Albuquerque Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Albuquerque Travel & Tourism, Free Albuquerque Travel Guide Online
Albuquerque Travel Guide: Discount & Cheap Albuquerque Travel & Tourism, Free Albuquerque Travel Guide OnlineAlbuquerque, a remarkably beautiful oasis in the high desert, offers an exciting array of activities for all ages and interests. Whether its mountain biking or hiking, golfing or skiing, touring one of Albuquerque's vineyards or browsing museums, galleries, and shops, there is a vast range of choices for any visitor. The city is gracefully spread out across an elevated valley along the banks of the Rio Grande River, with the Sandia Mountains rising beyond and to the east. It is in the center of New Mexico, approximately 240 miles north of the Mexican border and 55 miles southwest of Santa Fe. Discover Albuquerque's colorful past when you explore Historic Old Town, where the Villa of Albuquerque was founded in 1706. Within walking distance are several museums, including the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History and the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science. There are also hundreds of shops, boutiques, and art galleries to enjoy. As you stroll down Central Avenue in Old Town, you will find yourself on historic Route 66, which once seemed much larger in its role as the connector between Chicago and Los Angeles. Some landmarks still remain. Revel in Albuquerque's present, as you watch hundreds of hot air balloons ascending into blue skies during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, the world's largest, most photographed balloon event. Hikers will find that Albuquerque has some excellent and very challenging trails in the Sandia Mountains, as well as less strenuous routes west of town through Petroglyph National Monument. Looking for the ultimate hiking experience? Taking the beautiful 7 mile long, La Luz Trail to the top of the Sandias is the answer. The trail passes through high desert and pine forest, and offers spectacular views of Albuquerque, the West Mesa and the mountain ranges beyond. There are also gentle hiking trails in the 270 acre Rio Grande Nature Center, 4 miles northwest of downtown. Trails wind through meadows and groves, and pass the habitats of local wildlife. There are also several trails in the Albert G. Simms Park, which both hikers and mountain bikers enjoy. It is possible to leave downtown and be on the slopes at the Sandia Peak Ski Area in less than an hour. There you will find 26 downhill skiing runs for a range of abilities, and the cross-country skiing attraction of the Sandia Crest National Skiing Byway. Sandia Peak is easily accessed via the Tramway or Highways 14 and 536. In the summer, mountain bikers can travel on Sandia Peak's chairlifts with their bikes for some extreme downhill cycling. The Sandia Lakes Recreation Area, just 10 miles north of Albuquerque, has three lakes well stocked with trout and bass. About a dozen companies offer hot-air balloon rides. Spanish priests began growing grapes and making wine in the mid-17th century, and local wine production experienced a revival in the 1960s that continues to the present day. There are now several vineyards in or near the city that offer tastings and tours. Three of New Mexico's native American pueblos are in the Albuquerque vicinity. Hand crafted pottery, arts and crafts, and fresh baked goods are offered at the markets within the pueblos. Albuquerque combines a unique blend of multi-culturalism, natural beauty, treasured historic attractions, spectacular climate (with four distinct, though temperate, seasons), museums, galleries, fine food, and great shopping. The city offers a variety of dining options ranging from restaurants and cafes with a quaint and casual atmosphere to the elegant ambiance of fine dining. Spend an unforgettable holiday in a land rich with the blend of Native American, Mexican, Spanish and Western cultural traditions. Visit and experience Albuquerque.
