New Mexico should be at the top of anyone’s list of destinations for an epic trip. The Land of Enchantment’s got a little bit of everything: jaw-dropping landscapes, rich history and a culture that blends Native American, Spanish and Anglo influences in a way that’s uniquely its own. Imagine fewer crowds, more room to roam and adventures waiting at every turn. From ancestral dwellings and natural hot springs to art markets and a massive balloon festival, New Mexico is where you can unwind, explore and be surprised at every stop.
If you’re ready to see for yourself, here are 11 places to start:
Take Flight at the Hot Air Balloon Festival
Albuquerque is home to the world-famous Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (October 5 to 13). Pilots from more than 50 countries (and their beloved balloons) are represented in this must-see spectacle. Watch hundreds of colorful balloons ascend into the sky, join a chase crew or witness the magical balloon glow at night. For the ultimate once-in-a-lifetime experience, book a sunrise balloon ride where you’ll take in the scene from an incredible vantage point.
If you’re traveling with children (or kids at heart), the festival’s Special Shapes Rodeo event features balloons done in the likenesses of cartoon characters, movie icons (think Darth Vader and Yoda) and animals. You might even see Brazil’s famous Christ the Redeemer statue in hot air balloon form. While there, pop into Anderson Abruzzo International Balloon Museum; the observation deck breakfasts and dinners during Balloon Fiesta are worth the spend.
Experience Flamenco
New Mexico’s deep connection to Spain comes alive through flamenco. The state hosts the world’s largest flamenco festival outside Spain, Festival Flamenco, every June in Albuquerque.
Even if you aren’t in town for that, catch a flamenco performance at Heritage Hotel & Resort’s Hotel Albuquerque, which showcases top flamenco musicians and dancers like legendary La Emi, one of New Mexico’s most magical movers, from Wednesday through Sunday in Tablao Flamenco, an intimate, speakeasy-style club. Tip: Splurge for seats at the front café tables for the best views of the dancers’ frenetically beautiful steps.
Savor Indigenous Cuisine
With 23 Native American tribes — this includes 19 pueblos — residing in the state, New Mexico offers rich Indigenous flavors like red chile stew, Three Sister dishes (corn, squash and beans) and blue cornbread. Check out Native Cultures Feast & Float, a rafting trip down the Rio Grande followed by a traditional Pueblo lunch. Or visit Indian Pueblo Cultural Center’s restaurant in Albuquerque for modern pueblo favorites, like fried tacos and Kool-Aid pickles, after watching a live Native American dance performance. Across the street from the cultural center is Itality, which cooks up healthy, vegetarian versions of Native favorites, such as pueblo enchiladas. Farther north, near the Colorado border in the Four Corners, respected Ashihii Dine chef Justin Pioche hosts Lor-Amy — a pop-up, fine-dining supper club — featuring updated takes on Navajo classics.
Soak in Hot Springs
New Mexico is blessed with geothermal hot springs, ranging from rustic spots in the wilderness to luxurious resorts. Popular options include San Antonio Hot Springs in Jemez Valley, Black Rock Springs in Taos and either Ojo Caliente Resort location (one is near Santa Fe, the other by Taos) for a more refined soak. Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Four Seasons Rancho Encantado Santa Fe’s spa provides a private courtyard experience (with a dry sauna, hot tub and other amenities) with every treatment to soak up even more of the natural surroundings.
Experience Pueblo History and Culture
New Mexico is an archaeological treasure with ancient Native American ruins throughout the state, some more than 1,000 years old. Visit the Aztec Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or check out the Gila Cliff Dwellings and Bandelier National Monument’s Tsankawi Ruins. Thriving Taos Pueblo, one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the U.S., is a must-see for history buffs. While you’re there, stop in for elevated espresso drinks and casual bites — all made as the Taos Pueblo people live, without electricity or running water — at the recently opened Dawn Butterfly Cafe.
Peruse Art in Santa Fe
Santa Fe, the third-largest art market in the U.S., is a haven for art enthusiasts. Stroll along the iconic Canyon Road gallery row and examine the new, modern Vladem Contemporary Museum, which we especially suggest during one of the city’s renowned art festivals, like summer’s International Folk Art Market. Another standout event is the Santa Fe Indian Market, held each August by the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts. This festival features Indigenous art and traditional crafts from the U.S. and Canada, as well as Native fashion shows and traditional dances.
A stay at Four-Star Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi is in the heart of Santa Fe’s historical plaza, ideal for exploring the Indian Market and beyond. Speaking of beyond the plaza, don’t miss Meow Wolf Santa Fe, home to the original immersive art experience. Its latest permanent exhibit, New Zealand artist Jess Johnson’s “Necro Techno Flesh Complex,” debuted in August. Each city with a Meow Wolf is unique, so even if you plan on visiting the newest one in Houston, it won’t be the same as in Santa Fe.
Visit El Santuario de Chimayo
El Santuario de Chimayo, one of the most significant Catholic pilgrimage sites in the U.S., draws thousands annually to commune with its sacred “holy dirt.” After visiting, stop by local weaving shops to admire Chimayo’s traditional textiles and stock up on Chimayo red chile.
Sample Sizzling Chile Culture
New Mexicans take their chile seriously, and you can learn all about it at the Chile Pepper Institute at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces. Check out rare chile varieties and tour the gardens. Or attend the Hatch Green Chile Festival (annually around Labor Day) to see why this region is called the “chile capital of the world.” Insider tip: seeing the term “Christmas” on a restaurant menu in New Mexico means the dish comes with green and red chiles.
Ride on George R.R. Martin’s Themed Train
All aboard for a ride with Sky Railway, a service co-owned by the Game of Thrones author and Santa Fe local that curates 15 different themed journeys between Santa Fe and the Lamy ghost town. Themes include fright train (these sell out quickly because it’s that scary good), holiday express, opera on the rails, margarita trail, Native American dance, murder mystery and more.
Discover Carlsbad Caverns
With 119 underground caves to explore, Carlsbad Caverns is an adventurer’s paradise. The Big Room, one of the world’s largest chambers, is a must-see. In the summer, watch nearly 400,000 bats exit the caves at sunset for a nightly spectacle.
Sled Down White Sands
White Sands National Monument, the world’s largest gypsum dune field, offers breathtaking views and fun. Rent a sled and zip down the sparkling white hills or book a full-moon hike for a surreal experience.
