Art is a unique attraction, housing the biggest collection of fold art from all over the world. These are only a few of the compelling historic and artistic attractions Santa Fe has to offer.

A beautiful place, Santa Fe also has many quaint streets and lanes to enjoy as well as architecture to admire in the form of the adobe houses and Spanish colonial churches in and around the city. Sante Fe has a full annual calendar, with outstanding cultural and arts events and many music and film festivals. Also enjoyed by tourists are some top-class restaurants and the vibrant and multidisciplinary music scene. Dance to anything from country, to the blues or even enjoy some salsa when the sun goes down.

Days filled with cultural curiosities followed by evenings of energetic musical entertainment ensure that a visit to Santa Fe will not be soon forgotten.

Santa Fe Attractions

Palace of Governors

Portal of the Palace of the Governors
Photo credit: Asaavedra32

Visitors should start their sightseeing in Santa Fe where it all began on the city's historic central Plaza. It is dominated by the adobe structure known as the Palace of the Governors, the oldest public building in the United States. The palace was built in 1610 as Spain's seat of government for what is today the American Southwest. It still bears the scars of having survived Indian revolts and occupation and Mexican Independence; it was later occupied by Confederate forces when they attempted to take New Mexico. Fittingly, in 1909 the building was converted into the Museum of New Mexico and is now the principal of Santa Fe's four museums, preserving 400 years of the state's history from the 16th century Spanish explorations through the frontier era to modern times. Exhibits range from a stagecoach and kitchen utensils to paintings on bison hide and a state seal made from spoons, quills and tacks.

Website: http://www.palaceofthegovernors.org

New Mexico Museum of Art

Opposite the Governor's Palace on Santa Fe's historic Plaza stands a prime example of Pueblo Revival architecture, built in 1917, which houses the state's oldest art museum, home to more than 20,000 works of art. The distinguished collection spans the historic art colonies of Taos and Santa Fe of the past 100 years, right up to contemporary art, focussing on the southwest region. There is also a collection of photographs and there are two sculpture gardens housing traditional and abstract works.

Website: http://www.nmartmuseum.org

Museum of International Folk Art

The most important and comprehensive collection of cross-cultural folk art in the world is housed in the Santa Fe Museum of International Folk Art, about two miles (3km) southeast of the city's central Plaza on the old Sante Fe Trail. Fascinating for tourists, and a treasure trove for researchers, scholars, and contemporary artisans, the collection of the museum runs to about 125,000 pieces, divided into categories. Of particular note are the Spanish Colonial collection, the south-western Hispanic Art collection of 20th century works, and collections of international textiles and costumes. There are examples of folk art from more than 100 different countries.

Website: http://www.moifa.org

Georgia O'Keeffe Museum

Near Abiquiu, NM. Georgia O'Keeffe referred to this as the White Place
Photo credit: Larry Lamsa

Dedicated to the work of artist Georgia O'Keeffe, the museum opened in 1997, eleven years after the death of the artist, who loved the state of New Mexico. Since then the museum has welcomed more than 1.3 million visitors, who come to view the works of one of the most important artists of the 20th century. Georgia O'Keeffe was a leading member of one of the avant-garde art movements in New York in the 1920s, creating art that expressed wideness and wonder. She featured the high deserts and dramatic cliffs of New Mexico frequently in her work. The Santa Fe museum is located a former Baptist church and contains a permanent collection with more than 130 O'Keeffe paintings, drawings and sculptures, making it the largest concentration of her work in the world. It is also the first American museum ever devoted solely to a major female artist.

Website: http://www.okeeffemuseum.org

Loretto Chapel

Although the Loretto Chapel on the Old Santa Fe Trail is no longer used for worship, it remains a place of congregation, mainly for tourists who come to marvel at the chapel's 'miraculous' spiral staircase. The chapel, copied from Sainte-Chapelle Church in Paris, was completed in 1878 to serve as chapel for the Sisters of Loretto's school for young women. When the building was close to completion, workers discovered the design had not left sufficient room for the proposed staircase to the choir loft. The only answer appeared to be a cumbersome ladder, which was not an attractive proposition for the Loretto sisters who decided to pray about the problem to St Joseph. Their prayers were answered in the form of a carpenter riding a donkey, who arrived and offered to build a spiral staircase. He accomplished this with only a saw, hammer and T-square, manufacturing a miraculous staircase, which is held aloft by no visible means of support.

Website: http://www.lorettochapel.com

El Rancho de las Golondrinas

Hacienda, Santa Fe
Photo credit: Diana Marín

The 'Ranch of the Swallows' (El Rancho de las Golondrinas) was originally a ranch founded in the early 1700s, but today offers an entertaining and educational attraction about 15 miles (24km) south-east of Santa Fe's central Plaza. The ranch was once the last stopping place on the thousand-mile El Camino Real (Royal Road) between Mexico City and Santa Fe. It has been fully restored as a living village with costumed villagers portraying life in early New Mexico. The first weekend in June brings the Spring Festival, and the first weekend in October is devoted to a Harvest Festival, highlighted on the ranch calendar. Other special events include a Rennaissance Festival and Wine Festival. Every day visitors can explore the hacienda, village store, schoolhouse, chapels, kitchens, and other buildings on the ranch, pet farm animals, and watch operations in the working molasses mill, blacksmith shop, shearing and weaving rooms, and winery.