Albuquerque Attractions: Albuquerque Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Albuquerque Travel & Tourism, Free Albuquerque Travel Guide OnlineAlbuquerque Aquarium and Rio Grande Botanic Garden 2601 Central Ave NW (505) 764-6200 Open 7 days a week, 9-5 Admission charged. Under 3 free. Tickets are not sold after 4:30pm. Discover aquatic habitats, including a walk-through eel cave and a 285,000-gallon shark tank. The Botanic Garden showcases the natural environment of the Rio Grande Valley through specialty gardens as well as desert and Mediterranean conservatories. The Garden currently encompasses 20 developed acres, including a 10,000 square foot glass conservatory housing native and exotic plants from desert and Mediterranean climate zones and a seasonal butterfly conservatory featuring hundreds of free-flying North American butterflies and moths. There is also a children's fantasy garden to explore. Albuquerque Museum of Art and History 2000 Mountain Road NW, (505) 243-7255. Tue-Sun 9-5. Admission charged. 3 & under are free. View permanent displays of the city's history along with traveling art exhibits from around the world. Coronado State Monument and State Park Open daily 8:30-5. Admission charged. Drive through Corrales to Coronado State Monument and the remains of Kuaua Pueblo, where Spanish explorer Coronado is thought to have spent the winter of 1540-1541. Explora! Science Center and Children's Museum of Albuquerque 2100 Louisiana NE. (505) 842-1537. Mon-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 12pm-6pm. $4 13 and over, $2 children 2-12 and seniors. Visit Explora, New Mexico's innovative, interactive learning center, features hands-on exhibits and other activities which encourage growth in knowledge of science, art, and the world's cultures. The museum welcomes visitors of all ages and is a popular destination for school groups and families alike. Historic Old Town Shopping More than 130 shops and galleries, housed in historic adobe buildings, are hidden among the patios and winding paths can be found in Old Town. Enjoy a wide variety of foods in the cafes and restaurants set in a casual atmosphere. Indian Pueblo Cultural Center Located off Interstate 40, exit 102, 14 miles south of exit. (505) 469-1052, please call 2 weeks in advance of your visit for appointment. Open daily 8-4. Admission charged.
Acoma (AH-koh-mah) Pueblo: An hour west of Albuquerque is the entrance to Acoma Pueblo - "Sky City". One of the state's most dramatic landmarks, Acoma sits atop a 376-foot-tall mesa overlooking the desert. Walking tours through the pueblo, the plaza and 17th century mission church are available on the hour. Indian Pueblo Tours (Acoma and Jemez Pueblos) Jemez (HAY-mez) Pueblo. One hour northwest of Albuquerque, amidst dramatic red rocks, lies the Pueblo Village of Walatowa (Native for Jemez). 7413 Hwy 4. (505) 834-7235. Open daily 8-5. A visitor center provides information about the pueblo and Jemez Mountain Trail attractions. There's a gift shop, a small museum and interpretive tours. Picnic, fish, enjoy the great outdoors, and sample food or crafts at roadside stands. LodeStar Astronomy Center Located in the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science . 1801 Mountain Rd NW. LodeStar Information Hotline: (505) 841-5955. Open daily 9-5 Admission charged. Travel through time and space at the new LodeStar Astronomy Center. Blast off to outer space in one of the world's most advanced digital theaters. Enjoy Lodestar's gallery of exhibits. Intercept a comet on a collision course with Earth inside the Virtual Voyages motion simulator. View the stars, planets, and other fascinating objects in the sky through a powerful telescope. Petroglyph National Monument Located at 6001 Unser Blvd (505) 899-0205 The visitor center is open daily 8-5. Per car parking fee charged. Over a period of thousands of years, hunting parties chipped an estimated 17,000 petroglyphs into a dramatic lava rock escarpment. Three walking trails wind through the petroglyphs New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science 1801 Mountain Rd NW (505) 841-2892. Open daily 9-5, Admission charged. Explore an ice cave, stand inside a "live" volcano or ride the "Evolator" back to the Age of Dinosaurs - the museum offers fun and interest for the entire family. Visit exhibits on zoology, botany, geology and paleontology. The museum also features Extreme Screen Dynatheater in exciting large-format films. Rio Grande Zoological Park 2901 Candelaria Blvd NW (505) 344-7240. Open daily 10-5 Admission charged. The park preserves the riverside wildlife of the bosque forests, the cottonwood groves that line the Rio Grande. Enjoy the visitor center, nature trails, and exhibits on local ecology, geology and history. Sandia Peak Tramway (505) 856-7325. Open daily 9am-10pm, except Wed 5-8 Admission charged. The tramway departs every 20 minutes for a 15 minute trip. The Sandia Peak Tramway is the longest jigback passenger tramway in the world. Ride 2.7 miles up to the 10,378 foot Sandia Peak, passing through four of the Earth's seven life zones on the way. Wildlife such as bear and mule deer can sometimes be seen on the slopes below, and the view from the top is breathtaking. Also a perfect spot to view the spectacular luminaries of Albuquerque during the Christmas season. University of New Mexico Bordered by Central Ave, Lomas Blvd, University Blvd and Girard Blvd. (505) 277-0111. Founded in 1889 and is the state's largest university with some 32,000 students. The campus comprises Pueblo Revival-style architecture and relaxing ponds and gardens; it is also host to a bevy of museums, including the Museum of Geology & Meteoritic, the Fine Arts Museum and Maxwell Museum of Anthropology . Los Altos Skate Park The largest skate park in the southwest, located at 10140 1/2 Lomas. This is West of Eubank and just east of Easterday. The park features 35,000 sq ft of skateable area. There is a street course and two bowls. All of the modern structures to grind, scoot and ride are at the park. The park is designed for BMX bikes, skate boards and in-line skates. This is a "high end" park and helmets are highly recommended along with safety equipment Admission is free. Albuquerque Events: Albuquerque Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Albuquerque Travel & Tourism, Free Albuquerque Travel Guide Online
Events
January
New Year's Day. There is a transfer of canes to new officials and various dances at most pueblos. For example, Turtle Dance at Taos Pueblo (no photography allowed). 800/793-4955 for more information.
