Enchanting New Mexico
New Mexico’s ancient-yet-living cultures, awe-inspiring landscapes, uncharted outposts and authentic characteristics have made it a haven for artists and outdoor enthusiasts alike. It’s a place where simple activities become life-altering experiences. New Mexico is the place to come for adventures steeped in culture to feed your spirit and fill your soul.
Drying red chili bunches hanging in bright doorways, adobe pueblos and charming casitas: Authentic New Mexico is everywhere. Mesa country, with its wild caves and yawning caverns, reflects an unspoiled landscape, while museums and galleries showcase Native American culture. Events like Gathering of Nations Pow Wow introduce ancient rituals and ceremonial dances to the uninitiated against the backdrop of ancestral ruins and settlements.
New Mexico's inspired landscape includes painterly skies, snow-like drifts of sand and the Rio Grande's true blue. This state has soaring mountains as well as Blue Hole, a 24-meter-deep, crystal-clear pool. From caves to mineral springs, New Mexico's majesty offers horseback riding, skiing, hiking or healing mineral spring soaks year round.
Towns like Taos and Truth or Consequences maintain New Mexico’s creative heritage. From turquoise jewelry and folk art to Concho belts and pottery, take home a piece of culture rather than a souvenir. Don't leave without having a tortilla-and-banana or pine nut pancake for breakfast and a green chili burger, all real Mexican-Southwestern culinary delights.
Tour starts and ends in Albuquerque
2 nights Albuquerque - 1 night Roswell - 1 night Ruidoso - 2 nights Carlsbad Caverns - 1 night Las Cruces - 1 night Gila Cliff Dwellings - 1 night Truth or Consequences - 2 nights Santa Fe - 1 night Bandelier National Monument - 2 nights Taos -
Days 1 & 2
Albuquerque
Bisected by the mighty Rio Grande River and set in the shadow of the pink-hued Sandia Mountains, this high-altitude city of more than a half million people is New Mexico’s largest. There's a distinctive Southwestern cultural flair and culinary scene, thanks to its history as the home of Native American tribes for thousands of years and later as an 18th century Spanish colony. With 310 days of sunshine a year and stunning desert and mountain scenery, it’s an outdoor playground for all seasons.
Founded in 1706, Old Town is the historical and cultural heart of Albuquerque. Take a seat in the middle of the square and admire the Pueblo-style buildings with their contoured adobe walls, flat roofs, beams and small arches. Marvel at the architecture of the San Felipe de Neri Church, the city’s oldest. Wander over to the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History to put it all in context, then browse at more than 100 locally owned shops and galleries, where you can buy New Mexican art, religious artifacts and native crafts.
Cultural, natural and urban attractions abound in Albuquerque’s diverse neighbourhoods. For a peek into native cultures, visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center or the Petroglyph National Monument to see ancient designs and symbols that were carved onto volcanic rocks long ago. Albuquerque’s techie heritage (Microsoft was born here in 1975) is evident at both the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science and the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History. Wildlife lovers can see animals at the ABQ BioPark or at the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge, and golf enthusiasts can hit the links at one of the top-rated courses around town, each offering a unique experience.
To get a stunning, bird’s-eye-view of the city, ride the Sandia Peak Tramway cable car to the top of the 3,250-meter Sandia Peak, then hike the 2.4-kilometer trail to the crest. Another way to get a heart-stopping view of the city is to take a ride in a hot-air balloon from one of the many vendors that operate in and around the city. If you’re in town in early October, don’t miss the annual International Balloon Fiesta – there’s really nothing else like it!
2 Nights – Albuquerque
Hotel – Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town (Room Only)
Day 3
Roswell (252 mi)
En-route stop: The Blue Hole of Santa Rosa is a natural wonder that seems to appear like a mirage in the New Mexico desert. This crystal-clear blue natural swimming pool is shockingly deep, boasting mysterious underground caves.
Eat & Drink: Get a taste of the historic Route 66 at the Silver Moon Cafe, an old-school joint founded in the ’50s that feels like a step back in time.
