Located on the southwestern part of USA, New Mexico is one
of the four Mountain States and shares the Four Corner region with three other
US states of Utah, Colorado, and Arizona. Situated at an altitude of 1,741 m
and spread in an area of 314,920 sq. km., this is the fifth largest state in
USA. An estimated more than 35 million trips were taken by tourists from all
over the world to New Mexico in 2017 as per the official figures. In this short
and comprehensive guide, we will try to cover few important facts and 10 best
places to visit in New Mexico.

 About New Mexico

 The United States won the war with Mexico in 1848 and New
Mexico (also pronounced as Neuvo Mexico in Spanish) was declared a territory of
USA. It’s capital and cultural centre is Santa Fe, which was founded in 1610
and is the oldest capital city in the U.S., Albuquerque is another popular city
and is the largest city in New Mexico. About 33% population of New Mexico still
speak Spanish at home. New Mexico is gifted with natural marvels and has three
national parks, 7 national forests and 32 state parks.

 Best time to visit 

 In the months of Sep and Oct, most of the parts of New
Mexico have a moderate weather and people from any part of the world can easily
adjust in the temperatures hovering between 27 degrees to 8 degrees. Nov is a
bit cold and minimum temperature drops to as low as 1 degree. But, if you like
snow and are planning for skiing and winter games, then Dec and Jan are the
months. People who like warm weather should consider going in June and July
when the minimum temperature is in the range of 13 to 16 degrees. 

 Budget and
Preparations

 Apart from your air travel expenses, the average price of
staying in New Mexico (depending on the city where you are planning to stay)
can vary from $30 (for OYO Rooms) to $150 for well known 3 star hotels. Also, the
rate may vary as per the season. Apart from this, food ($20 per person per
day), local transport ($42 per person) and Entertainment or shopping ($25) may
make way for additional $90 per day expense in your budget. If you are going in
winters, then make sure to carry some winter clothes and heavy jackets which
can be layered during outdoor activities. In addition, if you are allergic to
certain foods, please check with the restaurant / hotel before gorging on a new
dish. Generic Medicines and continued medication (if any) goes into the bag
without even mentioning. 

 Outdoor Activities

 You have a plethora of options when it comes to outdoor
activities in New Mexico. Be it rainbow ballooning in Albuquerque, rafting in
swallowing rivers, skiing in Taos or horse riding in the mountains, this state with
vivid geographical marvels has something to offer for everyone. 

 Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon
rides

 Also known as Duke City (associated with the History of this
city), Albuquerque is famous for the balloon rides and the Ballon Fiesta Season
(a ballooning function held from Oct 1st to Oct 15th
every year). Flight time in the air is around an hour to 90 minutes and the
entire flight from take off to landing lasts for 2.5 to 3 hours. This is a
absolutely wonderful and mesmerizing experience with the breathtaking view of
the city of Albuquerque and the aerial views of the river Rio Grande and the valley
underneath. The hot air balloon ride costs around $140 for adults and $100 for
children on sharing basis and if you want a private ride (wedding proposal or
anniversary), then you may have to shell out $350 for adults and $250 for
children and as a welcome gesture, a complimentary toast of champagne and
continental breakfast is also offered for both the rides.&nbsp; 

The hot air balloon ride is also an adventurous activity for
people who are afraid of heights or have motion sickness problems as the slow
ascend of the balloon makes the rise into air all the less frightening. The
balloons hover at a height of about 1200 to 1500 feet and the exquisite view of
Mother Nature and manmade marvels at the same time are a delight to watch. Rio Grande Gorge
Rafting 

 The Rio Grande is one of the fourth-longest rivers in the
United States and stretches more than 3000 kms. in length and covers entire New
Mexico. This river begins in Colorado in US and ends in Gulf of Mexico and
water taken from the river is used for irrigation by both US and Mexico. The
Rio Grande Gorge rafting provides perfect outing for the entire family. During
the course of rafting, riders get to see beautiful birds and splendid wildlife along
with ancient petro glyphs (Rock Art) and springs of fresh and clean water. 

Racecourse rafting is one popular half day trip which is a
good option for the first timers or water lovers who have limited time to spend
on this adventure before moving to the next one. There are several departures
throughout the day and you can choose timing as per your convenience. Most of
the tour operators provide family rides as well and have well trained
professional divers as the accompanying guides. The half day tour costs around
$60 per person and the entire voyage lasts about 3 hours. Similarly, a full day
trip will cost you around $120 and lasts for 6 to 7 hours. The trip starts
between 8:30 to 9:00 a.m. and you get a complimentary Hot Chicken Fajita Lunch
in between. This full day trip provides you a relaxing float on the water and
additional kayaking for the adrenaline lovers. 

 Famous Parks

 Out of the three National Parks located in New Mexico, we
have selected the two most famous. These are not the normal Nature Parks, but
are famous all over the world for their uniqueness and cultural importance. 

 White Sands National
Monument 

 The White Sands National Monument stand at an elevation of
1,291 m in the mountain surrounded Tularosa Basin and is spread in an area of
581 sq. km. A trace fossil footprint of human’s and ground sloths dating shows
that ground sloths were living in ice age at this place and humans were hunting
those about 11,700 years ago. It was national monument on January 18, 1933 by
order of President Herbert Hoover. The name White Sands because this monument
contains world’s largest Gypsum Sand dunes field and that is what makes it so
unique among other National Parks in the world. 