Website: http://www.golondrinas.org

Taos

The laid-back mountain resort town of Taos, about 70 miles (113km) north of Santa Fe, is in the centre of New Mexico's most sparsely populated region, serving as a popular ski resort in winter and artist's colony all year round. Aside from the slopes, the main attraction at Taos is Taos Pueblo, the largest of northern New Mexico's Indian pueblos, where life has changed little since ancient times. In the town, which sits between the majestic peaks of the Rocky Mountains and the deep Rio Grande Gorge, the old Spanish plaza is full of shops and museums and an unusual community who live in half-buried houses and reject materialism. The arts scene is particularly lively, and there are some excellent restaurants. Some of the diversions on offer include llama treks, hiking, biking and white-water rafting.

Website: http://www.taos.org

Events in Santa Fe

Santa Fe Opera Season
Friday July 03, 2020 to Saturday August 29, 2020 (3 July - 29 August 2020)

Where: Santa Fe Opera House

Every July and August since 1957, opera lovers from all over the world have converged on Santa Fe to enjoy a top class repertoire performed by outstanding talents in the world's most stunning setting for an Opera House. The Santa Fe Opera is sited on a magnificent mesa, seven miles (11km) north of the city.

The adobe theatre, blending with the desert, is open-sided, affording a panoramic view of the Jemez and Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Nature and art fuse into an awesome experience for the appreciative audiences. Some of the opera greats who started their careers in Santa Fe are Susan Graham, William Burden, and Charles Castronovo.

http://www.santafeopera.org

Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival
Sunday July 19, 2020 to Monday August 24, 2020 (19 July to 24 August 2020)

Where: St Francis Auditorium, and the Lensic Performing Arts Center, 208 Griffin Street.

Summer in Santa Fe brings the renowned Chamber Music Festival, a world-class musical feast that lives up to its goal of providing listeners with the finest music of the ages, performed by artists in a beautiful setting. The full programme, offered in two venues, includes classical, contemporary world, and jazz music. The festival also includes a youth education and outreach element, free open rehearsals, concert previews, and round table discussions with composers and musicians.

http://www.santafechambermusic.com

Santa Fe Indian Market
Saturday August 15, 2020 to Sunday August 16, 2020 (15 - 16 August 2020)

Where: Santa Fe Plaza

Known as the 'cultural gem of New Mexico' the Santa Fe Indian Market is not only a fantastic event, but also a place where gifted Native American artists can meet and mingle with millions of appreciative visitors and collectors from around the world.

Each August for the past 80 or so years this art show has proved to be the state's most popular annual event. The extended weekend involves about 1,500 artists selling their work from more than 600 booths in downtown Santa Fe. Also on site are ethnic food stalls and entertainment on the Plaza stage.

http://www.santafeindianmarket.com

New Mexico Attractions

Overview

New Mexico is a sublime state for the adventurous, offering visitors outstanding natural beauty in the form of desert landscapes, gorges and canyons as well as a rich ancient Native American and Hispanic heritage. With vibrant cities to enjoy as well as the great outdoors, New Mexico makes for a unique holiday experience.

The state's capital, Santa Fe, is a great place to start. Offering visitors a great history made tangible in its many world-class museums and galleries, including the New Mexico Museum of Art and the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, it is also a wonderful center for shopping, craft-collecting and gourmet cuisine. Resting at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, a journey to Santa Fe should include exploring the remains of its 2,000 year-old Pueblo civilisation along the Rio Grande, and a colonial history dating back 400 years in the central plaza and winding alleys of the city itself.

Another city worth the visit is Albuquerque. For those with a taste for top-class New Mexican cuisine and plenty of diversions to work off the culinary over-indulgence, Albuquerque is the place to be. Apart from the food there are a variety of active pursuits, from cycling to dancing. Families are also guaranteed plenty of natural and recreational attractions. Albuquerque offers a taste of historic New Mexican life at attractions such as the Albuquerque Museum, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and the exciting Museum of Natural History and Science.

The Land of Enchantment is a haven for those with a love for the outdoors, of course. The likes of the Carlsbad Caverns National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, gives visitors the chance to explore cave chambers and take on paved trails. The Taos Gorge Bridge also captures the spirit of adventure; rafting under it provides excitement as does merely gasping at the views from on top; it is the seventh highest bridge in the US, 565 feet (172m) above the Rio Grande. For avid hikers the Petroglyph National Monument is a popular choice; hikers can follow various trails and explore the Boca Negra Canyon.