Roswell, situated at the confluence of three rivers--the Spring, the Hondo, the Pecos--was established in 1870 by Van Smith; although the first historically documented settlement (1867) in the area was a settlement of crude adobe huts at "Rio Hondo," the present-day neighbourhood of Chihuahuita. The Roswell and Chaves County area was contained within the original homeland of the Mescalero Apache's and overlapped the hunting grounds of the Comanche’s. This then became the campsite on the Goodnight-Loving Trail, which opened in 1866. The trail brought the ranching industry to the area, which flourishes to the present day.
Roswell Visitors to the city will find a plethora of cultural activities. For example, museum and art lovers of every age and interest can explore four outstanding museums: the Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art, featuring a wide ranging collection of modern art; the Roswell Museum and Art Center, with its collection of paintings by Peter Hurd, Henriette Wyeth, Georgia O’Keeffe, as well as the fabulous Rogers Aston Indian Gallery; the Historical Center for Southwest New Mexico, located in the James Phelps White stately home filled with antiques, artifacts, and a changing gallery of exhibits; and the International UFO Museum, featuring UFO phenomenon exhibits and The Alien Caffeine Espresso Bar.
1 Night – Roswell
Hotel – The Clary Sage Bed and Breakfast (Inc Breakfast)
Day 4
Ruidoso (200 mi)
En-route stop: White Sands is named for its jaw-dropping (you guessed it) white sand dunes, comprised of shimmering, rare white gypsum — the world’s biggest gypsum dunefield. Hike through the dunes, go sand sledding on special saucers or take photos of this majestic site in an eight-mile scenic drive.
Eat & Drink: There are no restaurants in the national park, but nearby Alamogordo is home to authentic and filling Mexican food at CJ’s Si Senor Restaurant. It doesn’t get much better than a mid-day marg after surfing the sand dunes.
Ruidoso's beautiful alpine setting is surrounded by over a million acres of wilderness and national forest ideal for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking.
Wander the boutiques of Ruidoso's walkable midtown shopping district for unique clothing, art and hand crafted Native American jewellery, wining and dining in the various restaurants and bars along the way.
Summer brings horse racing to the Ruidoso Downs Racetrack where the All-American Futurity, the richest Quarter Horse Race in the United States, is held every Labor Day weekend. Ski Apache, the southern-most ski resort in the United States, offers warm-weather powder skiing in the winter and summer gondola rides to the top of Sierra Blanca where you enjoy the scenic beauty of the Lincoln National Forest and the White Mountain Wilderness. Golf at one of the four spectacular mountain courses; each course is situated against breath-taking backdrops rarely matched by courses elsewhere.
Immerse yourself in the history of Billy the Kid Country: Discover historic Lincoln and Fort Stanton, where the Wild West lives on in living history events. Reward yourself with a cabin in the woods, a full resort or a luxury vacation home rental.
At the end of the day, do what those in Ruidoso enjoy most: put your feet up on a deck rail, enjoy the cool breeze, and revel in the scenic beauty of our mountain village.
1 Night – Ruidoso
Hotel – Ruidoso Mountain View Cabins (Room Only)
Days 5 & 6
Carlsbad Caverns (170 mi)
Thanks to its position at the intersection of the southern Rocky Mountains, northern Chihuahuan Desert and southwestern Great Plains, the 19,000-hectacre Carlsbad Caverns National Park features an incredible array of wildlife, plants and natural wonders in caves, along hiking trails and abutting rock formations. Watch 17 species of bats in flight at dusk and dawn in the summer months, learn about astronomy and folklore from a park ranger, and take a once-a-month full moon walk along a desert trail. See reptiles and birds at Rattlesnake Springs and explore the area with a leisurely 14.4-kilometer drive along the gravel road that forms the Walnut Canyon Desert Loop.
With about 350 kilometers of mapped underground caves, deep canyons and ancient sea ledges, Carlsbad Caverns’ beauty reaches above and below the Guadalupe Mountains of southeastern New Mexico.
