AlbuquerqueNew
Mexico's largest city has been described as having one foot in the past, one in the present, and its eyes firmly set on the future. This certainly sums up this multi-cultural city, spread across the desert plains beside the
Rio Grande, known for its high-tech research facilities, sentimentally proud of its historic Old Town, and offering a mix of museums, galleries, spicy restaurants and great shopping centers to satisfy the appetite of every kind of visitor.
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 center 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 - each October the International Balloon Fiesta has all eyes focussed on
New Mexico's blue skies as hundreds of hot air balloons sail past. Every day of the year, though, the city offers up its attractions such as the zoo, aquarium, museums and vineyards for enjoyment, as well as an array of activities like skiing, golfing, mountain biking, hiking or simply dancing the night away. If all else fails, you can always eat - mild or with chilli, there is nothing to beat New Mexican cuisine to really add spice to life.
Getting Around: A bus network operates around the city, but is not comprehensive enough to link the major tourist sights, and buses stop running at 9pm. The sprawling city is difficult to get around without a car, and 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. Albuquerque also has an extensive bike route system.
Climate: The weather in Albuquerque is generally dry and sunny all year, although temperature variations between winter and summer are extreme. During the summer months Albuquerque is extremely hot, the mercury rising to well over 90°F (32°C) most days, particularly during June and July. By contrast winters are cold and daytime temperatures can plummet to below freezing during December and January.
Santa FeNew Mexico's capital city and the oldest capital in the
United States,
Santa Fe, is sited just 60 miles (97km) north of the state's largest metropolis, Albuquerque, from which it differs quite remarkably. Where Albuquerque is high-tech, Santa Fe is arty, having become a haven for artists of all persuasions and today featuring more than 250 art galleries and studios. The city is also confusing to navigate through with its narrow winding lanes and one-way streets, making it best explored on foot from its busy central plaza.
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, mountain climbing, hiking and a host of other associated recreational pursuits.
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 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: 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 traveling further afield the options are a local taxi service, public transport, charter vans or rental cars. 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, but there is no service on Sunday. 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: Santa Fe enjoys a temperate seasonal climate with about 300 days of sunshine a year. Summer temperatures seldom exceed 86°F (30°C), 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.