Winter Wine Festival, Taos Ski Valley. Mid-January. A variety of wine offerings and food tastings prepared by local chefs. 505/776-2291 for details.
ˇMagnifico! Albuquerque Festival of the Arts. This celebration features various visual and performing arts events held throughout the year. For a schedule of all events, call tel. 505/242-8244.
February
Feb. 2: Candelaria Day Celebration, Picuris Pueblo. This celebration involves the presentation many traditional dances. 505/587-2519 for more information.
March National Fiery Foods/Barbecue Show. Early March. An opportunity to taste the hottest and some milder flavors too. A trade show that attracts 10,000 visitors who taste sauces, salsas, candies, honeys, chips, pestos, nuts, jams, jellies, snacks, and more, and watch cooking demonstrations. Albuquerque Convention Center. For information call 505/873-8680. Rio Grande Arts and Crafts Festival .
Second week of March. A juried show featuring 200 artists and craftspeople from around the country takes place at the State Fairgrounds. 505/292-7457 for more information. April Easter Weekend Celebration. There are dances at most pueblos. Celebrations include Masses, parades, Corn Dances, and other dances, such as the Bow and Arrow Dance at Nambe. Call 800/793-4955 for information. Easter Sunday Celebration, Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Albuquerque. Traditional dances are performed by Native Americans. The Easter Bunny attends and holds an egg hunt. 505/843-7270. American Indian Week, Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Albuquerque. This week celebrates Native American traditions and culture. For dates and information, call 505/843-7270. Gathering of Nations Powwow,
Late April, University Arena, Albuquerque. At this event, you can see dance competitions, arts-and-crafts exhibitions, and Miss Indian World contest
. 505/836-2810. May Memorial Day Weekend New Mexico Wine and Chile Festival The Rio Grande Valley is the only location in the world where Green Chile is grown. This is truly the flavor of the Southwest. At the chili festivals, devotees pay tribute to this highly addictive, extremely healthful vegetable. Cinco de Mayo Fiestas, statewide. The restoration of the Mexican republic (from French occupation during 1863-67) is celebrated the first weekend in May in, among other places, Las Cruces at Old Mesilla Plaza (
800/FIESTAS or 505/524-8521); and Truth or Consequences (
800/831-9487 or 505/894-3536). June Rodeo de Santa Fe. Mid-June. At the rodeo grounds (3237 Rodeo Rd., off Cerrillos Road). This four-day event features a Western parade, a rodeo dance, and five rodeo performances. It attracts hundreds of cowboys and cowgirls from all over the Southwest who compete for a sizable purse in such events as Brahma bull and bronco riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing, trick riding, and clown and animal acts. San Antonio Feast Day. June 13. Enjoy Corn Dances at many of the pueblos. For information, call 505/843-7270. New Mexico Arts and Crafts Fair, the last full weekend in June. The fair is held at the State Fairgrounds. A tradition for over 40 years, this juried show offers work from more than 200 New Mexico artisans, accompanied by nonstop entertainment for the whole family. For information, call 505/884-9043. July Santa Fe Opera. The world-class Santa Fe Opera season runs from the beginning of July to the end of August. Call 505/986-5955 for more information. Santa Fe Wine Festival at Rancho de las Golondrinas. early July. Live entertainment and wine tastings presided over by hosts dressed in period clothing. Call tel. 505/892-4178. Fourth of July Celebrations. Parades, fireworks, and various other events are held . August The Indian Market, Santa Fe. Third weekend in August. This is the largest all-Native American market in the country. About 1,000 artisans display their baskets and blankets, jewelry, pottery, woodcarvings, rugs, sand paintings, and sculptures at rows of booths. Sales are brisk. Costumed tribal dancing and crafts demonstrations are scheduled in the afternoon. 505/983-5220. September Labor Day weekend: Hatch Chile Festival. New Mexico State Fair and Rodeo, The Fair and Rodeo, which last 17 days starting in early September, are held at the State Fairgrounds in Albuquerque. Advance tickets can be ordered by calling tel.