On the surface of the park, canyons offer opportunities to hike, bike and climb, while the windy plains are home to a variety of wildlife. With so much to see above the ground, like the rugged canyons and desert valleys, you might forget about the incredible treasures hidden beneath the desert landscape. Below the park’s hiking trails and scenic overlooks sit more than 119 known caves, all formed from the surrounding limestone and all awaiting exploration. Visit the Big Room for a glimpse at the stunning rock formations, many of which have been around since the Ice Age.
2 Nights – Carlsbad Caverns
Hotel – The Fiddler’s Inn (Inc Breakfast)
Day 7
Las Cruces (190 mi)
En-route stop: El Paso is a quick, 10-minute detour; this unique city is the intersection of two different countries (U.S. and Mexico) and three states (Texas, New Mexico and Chihuahua). Visit the Mission Ysleta church, established in 1681 by Spanish refugees.
Abundant in outdoor recreation, much of it centerred around the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument, spanning nearly 500,000 acres. Comprised of the Organ Mountains, Robledo Mountains, Sierra de las Uvas, Potrillo Mountains and Doña Ana Mountains, the opportunities for outdoor adventurers are endless. Popular areas include Aguirre Springs, Dripping Springs, Slot Canyon, Geronimo's Cave and the Doña Ana Arch.
Las Cruces is also home to Prehistoric Trackways National Monument and several state parks. There are opportunities to hike, bike, off road, horseback ride, birdwatch and hunt.
Heard of sand sledding? There is no better place to try it than at nearby White Sands National Park. Less than an hour east of Las Cruces, the park is renowned for its white gypsum dunes and nearly 230 sq. mi. for recreating. There are several trails to trek and programs offered by the park to learn more about the otherworldly destination. Popular activities include Full Moon Hikes, Sunset Strolls, Full Moon Nights (live music and family fun), picnicking and camping.
Stroll the city’s revitalized Main Street, home to Las Cruces’ nationally recognized farmers and crafts market, unique shops and local eateries. The Las Cruces Farmers and Crafts Market begin in 1971 and has grown to span seven city blocks and dozens of vendors varying from art, jewellery, music, crafts, produce, food, baked goods and more. The market is held weekly, year-round Saturdays with a mini market Wednesdays on Plaza de Las Cruces.
Shop the revitalized Main Street with options ranging from spices, used books and goods, apparel, boutique shopping and so much more. Take in a show at one of three theatres along the way. Rio Grande is a historic landmark and the only operating two-story adobe theatre in the country and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Work up an appetite and grab a bite or drink at local breweries, cafes, coffee shops and restaurants along Main Street.
Las Cruces is a vibrant and diverse hub of art and culture. From its lively downtown scene to its renowned museums, Las Cruces offers something for every art lover. The city's rich cultural heritage is reflected in its many galleries, murals, public art displays, theatre productions, and cultural centres, which showcase the work of local and international artists alike.
Visiting downtown? There are several city museums lining the streets, along with local galleries and vibrant murals.
Agriculture is a major industry in southern New Mexico and carries an intriguing story that spans 4,000 years.
Southern New Mexico is home to the Chile Capital of the World, Hatch, NM, which is less than an hour from Las Cruces. The Chile Pepper Institute, located in Las Cruces, is the only international, non-profit organization devoted to the education and research of chile peppers. The region itself is famous for 32,000 acres of pecan orchards, its productions of cotton, onions, hay, hay, corn and more.
As one of the most prominent Las Cruces attractions, the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum shares this history with visitors of all ages through exhibits, hands-on activities, livestock and live demonstrations.
1 Night – Las Cruces
Hotel – Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces (Room Only)
Day 8
Gila Cliff Dwellings (155 mi)
En-route photo stop: Stop in Mimbres, New Mexico, near mile marker 4, to visit a world-famous archaeological site. Explore 1,000-year-old ruins of the Mimbres people at the Mimbres Culture Heritage Site, as well as 19-century buildings.
The cliff dwellings were primarily built in the 1280's. These Pueblo people built their homes in natural caves and in the open. There are examples of both types of settlements in the monument area.
Offers a glimpse of the homes and lives of the people of the Mogollon culture who lived there from the 1280's through the early 1300's. Containing 533 acres, it was established on November 16, 1907. The dwellings are located forty-four miles north of Silver City, New Mexico, on Highway 15.
