Things to do in Albuquerque

Albuquerque can be described as a breath of fresh air and there are a number 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's lots to learn.

For serious outdoors action, travellers may enjoy the 17-mile-long (27km) stretch of escarpment that is the West Mesa, which is home to historic rock carvings or petroglyphs. 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.

Sandia Peak Tramway photo

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 …

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 www.sandiapeak.com

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center photo

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. …

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's 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. It's situated on a 367-foot (112m) high sandstone rock.

Website www.indianpueblo.org

Petroglyph National Monument photo

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 ca…

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 www.nps.gov/petr/index.htm

Albuquerque Museum photo

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 Stat…

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. Visitors will also find 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 autumn.

Website www.cabq.gov/museum

Turquoise Trail photo

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 t…

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 www.turquoisetrail.org

Roswell photo

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…

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 www.roswellufomuseum.com

Carlsbad Caverns photo

Carlsbad Caverns

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a popular attraction in New Mexico, and contains the Carlsbad Cavern. Also known as the 'Big Cave', it's one of the largest underground chambers o…

Carlsbad Caverns

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a popular attraction in New Mexico, and contains the Carlsbad Cavern. Also known as the 'Big Cave', it's one of the largest underground chambers on earth. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of 80 caves 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's also a natural entrance by the visitor centre that involves a longer and rougher walk.

Website www.nps.gov/cave