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Albuquerque Holidays, Hotels & Travel Guide
Travel guide to hotels & holidays in Albuquerque
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Albuquerque Holidays Overview
A guide to holidays in Albuquerque - New 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 centres 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 centre 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.
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Albuquerque
holidays - Top Places To Go
1. Sandia Peak Tramway
www.sandiapeak.com |
What is it? The perfect awe-inspiring overview of
Albuquerque can be had from nearly one mile (2km) above the city on
top of Sandia Crest, the windy mountaintop where the view is said
to extend for over 1,000 miles (1,609km). Simply follow Tramway
Boulevard for a few miles north of the city to board the Sandia
Peak Aerial Tramway, the world's longest continuous jigback
passenger tramway, which makes the ascent from the desert foothills
to the summit in about 20 minutes. In winter skiers make use of the
more than 30 trails descending from the mountain crest, while in
summer hikers and mountain bikers take the tramway up and enjoy
nature on their way down. Pleasure seekers simply ride to the top
to enjoy the view, which is particularly spectacular at sunset, and
enjoy a meal at the High Finance Restaurant with its picture
windows.
Hours of Operation: Daily 9am to 9pm (summer), 9am to 8pm in winter (from
5pm on Tuesdays); it does not operate on very windy days, and is
closed for maintenance from 3-14 April and for two weeks in October
and November
Phone:(505) 856 7325 (tramway), 242 9052 (ski
area) |
2. Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
2401 12th Street NW
www.indianpueblo.org |
What is it? The Indian Pueblo Cultural Centre is designed
to give an introduction to New Mexico's rich Native American
cultural heritage and the 19 individual pueblo communities of the
State. The Centre is situated on 12th Street, about a mile
northeast of the Old Town in Albuquerque, and is a recreation of
Pueblo Bonito, a ruined Indian village in the Chaco Culture
National Historic Park dating from the 9th century. The Centre also
features a museum displaying early photographs, artefacts and
artworks. A restaurant serves traditional fare and traditional
dances are performed by different tribal groups. Those interested
in seeing the real thing can make an excursion to Pueblo Acoma, 60
miles (96km) west of Albuquerque, the oldest inhabited village in
the United States, situated on a 367-foot high sandstone
rock.
Hours of Operation: Pueblo Cultural Center Museum: 9am to
4.30pm
Phone:(505) 843 7270 (Pueblo Cultural Center); (505) 552 6604
(Pueblo Acoma) |
3. Petroglyph National Monument
www.nps.gov/petr |
What is it? One of Albuquerque's most enjoyable
recreational attractions is the 17-mile-long (27km) stretch of
escarpment of the West Mesa, entered from Unser Boulevard, that is
a treasure-trove of more than 25,000 prehistoric and historic rock
carvings or petroglyphs, some dating as far back as 2,000 years.
Maps and information regarding the geology and history of the area
are available from the Las Imágenes Visitor Center.
Hikers can follow various trails to explore the Boca Negra Canyon,
or join rangers on scheduled walks during the summer months. Picnic
areas, drinking water and restroom facilities are
provided.
Hours of Operation: Las Imágenes Visitor Center and Boca Negra
Canyon: daily 8am to 5pm
Phone:(505) 899 0205 |
Albuquerque
holidays - Top Events
1. International Balloon Fiesta
From 2007-10-06
To 2007-10-15
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What is it? Back in 1972 Albuquerque won a bid to host
the 1973 World Hot Air Ballooning Championships, and since then the
floating colourful orbs have become a familiar sight in the skies
over the city. Albuquerque is now the official balloon capital of
the world, and the weeklong International Balloon Fiesta held in
the first week of October each year draws thousands of pilots,
balloons and avid spectators from the four corners of the world.
The city pulls out all the stops to ensure that the Fiesta is a
memorable experience in all respects.
Where is it? Balloon Fiesta Park |
2. New Mexico State Fair
From 2007-09-07
To 2007-09-23
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What is it? Billed as the greatest show in New Mexico,
the State Fair is far more than just an agricultural show.
Professional rodeo events and the showing of livestock are big
drawcards, or course, but fair-goers also flock onto the 236-acre
fairground in the heart of Albuquerque for everything from corn on
the cob and cotton candy to carnival rides. The fun of the fair
also includes arts and crafts, various animal events, concerts and
a variety of free entertainment. For more information contact the
New Mexico State Fair Office on (505) 265
1791.
Where is it? Expo New Mexico, city centre |
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