505/265-1791. One of America's top state fairs, it features pari-mutuel horse racing, a nationally acclaimed rodeo, entertainment by top country artists, Native American and Spanish villages, the requisite midway livestock shows, and arts and crafts. Mexican Independence Day. A parade and dances take place on the weekend closest to September 16 in Las Cruces at Old Mesilla Plaza (tel.
800/FIESTAS or 505/541-2444) and Carlsbad at San Jose Plaza (tel.
800/221-1224 or 505/887-6516), with a rodeo as well in Carlsbad. October Rio Grande Arts and Crafts Festival, Albuquerque. First and second weekend in October.
505/292-7457. This event features artists and craftspeople from around the country. Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. second week in October. The world's largest balloon rally, this nine-day festival brings together more than 750 colorful balloons and includes races and contests. There are mass ascensions at sunrise, "balloon glows" in the evening, and balloon rides for those desiring a little lift. Various special events are staged all week. 800/733-9918 November Weems Artfest, A 3-day weekend in early November. State Fairgrounds, Albuquerque. Approximately 260 artisans, who work in mixed media, come from throughout the world to attend this fair. It's one of the top 100 arts-and-crafts fairs in the country. For details, call 505/293-6133. December Our Lady of Guadalupe Fiesta, Tortugas, near Las Cruces. Pilgrimage to Tortugas Mountain and torchlight descent, followed by mass and traditional Hispanic dances. December 10 to 12. Call 505/526-8171 for more information. Sundown Torchlight Procession of the Virgin. Vespers at San Juan, Picuris, Tesuque, Nambé, and Taos Pueblos; Matachine Dances at Taos Pueblo; and Buffalo Dances at Nambé Pueblo. December 24. For more information, call 800/793-4955 or 505/852-4265. Matachines Dances and Other Dances. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, many pueblos celebrate with dances. The Matachines Dances take place at Picuris and San Juan Pueblos on Christmas morning. Contact 505/852-5265 for dance schedules for these and other pueblos. Albuquerque Facts: Albuquerque Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Albuquerque Travel & Tourism, Free Albuquerque Travel Guide OnlinePopulation : 448,607 Elevation : 5,314 feet Area : 162 sq. miles Emergency : For police, fire, or ambulance emergency, dial
911 Time Zone: New Mexico is on Mountain Standard Time, which is seven hours behind Greenwich mean time, and two hours behind Eastern Standard Time. When it is 8:00am in Albuquerque, it is 11:00am in New York City. (Daylight Saving Time is observed from midnight on the first Sunday in April until midnight on the last Sunday in October. Daylight saving time advances the clock by one hour across all of the US time zones.) Weather Average Temperatures: | Month | High | Low | | | January | 40F | 19F | | | February | 44F | 22F | | | March | 51F | 29F | | | April | 60F | 35F | | | May | 69F | 43F | | | June | 79F | 52F | | | July | 80F | 57F | | | August | 79F | 56F | | | September | 73F | 49F | | | October | 62F | 38F | | | November | 50F | 27F | | | December | 41F | 20F | |
Yearly rainfall is slight. There is occasional snow in the winter months. Temperatures at night are cool and perfect for sleeping year round. In October, the weather is mild and the trees turn a brilliant gold. At any visit, it is wise to come prepared with a jacket and/or sweater for use in the early morning and evening. Be sure to bring sunscreen and to apply it often of you will be outdoors. Even in cool temperatures, the intensity ultra violet rays of the sun at the high altitude require protection. Public Holidays: Jan. 1 New Year's Day January ( 3rd Monday) Martin Luther King Jr's birthday February (third Monday) Presidents' Day May 5 Cinco de Mayo May (Last Monday) Memorial Day July 4 Independence Day September (1st Monday) Labor Day November 11 Veterans' Day November (4th Thursday) Thanksgiving Day December 25 Christmas Day Area Code : the area code for Albuquerque is
505. Calls made from outside the local area to Albuquerque must include the area code. Electricity: Electric current in the US is 110-120 volts, 60 cycle. Appliances manufactured for use in most Asian and European countries will need an adapter to operate safely, as well as a plug adapter for the flat pin style of the US plug. Getting Around in Albuquerque 129 Sun Tran buses run some 35 routes throughout the city. For schedules and route information, call the Transit Department's Customer Service Center at (505) 843-9200 Arriving and Departing Albuquerque International Airport, New Mexico's premier gate way, is 5miles south of downtown. The Amtrak station is just east of downtown, two blocks south of Central Ave; Greyhound and other bus operators are at the Albuquerque Bus Transportation Center, two blocks west of the railway station.
