Even if you have only a few days, getting away to northern New Mexico can be exceptionally refreshing, an easy way to disconnect from your regular routine by immersing yourself in the state’s otherworldly architecture and rich history.
Albuquerque [1] offers a fun and funky city break, along with great outdoor activities.
Arrive at Albuquerque airport; transfer to your hotel. Try Los Poblanos Historic Inn [2] or another rural-feeling inn in the North Valley, or The Hotel Blue [3] downtown if you want to be in the middle of the action. Stroll around Old Town [4] and then dine at Chef du Jour [5], or head up to New Mexican favorite El Patio [6] near the university.
If you’re feeling ambitious, get an early start to drive straight west to Acoma Pueblo [7], which takes about an hour and a half. On your way back to Albuquerque, stop off on the West Mesa [8] to clamber up the dormant volcanoes and then drive around the base to see Petroglyph National Monument [9].
Or stay in the city and spend the morning at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center [10], followed by late lunch at Mary & Tito’s [11]. Spend the evening in Nob Hill [12] or downtown.
Get up early again to head for Sandia Peak [13]. Either take the tramway up from the foothills or drive around the back side of the mountain and up the winding scenic highway. Allow about three hours for the outing and then stop off at The Frontier [6] for a late lunch before catching your flight.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/santa-fe-taos-albuquerque/albuquerque
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/santa-fe-taos-albuquerque/albuquerque/accommodations/100-150
[3] http://www.moon.com/destinations/santa-fe-taos-albuquerque/albuquerque/accommodations/50-100
[4] http://www.moon.com/destinations/santa-fe-taos-albuquerque/albuquerque/sights/old-town-and-rio-grande
[5] http://www.moon.com/destinations/santa-fe-taos-albuquerque/albuquerque/food/old-town-and-the-rio-grande/cafes
[6] http://www.moon.com/destinations/santa-fe-taos-albuquerque/albuquerque/food/the-university-and-nob-hill/new-mexican
[7] http://www.moon.com/destinations/santa-fe-taos-albuquerque/albuquerque/outside-albuquerque/acoma-pueblo
[8] http://www.moon.com/destinations/santa-fe-taos-albuquerque/albuquerque/sports-and-recreation/hiking
[9] http://www.moon.com/destinations/santa-fe-taos-albuquerque/albuquerque/sights/albuquerque-metro-area/petroglyph-national-monument
[10] http://www.moon.com/destinations/santa-fe-taos-albuquerque/albuquerque/sights/old-town-and-rio-grande/indian-pueblo-cultural-center
[11] http://www.moon.com/destinations/santa-fe-taos-albuquerque/albuquerque/food/albuquerque-metro-area/new-mexican
[12] http://www.moon.com/destinations/santa-fe-taos-albuquerque/albuquerque/sights/the-university-and-nob-hill/nob-hill
[13] http://www.moon.com/destinations/santa-fe-taos-albuquerque/albuquerque/sights/albuquerque-metro-area/sandia-peak-tramway