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Destinations » North America » United States » New Mexico » Albuquerque » City Guide: Getting There/Around

Albuquerque, NM » Getting Around Tour Information

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Standing at Sandia Peak, above Albuquerque, the splendor of New Mexico spreads before you in green, beige and magenta. This point above the city lets you see the area in much the same way as the people of the past saw the region. Mt. Taylor, a dormant volcano, dominates the western horizon 70 miles/115 kilometers distant. To the north, Santa Fe nestles in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. To the south you can almost see the eco-zone change as the climate becomes visibly more arid.

Old Town Few American cities have been able to preserve their history the way Albuquerque has. The original town center, Old Town Plaza is surrounded by structures built in the early 18th Century. One of the best ways to experience this area is through a guided walking tour, and the Albuquerque Museum offers an excellent one. Many visitors prefer seeing this historic district at their own pace. If you choose the self-guided tour, do not leave out a stop at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History, then have lunch in an Old Town café, such as Chef du Jour, and visit any of the more than 100 shops and galleries. Tiguex Park, on the west side of Old Town, offers a place to rest after a stroll through the Albuquerque Museum Sculpture Garden.

Downtown At the heart of this vibrant business district is Civic Plaza. In the shadows of the high-rise buildings, this gathering area is lined with little shops and cafes. In the summer months, the city of Albuquerque hosts Summerfest, the place to go for entertainment with international flare. South of the nearby Convention Center is the Albuquerque Convention & Visitor's Bureau. Downstairs, in the basement of the Visitor's Bureau, you'll discover the First Plaza Galeria, an assortment of specialty shops and boutiques. No visit to downtown would be complete without a stop at the KiMo Theater. This Pueblo-Deco picture palace was the epitome of entertainment when it was built, and was restored to its original condition during 1999 and 2000.

Rio Grande Nature Center The Rio Grande Nature Center is one of the most visited parks in the state of New Mexico. Located at the west end of Candelaria just past Rio Grande Boulevard, this 270-acre/110-hectare park is a back-to-nature retreat right in the heart of the city. Outside, you can hike the trails and enjoy the river, woods and wildlife. At the other end of town is La Luz Trail. The trailhead is located off Tramway on Forest Service Road 333A. It rises 3700 feet/1120 meters and is difficult to traverse, but it is well worth the climb. You can hike one way and make arrangements to be picked up at Sandia Crest, or you can ride the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway back down. The Sandia Peak Ski Area is also nearby, if you would like to hit the slopes. Drive past the ski area and continue up 6 miles/9.5 kilometers of switchbacks to the summit. On the west side of town, beyond the tree-lined river valley, a black escarpment juts from the sagebrush-covered mesa. This is Petroglyph National Monument, where thousands of prehistoric examples of rock art have been preserved through the centuries for all to see.

Rio Grande Zoological Park Rio Grande Zoological Park has hundreds of exotic animal species and offers the chance to feed the sea lions. The 23 different kinds of rides at Cliff's Amusement Park, just a short drive away, make it a popular spot for kids and the young at heart. The Downtown Growers Market & Festival takes place in Robinson Park, just a few blocks away from the Zoo. Here you can explore the stalls and grab something to eat. The Harwood Art Center has displays of all kinds open to the public. You will also walk past the Sunshine Building on Central Southwest.

St. Augustine Mission Church St. Augustine Mission Church is almost 400 years old, one of the oldest Spanish mission churches in the country. A great place to eat near here is Vic's Daily Cafe, where the prices are reasonable and the food is fantastic. The popular Zoo Music Concert Series is held in nearby Barelas each year, as is the music festival iGlobalquerque!. Many locals choose to go to the Journal Pavilion with a picnic lunch and relax.

There are many ways to navigate the neighborhoods and sights in Albuquerque, from guided all-day tours to self-paced, self-guided hikes and walks

Walking Tours Destinations Southwest ( +1 505 766 9068 / http://www.destinationsouthwest.com/ ) Enchantment Tours ( +1 505 299 0344 ) Tour New Mexico ( +1 505 883 9178 )

Museum Tours Albuquerque Museum Old Town Tour ( +1 505-243-7255/ http://www.cabq.gov/museum/oldtowntour/)

Bus Tours Grayline Tours ( +1 800 256 8991 )

Nature Tours Rio Grande Nature Center Walks ( +1 505 344 7240 )

Air Tours Above It All Tours ( +1 800 955 3715 )

Jeep Tours Above It All Tours ( +1 800 955 3715 )

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