By Air
The Albuquerque International Airport is the airport for Northern New Mexico. The airport houses about a dozen national, international and regional carriers. Shuttles are available from Albuquerque Airport into the city. Taxis are metered, so the fare varies. Rental cars are available.
By Train
Amtrak travels to Albuquerque. For train schedule and ticket information call (1-800) 872-7245.
By Car
Two interstate highways intersect in Albuquerque: I-25 runs north-south and I-40 east-west. The downtown area is laid out in an approximate grid with Central Avenue the main street. The University of New Mexico is on downtown's eastern flank, while Albuquerque Old Town is immediately northwest of the city center.
Visiting other area cities:
Albuquerque to Santa Fe is about 60 miles via I-25. An alternate route from Albuquerque to Santa Fe is Highway 14, known as The Turquoise Trail. Albuquerque Kids Activities: Albuquerque Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Albuquerque Travel & Tourism, Free Albuquerque Travel Guide OnlineAttractions of Interest to Children Albuquerque Biological Park: Aquarium and Botanic Garden Open Tues-Sun 9am-5pm (June-Aug Sat-Sun 9am-6pm) 2601 Central Ave. NW Albuquerque, NM 87104 Closed Mon, Jan 1, Thanksgiving, and Dec 25 The self-guided aquarium tour begins with a 9-minute film that describes the course of the Rio Grande River from its point of origin to the Gulf Coast. Next is the touch pool, where at certain times of day children can gently touch hermit crabs and starfish. Then, pass by a replica of a salt marsh, where a gentle tidal wave moves in and out, and explore the eel tank, an arched aquarium you can actually walk through. There's a colorful coral-reef exhibit, as well as the culminating show, in a 285,000-gallon shark tank, where many species of fish and 15 to 20 sand-tiger, brown, and nurse sharks swim. Within a state-of-the-art 10,000-square-foot conservatory, is the two-part botanical garden. The lower section represents the Chihuahuan and Sonoran deserts, including unique species from Baja California. The larger pavilion exhibits the Mediterranean collection and includes many exotic species native to the Mediterranean climates of southern California, South Africa, Australia, and the Mediterranean Basin. Allow at least 2 hours to see both parks. There is a restaurant on the premises. American International Rattlesnake Museum 202 San Felipe St. NW Albuquerque, NM 87104 505/242-6569 Daily 10am-6pm
Admission charged. This one-of-a-kind museum, located just off Old Town Plaza, has living specimens of common, uncommon, and very rare rattlesnakes of North, Central, and South America in naturally landscaped habitats. More than 30 species can be seen, followed by a 7-minute film on this contributor to the ecological balance of our hemisphere. Throughout the museum are rattlesnake artifacts from early American history, Native American culture, medicine, the arts, and advertising. Explora Science Center and Children's Museum of Albuquerque Mon-Sat 10am-6pm; Sun noon-6pm 1701 Mountain Rd
Albuquerque, NM87104 (505) 224-8300 Admission Charged. A n interactive learning center. As a center for lifelong learning, Explora houses scientific exhibits for visitors of all ages on topics such as water, the Rio Grande, light and optics, biological perception, and energy. It features exhibits utilizing technology that is accessible to the public and exhibits that engage visitors in creating many forms of art. Rio Grande Zoological Park Hours Daily 9am-4:30pm (6pm summer weekends) 903 10th St. SW Albuquerque, NM 87102 505/764-6200 Admission charged. Closed Jan 1, Thanksgiving, Dec 25 Seal and sea lion feeding at 10:30am and 3:30pm daily More than 1,200 animals from 300 species live on 60 acres of riverside bosque trees among ancient cottonwoods. Open-moat exhibits with animals in their natural habitats. Major exhibits include polar bears, giraffes, sea lions (with underwater viewing), the cat walk, the bird show, and ape country, with gorillas and orangutans. The zoo has an especially fine collection of elephants, mountain lions, koalas, reptiles, and native Southwestern species. A children's petting zoo is open during the summer.. Check for times of the summer Zoo Music Concert Series.
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