Gila River & Wilderness, Gila Wilderness Aerial - Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is surrounded by the Gila National Forest and lies at the edge of the Gila Wilderness, the nation's first designated wilderness area. Wilderness means the intrusion of roads or other evidence of human presence will not alter the character of the area. This unique area in southwestern New Mexico offers a glimpse of the homes and lives of Indians who lived here over 700 years ago and across a span of time.
European American settlers penetrated the mountain wilderness in the early 1870's in search of water and fertile land on which to homestead. They were surprised to find traces of an earlier human occupation. Long before the arrival of Europeans, these early Americans had lived, loved, and made the narrow canyons their home. Walls of stone, strewn with pottery fragments, were reminders of a well-developed culture that had lived in this landscape for over a thousand years.
The Mogollon people built their homes in natural caves between 1260 Common Era (CE) and 1280 CE. Archaeologists suggest that about 8 to 10 families lived in the cliff dwellings for roughly one generation.
The Tularosa Mogollon people tilled mesa and riverside fields of squash, corn, and beans; ground cornmeal with metate and mano, wove cotton cloth, traded with other communities and cultures, hunted wild game, and gathered wild edible plants. They were skilled potters, producing handsome brown bowls with black interiors and black-on-white decorated vessels.
Five naturally eroded alcoves contain the homes of the Tularosa Mogollon. About 42 rooms were constructed from local stone. All wooden beams seen in the dwellings are the originals. Tree-ring dates range from the 1260’s through the 1280's. The cliff dwellers had departed their homes and abandoned their fields by about 1300. Dire need may have sent the families elsewhere—or maybe they were ready for a new location and embarked on an adventure seeking their next place to call home.
1 Night – Gila Cliff Dwellings
Hotel – Bear Mountain Lodge, Silver City (Room Only)
Day 9
Truth or Consequences (225 mi)
En-route stop: Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is famous for the dramatic migration of sandhill cranes in the fall. These 30,000 acres between the Chupadera and San Pascual mountains are an important stop for all kinds of other birds year-round, too.
Once known as Hot Springs, and still America’s most affordable Spa Town. Truth or Consequences is a small resort town with a year-round population of slightly more than 8,000. You’ll find all sorts of lodging here, from larger, name-brand motels “uptown” (near I-25 exit 79 and Walmart) to charmingly-restored commercial Spa/Hotels in the Historic Hot Springs and Downtown District, to the many motor courts along Date Street. The town also offers a range of interesting dining options.
Formerly known as Hot Springs, the city of Truth or Consequences (the locals call it “T or C”) has long been a destination for wellness tourism. For centuries, people have visited these hot springs for their healing properties, “taking the waters” at the many bath houses in town. Today, the charmingly restored hotels, motor courts and spas reflect this history and offer travellers a wide range of accommodations that retain the flavour of this bygone era, along with healing treatments including massage, reflexology, mud wraps, reiki, and more. Visitors seeking in-room private baths will find several to choose from, and most of the baths are open to walk-ins who can pay to soak by the half hour or hour.
With the construction of nearby Spaceport America and the upcoming launch of space tourism flights by Virgin Galactic, T or C has undergone a renaissance, attracting new shops, restaurants, wineries and a brewery where live music is frequently performed. Art galleries line the downtown streets where the monthly Second Saturday Art Hop brings residents and visitors alike outdoors to soak in the laid back vibe of Truth or Consequences.
Spaceport America Sunrise outside of T or CWhat’s in a name? The Spanish called the town Ojo Caliente de Las Palomas. The cowboys renamed it to Palomas Hot Springs then got lazy and changed the name to Hot Springs. Then in 1950 this little town got its big name as part of a publicity scheme to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Ralph Edwards’ hugely successful Truth or Consequences game show on NBC radio. Edwards suggested that there might be a town in the United States that “liked and respected” the show so much that it would change its name to Truth or Consequences. Hot Springs took the bait and in 1950 officially changed its name to Truth or Consequences.
