Lonely PlanetSep 22, 2026
A Guide to New Mexico
New Mexico is unique. Plan your travels through the 47th state with this visitor guide.
13 things in this story
- Valles CalderaSightHuge mountain meadows, volcanic life, hot springs
- Elsewhere
- Carlsbad CavernsMotelCarlsbad, United StatesOver 30 miles long, 1027ft deep, cathedral-sized rooms
- Route 66SightNew Mexico, United StatesRetro joints and scenic byways
- International Balloon FiestaFestivalAlbuquerque, United StatesAnnual event in October, attracts nearly a million people
- Southwest ChiefPlaceNew Mexico, United StatesAmtrak train route stopping in Raton, Las Vegas, Lamy, Albuquerque
- Sunset LimitedPlaceNew Mexico, United StatesAmtrak train route stopping in Deming and Lordsburg
- ABQ RidePlaceAlbuquerque, United StatesFree bus service in Albuquerque
- Turquoise TrailTrailSanta Fe, United StatesScenic byway from Santa Fe to east of Albuquerque
- Old TownSuburbAlbuquerque, United StatesHome to 150 independent restaurants and boutiques
- Rattlesnake MuseumMuseumAlbuquerque, United StatesMore than 80 snakes and venomous spiders
- Sandia MountainsSightAlbuquerque, United StatesNumerous trails and Sandia Peak Tramway
- Sandia Peak TramwayAttractionAlbuquerque, United States2.7-mile-long, longest in the US, to 10,378ft summit
- White Sands National ParkSightWhite Sands, United StatesField of white sand dunes, largest of its kind on Earth