Tucked away in the Guadalupe Mountain region of southeastern New Mexico is Carlsbad Cavern National Park, home to more than 100 caves. The granddaddy of them all is the world-famous Carlsbad Cavern, with its majestic great rooms and amazing formations.
New Mexico has a tri-cultural heritage, and examples of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo influences abound. Archaeological sites featuring pre-Colombian pueblo ruins of magnificent proportion are sprinkled throughout the state. Notable examples can be found at the 34,000 acre Chaco Canyon National Park and the Aztec National Park in the Four Corners region of New Mexico. The Spanish were the first Europeans to explore New Mexico, and examples of Spanish influences are reflected in place names, religious practices, and local traditions that are observed to this day.
A modern observance of international repute comes every October, when thousands of brightly-colored balloons take flight at the world’s most photographed event: Albuquerque’s International Balloon Fiesta. The event stretches over two weeks, and a typical day will feature the near simultaneous launch of more than 700 balloons from around the world, many of them imaginatively wrought “special shape” balloons. Other Albuquerque attractions include the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway and Sandia Peak Ski Area, Petroglyph National Monument, a burgeoning film industry, and a thriving remnant of old Route 66 replete with period and modern art deco architectural treasures. Click for more...