1 Night – Truth or Consequences
Hotel – The Sierra Grande Lodge and Spa (Room Only)
Days 10 & 11
Santa Fe (210 mi)
As soon as you set foot in Santa Fe, you will realize it is unlike anywhere else. With its rich history and heritage that includes Native American, Spanish, Mexican, cowboy, artistic and modern U.S. cultures, Santa Fe is among the nation’s most unique cities. You’ll discover that it definitely is one of the most interesting, and was named by Conde Nast Traveler magazine as a "Best Small City."
Centrally located in the Rocky Mountains of northern New Mexico, Santa Fe has attracted artists, hikers, seekers, skiers and writers to its temperate climates and abundant scenery.
Founded in the early 1600s, Santa Fe is one of the oldest cities in the USA, as well as the oldest and highest-elevation state capital (2,200 meters above sea level). New Mexico’s oldest city retains a sophisticated feel – its Santa Fe style.
In Santa Fe, colourful open-air marketplaces, ancient buildings (the Palace of the Governors, for example, is the nation’s oldest continuously occupied public building), art galleries and museums sit side-by-side with sleek restaurants, exciting nightclubs and modern hotels. The plaza in downtown Santa Fe is filled with modern stores of all kinds situated alongside the Native American art market, which takes place underneath the portal at the Governor’s Palace.
Outside the city, highlights include Bandelier National Monument, which protects more than 13,000 hectares of canyon and mesa with petroglyphs, dwellings and masonry of indigenous cultures dating back more than 11,000 years. Or, travel the High Road to Taos, a 170-kilometer trip through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains dotted with Spanish Colonial and Pueblo Indian villages where you can tour historic buildings and shop for authentic crafts.
It should come as no surprise that the museums and galleries in Santa Fe feature a blend of art, culture and history.
Some of the better-known include the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, the Museum of International Folk Art and the New Mexico History Museum.
The Loretto Chapel, now a museum and used for weddings, became known for its “miraculous” spiral staircase. Legend has it that the helix was crafted in three months by an unknown carpenter using no central support or nails. And don’t miss the sanctuary in Chimayo. Pilgrims have for centuries trekked to the chapel for its healing powers.
You’ll find endless opportunities to hike, bike or ride horses in the mountains that surround Santa Fe, and rock climbing, ballooning, parasailing and rafting the nearby rivers also are popular activities.
The region has become known for the quality of its “dry” snow, and ski slopes can be found just minutes from Santa Fe. Trails through the mountains and hills provide opportunities for cross-country skiers and snowshoe trekking.
The mountains also provide peaceful retreats. Warm, geothermal springs offer solace; you can get a massage or indulge in the treatment traditions of the Southwest USA or Southeast Asia at a local day spa or resort.
After a day in the mountains, you need delicious foods to restore and renew. A food capital of the Southwest, Santa Fe is known for its flavourful dishes.
Local favourite staples include Mexican food trucks in the plaza downtown, rich posole (hominy stew), tasty barbecue and, of course, red- and green-chili sauces (known as “Christmas-style” when served together). You owe it to yourself to venture out on the Santa Fe Chocolate Trail. Visit the confectioners’ shops that ring the historic downtown area and you’ll find everything from the most sublime Belgian chocolates to ancient Meso-American-style elixirs.
2 Nights – Santa Fe
Hotel – The Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi (Room Only)
Day 12
Bandelier National Monument (160 mi)
En-route stop: The Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument is a unique series of cone-shaped rock formations (that you could say resemble tents, hence the name) formed by volcanic eruptions 6 to 7 million years ago.
Detour: The Valles Caldera is another natural wonder caused by a volcanic eruption. This one’s a 13-mile wide circular depression in the Jemez Mountains.
