Albuquerque is New Mexico's largest city, with all the cultural, recreational and educational opportunities of larger U.S. cities, but with a wide-open feel, little if any pollution, and minimal traffic congestion. A pleasant year-round climate boasts low humidity and warm temperatures, with an average yearly temperature of 70 degrees.

New Mexico is known as the "Land of Enchantment" for its majestic 14,000-foot, snow-covered mountains, beautiful desert vistas, natural wonders, and spectacular rainbows and sunsets. The vast sky is an endless source of beauty and inspiration. To relish the New Mexican scenery, visit the Enchanted Circle towns of Taos, Angel Fire, Red River, Ruidoso, Cloudcroft, Chama, the Sangre de Cristo and Jemez Mountains. For natural wonders there are Carlsbad Caverns, White Sands, the lava flows of El Malpais and Valley of the Fires, the Rio Grande Gorge, Tent Rocks, the Valles Caldera, the Shiprock, Gila and other wilderness areas.

Diverse cultures are prominent, with a unique blend of Native American, Hispanic and Anglo cultural influences, including the proud Navajo Nation and the ancient Anasazi of Chaco Canyon, the 19 Pueblos along the central Rio Grande valley, the Mescalero Apache tribe, Gila Cliff Dwellings in south central New Mexico, and the mysterious petroglyphs on the west side of Albuquerque. And don’t forget the modern wonders of 17 casinos at the various pueblos and reservations, some with world-class entertainment.

New Mexico's Hispanic culture can be seen in a visit to the National Hispanic Cultural Center, the burning of Zozobra, Spanish Market and Fiesta de Santa Fe, authentic New Mexican architecture, the old Spanish Missions, and lively Maruichi music. Don’t miss our unique cuisine, with the best New Mexico chili peppers around and an enormous variety of margaritas.

Have fun at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, the renowned Santa Fe Opera, the Roswell UFO Festival, and the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, to name a few recreational delights. Enjoy our nine world-class ski areas and unlimited outdoor sports, such as fishing, hunting, camping, boating, golfing, rafting, and 31 state parks. And, of course, endless opportunities for walking and hiking.