More than 300 species of plant, 250 species of birds, 50
species of mammals, seven species of amphibians, one species of fish, 30
species of reptiles (including diamondback rattlesnake) and various species of
insects have their home in this Park and numerous plants and animals’ species
have adapted to the environment of this place over millions of years. Thus, as
a traveler you get plethora of options to watch, capture photos and to live the
moments. There is a well defined area of 26 km long Dunes Drive near the
visitor center which includes designated parking areas where visitors can stop
and explore the dunes. Apart from this, rangers are also available to guide the
day and evening walks through the dunes. Every year, approximately 500,000
people visit this National Monument to get awestruck by its beauty. 

&nbsp;

 Chaco Culture
National Historical Park

 Also known as Chaco Canyon, this Park is spread in an area
of 137 sq. km. and is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Located in
northwestern part of New Mexico, this park has a 15 km stretch which was built
between 900 and 1500 A.D. and was the centre of civilization for the ancestral
Pueblo people. One can find the remains of structures which were four storeys
tall and were constructed by bringing sandstone blocks and timber from far away
areas; archaeological researchers suggest that they were built to align with
solar and lunar cycles. Visitors have to go through a rough ride in SUVs to
reach the canyon and many tourists opt for camping. It has several places of
historic and cultural importance apart from the scenic beauties of nature

 Mountain Areas

 There are more than a dozen mountains in New Mexico and all
are worth watching for their enigmatic and serene beauty. We are mentioning two
of the most popular mountains which attract most visitors every year. 

 Taos

 Located near the town of Taos, Wheeler Peak at 13,166 ft is
the tallest mountain in New Mexico and belongs to the Sangre de Cristo
Mountains. Taos was once rumoured to be the ‘city of gold’ by nomadic tribes
which existed thousands of years ago. Taos Pueblo, declared as a World Heritage
site is a traditional pueblo village and home to several Taos Indians.
Travelers are welcomes inside the village to have a look at the historic Pueblo
houses and to experience the life of locals. As per their tradition, no running
water or electricity is allowed from outside and hence discovering their way of
survival is a completely different experience. Ghost Ranch and Taos Ski Valley
are other popular tourist destinations. 

 Sandia Mountains

 Sandia Mountains lies on the east part of the famous city of
Albuquerque and its highest point is Sandia Crest which stands tall at about
3,255 m. These mountains turn pink during sunset and thus the name is derived
from the word ‘Sandia’ in Spanish which means watermelon. An interesting fact
about Sandia is that these mountains were uplifted in the last ten million
years as part of the formation of the Rio Grande Rift. There is a Sandia Peak
Ski Area, which is in close proximity to Sandia Crest and has gift shop,
restaurant, scenic overlook, and a large electronic communication site for
visitors. The Sandia Crest Scenic Byway (22 km long) is also a popular place
for motorcycle riders where they can quench their adrenaline rush with the
vroom. 

 Natural Formations

 New Mexico is also known as the Land of Enchantment,
deserts, rivers, springs, white sand dunes, splendid wildlife, forests, ancient
monuments or variations of colors in the sky; New Mexico has numerous Natural
phenomenon to explore and enjoy the beauty of mother nature. 

 Gila Cliff Dwellings 

 It is a National Monument and the main attraction is the
Gila Cliff Dwellings which were constructed in 13th century by the
ancient Puebloans of the Mogollan Era. These Landscapes are about 6000 to 7000
feet above the sea level and are along the branches of the famous Gila River. A
museum and visitor center jointly operated by the U.S Forest Service and the
National Park Service has several items displayed from the exhibits of Apache
and Mogollon periods. Several beautiful hot water springs are also located near
the visitor centre and adventure lovers can get involved in hiking activities
in the forested parks. 

 Carlsbad Caverns

 On the southeastern part of New Mexico, the town of Carlsbad
is situated. The very popular Carlsbad Caverns are part of a huge cave complex
near the town. ‘Big Cave’ is the main attraction and contains world’s largest
underground chambers known as the ‘Big Room’. An elevator from the visitor
centre gives direct access to the Big Room and inside the gigantic chamber
visitors can enjoy the enigmatic view of electrically lighted stalactites,
stalagmites and natural pools of water. 

&nbsp; Places of Historic importance

 Among many places of Historical importance, Santa Fe and
Chako Canyon are the two most visited and worth mentioning places because of
their deep rooted history and impression on the modern day society of New
Mexico. Santa Fe

 Spanish Voyagers founded Santa Fe in 1610, it is one of the
most beautiful and oldest city of USA. Santa Fe is the capital of New Mexico
and any new construction in the city has to be aligned with the ‘Santa Fe
Style’ of pueblo architecture; thus ensuring that the entire city mesmerizes
the visitors with its beautifully architected model of picturesque
construction. Palace of the Governors museum located in nation’s oldest public
building and the New Mexico Museum of Art with more than 20,000 art works are
the must see places.

 Chako Canyon

A part of the Chaco Culture National Historical Park and a
UNESCO World Heritage Site, this park is located in northwestern New Mexico,
between Albuquerque and Farmington. Chaco Canyon was a major center of culture
for the Ancestral Puebloans between 900 and 1150 AD. Fifteen major buildings
were built by the Puebloans after they quarried and carried sandstone blocks
and timber from far-off areas. Spread in an area of 137 sq. km, it has several
mentionable places to visit viz. Pueblo Bonito, Nuevo Alto, and Kin Kletso, which
have height of 6,200 to 6,440 feet and are worth visiting for the history as
well as the adventure lovers. 

&nbsp;

10 Best Places to Visit in New Mexico rights owned by BP Guide

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