Bandelier National Monument protects over 33,000 acres of rugged but beautiful canyon and mesa country, with evidence of people having lived here for more than 11,000 years. Petroglyphs, dwellings carved into the soft rock cliffs, and masonry pueblos (villages) are evidence of the Ancestral Pueblo people whose descendants still live nearby. Most visitors begin exploring Bandelier by walking the Main Loop Trail. This short 1.2 mile loop trail starts from the Visitor Centre and leads through excavated archeological sites in Frijoles Canyon. A portion of this trail is handicapped accessible. The 3 mile round-trip Falls Trail leads downcanyon from the Visitor Centre to the beautiful Upper Falls, with a guidebook featuring the geology. The Tsankawi section of the park, 12 miles from the main section, offers a 1.5 mile mesa-top walk, viewing cavates, petroglyphs, the large unexcavated Ancestral Pueblo village, and wide vistas. This trail includes 4 ladders. For longer hikes, the Bandelier backcountry offers opportunities for all day or even multiple-day overnight backpacking trips. Most of the 70 miles of trails are in the officially designated Bandelier Wilderness. Free permits, required for overnight trips, are obtained in person at the Visitor Centre. The Visitor Centre area includes a museum, bookstore, 14-minute movie, and information, with the giftshop, snack bar, and picnic area nearby. During the busy season most visitors must take a free shuttle bus from White Rock.
1 Night – Bandelier National Monument
Hotel – The North Road Inn, Los Alamos (Inc Breakfast)
Day 13 & 14
Taos (100 mi)
En-route stop: Abiquiu is where you can tour the former home and studio of artist Georgia O’Keeffe. Then visit the Ghost Ranch Education and Retreat Centre, where you can take additional O’Keeffe tours across the landscape she painted when she visited here.
Shops: Find all things O’Keeffe (and more) at the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum Store.
Set in a desert valley amid the crimson Sangre de Cristo Mountains, few cities in the USA are as unique as Taos. The influence of three cultures can be felt around every corner, thanks to its Native American, Spanish and Anglo heritages. For 100 years, Taos been home to artists and craftsmen, making it a great place to find creative inspiration and innovative souvenirs. With over 2,500 square kilometers of public wilderness, outdoor enthusiasts can find numerous places to hike, ski or bike. The population of Taos may be small, but the possibilities are limitless.
Among the most famous monuments in Taos is Taos Pueblo, a multi-story adobe village inhabited for more than a millennium by the Taos Native American tribe. Beyond the ancient pueblo, Spanish culture can be explored at the Hacienda de Los Martinez or the San Francisco de Asis mission. The mélange of cultures is evident in the local cuisine, which can be sampled at more than 50 restaurants, including home-style Spanish-themed eateries, microbreweries and five-star fusion dining.
Ever since the first artists arrived in the 1920s, Taos has been a mecca for creative minds. Painting, sculpture, photography, pottery, metalwork and multimedia pieces can be admired at numerous private galleries or at museums such as the Harwood Museum of Art and the Taos Art Museum. If you’re not sure where to start, take a 45-minute art tour of the town and get an overview of the creative side of Taos. Those who want to create their own masterpieces can attend workshops or classes in everything from stone carving to welding.
Both desert and mountain activities await in Taos. If you’re up for a challenge, consider a gorgeous high-altitude hike at Williams Lake, or plan a camping trip in the Wild Rivers Recreation Area. Visitors flock in the winter months to the world-class Taos Ski Valley, which features five ski resorts. For the best view of the valley, take a ride in a hot-air balloon. For a more low-key adventure, consider a scenic vehicle tour to discover sites like the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, Wheeler Peak and the Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument.
2 Nights – Taos
Hotel – Adobe and Pines Inn (Room Only)
Day 15
Albuquerque (130 mi)
Flight home or extend your stay.
TOUR COST
All 'from' prices quoted below are per adult person, per package in £ GBP
The exact cost of the tour will depend on the date of travel and the availability at the time you book.
Your holiday includes:
Return flights to Albuquerque
14 Nights accommodation as above including all taxes
Car hire including all taxes, fees, unlimited mileage and breakdown cover.
October - March = From £1,999 per person based on 2 adults sharing
June - September = From £2,699 per person based on 2 adults sharing
Pre, post or extra nights
Pre, post & extra nights within the itinerary are available to be added to this tour, please let us know at time of booking if you would like to extend your stay anywhere and we will be happy to quote the extra nights.
