A Travel Guide to New Mexico
The state of New Mexico is located in a natural landscape of raw beauty in the southwest of the United States. It lies between Colorado forming its northern border and Arizona its west, with the state of Utah just slipping in to share the four corners northwest border angle with them. The border of Mexico rolls along some of New Mexico’s southern border until Texas intervenes and curves round to meet Oklahoma jutting in on the northeast.
The capital of New Mexico is Santa Fe and as usual there is the State Capitol building and the Governor’s Mansion. Though, a visit to Loretta Chapel is a must with its stunning miraculous staircase whose architect was clever enough to construct two 360 degree turns with no visible support. Another worthwhile visit is to the home of Georgia O’Keefe which is now a museum dedicated to her art with ten sky-lighted galleries. Santa Fe also contains some splendid eating establishments and a wonderful Village Market.
The capital may be Santa Fe but in size of population, Albuquerque wins hands down. It is bigger in population than its following nine major cities all put together. Naturally, this lends itself to great entertainment and plenty of variety. Alike its capital it celebrates art with over a hundred galleries housed in the Old Town Plaza and the National Hispanic Cultural Centre. For the whole family you cannot beat the days of entertainment that can be gleaned from the Albuquerque Biological Park that combines an Aquarium, the Botanic Garden, the Rio Grande Zoo and the chance to chill with a rod or go on a boat trip at Tingley Beach. There are also narrow trains that travel through these attractions allowing visitors the chance to relax. There is a tram line that ascends high above the ground giving a ten thousand feet plus bird’s eye view of the city of Albuquerque.
Besides the Indian Pueblo Cultural Centre in Albuquerque, there is also the opportunity to visit their homes and view the architectural achievements of walls that reach the ascending heights of five storeys in the San Juan Basin. This height may not seem extraordinary these days but these homes reach back to the early history of the Natives between the years of AD 850 – 1250. These are located in the Chaco Canyon National Historic Park. There is also more opportunity to take in the native achievements by visiting the Acoma and Laguna Pueblos about 65 miles away from Albuquerque. This day trip is an excellent opportunity to take home an exceptional souvenir as many of the native artisans and craftsmen live there.
Due to the geography of the area and the rugged natural landscape there is also many other natural formations including the Carlsbad Caverns National Park and many others formed over millennia. New Mexico is also known as The Land of Enchantment with many homes styled with this mystique. There are also many available for vacation rental with many styles of casitas, studios and apartments typically laced with warm American hospitality.
