Unseen USA

Land of Enchantment

New Mexico travel guide

Adobe towns, white dunes, caverns and chile on everything.

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Capital
Santa Fe
Best time to go
Apr–May, Sep–Oct (Balloon Fiesta: Oct)
Daily budget
$$ about $150–220 a day
Fly into
ABQ Albuquerque

DesertNational parksHistory

Top places to visit in New Mexico

  1. Santa Fe

    Adobe streets, art galleries and Native crafts.

  2. White Sands National Park

    Endless white gypsum dunes. Bring a sled.

  3. Carlsbad Caverns

    A huge underground chamber and bat flights at dusk.

  4. Taos Pueblo

    Lived in for over 1,000 years.

  5. Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

    Hundreds of hot-air balloons each October.

What to eat in New Mexico

  • Green chile cheeseburger
  • Enchiladas "Christmas" style
  • Sopapillas
  • Biscochitos

When is the best time to visit New Mexico?

Apr–May, Sep–Oct is usually the best time to visit New Mexico (Balloon Fiesta: Oct). Moderate: about $150–220 a day for one person, including a shared hotel room and meals.

More of the West

AlaskaArizonaCaliforniaColoradoHawaiiIdahoMontanaNevadaOregonUtahWashingtonWyoming

Budgets are rough mid-range costs per person, including a shared hotel room and meals. Always check opening times and prices before you go.