Central New Mexico Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Halfway between Albuquerque and Santa Fe on New Mexico’s Highway 25, hang a left (if you’re heading north) and be prepared for some unusual and magnificent rock formations courtesy of mother nature, the Bureau of Land Management, and the American Indian Pueblo de Cochiti. The Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rock National Monument owes its remarkable geology to layers of volcanic rock and ash deposited by pyroclastic flow 6 to 7 million years ago from a volcanic explosion within the Jemez Volcanic Field; and to the gentle hand of time as wind and water smoothed the pumice, ash and tuff deposits. Bring your hiking boots along with your camera and see the tent rocks up close and personal for a $5 fee (per vehicle) via two separate trails that offer superb views of this natural wonder. Hike to the top of the Canyon Trail for magnificent views of central New Mexico only possible from almost 7,000 feet above sea level. See more pictures and commentary of our hike via my travel blog at http://www.aplacecalledroam.com/home/hiking-the-stunning-kasha-katuwe-tent-rocks-national-monument .
Halfway between Albuquerque and Santa Fe on New Mexico’s Highway 25, hang a left (if you’re heading north) and be prepared for some unusual and magnificent rock formations courtesy of mother nature, the Bureau of Land Management, and the American Indian Pueblo de Cochiti. The Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rock National Monument owes its remarkable geology to layers of volcanic rock and ash deposited by pyroclastic flow 6 to 7 million years ago from a volcanic explosion within the Jemez Volcanic Field; and to the gentle hand of time as wind and water smoothed the pumice, ash and tuff deposits. Bring your hiking boots along with your camera and see the tent rocks up close and personal for a $5 fee (per vehicle) via two separate trails that offer superb views of this natural wonder. Hike to the top of the Canyon Trail for magnificent views of central New Mexico only possible from almost 7,000 feet above sea level. See more pictures and commentary of our hike via my travel blog at http://www.aplacecalledroam.com/home/hiking-the-stunning-kasha-katuwe-tent-rocks-national-monument .
The mass ascension ceremonies at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta!
Definitely worth the drive to get out here!
Very interesting rock formations!

Where to stay in Central New Mexico

New Mexico Museum of Art which includes a statue or sculpture and art

Downtown Santa Fe

4.5/5(14 area reviews)

Visitors to Downtown Santa Fe rave about its fascinating museums, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries. You might also want to make some time to see Santuario De Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe or Lensic Performing Arts Center while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Downtown Santa Fe
Quick stop for refreshments at la cumbre brewing on girard off candelaria.

Northeast Heights

3.5/5(3 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Northeast Heights, Arroyo del Oso Golf Course and ABQ Uptown are top sights worth seeing.

Northeast Heights
The Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday celebrated throughout Mexico, in particular the Central and South regions, and by people of Mexican heritage elsewhere.  Date: Thu, Oct 31, 2019 – Sat, Nov 2, 2019 Celebrations: Creation of altars to remember the dead, traditional dishes for the Day of the Dead Significance: Prayer and remembrance of friends and family members who have died Observed by: Mexico, and regions with large Mexican populations

Old Town Albuquerque

Unique features of Old Town Albuquerque include the historical sites and restaurants. Make a stop by Old Town Plaza or Albuquerque Museum while you're exploring the area.

Old Town Albuquerque
Cool over pass just north of Santa Fe nm

Tesuque

Tesuque is noteworthy for its spas, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Glenn Green Galleries & Sculpture Garden and Shidoni Foundry.

Tesuque
A peak inside Meow Wolf. Love this place!

Southside

3.5/5(5 area reviews)

Southside is known for its popular shops, and with sights like Meow Wolf and International Museum of Collage, Assemblage & Construction, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Santa Fe.

Southside
Our beautiful Airbnb in Santa Fe this weekend! There are so many fun little inns and Airbnbs! #santafe #summer #weekend #weekendgetaway

Historic Eastside

While visiting Historic Eastside, you might make a stop by sights like Canyon Road and ViVO Contemporary.

Historic Eastside
The Querque Hotel

The Querque Hotel

3 out of 5
1760 Menaul Rd NE Albuquerque NM
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Albuquerque. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (4,924 reviews)
Good

Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026

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The Querque Hotel
Nativo Lodge Hotel Albuquerque

Nativo Lodge Hotel Albuquerque

3 out of 5
6000 Pan American Fwy NE Albuquerque NM
The price is ₹7,547 per night from 25 Jan to 26 Jan
₹7,547
₹10,561 total
25 Jan - 26 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Albuquerque. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and a 24-hour business centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,306 reviews)
The stay was fantastic. The room was super clean, the staff was friendly, honestly, one of the best hotel stays I’ve ever had.

Reviewed on 16 Jan 2026

Nativo Lodge Hotel Albuquerque
La Fonda on the Plaza

La Fonda on the Plaza

4 out of 5
100 E San Francisco St Santa Fe NM
The price is ₹14,774 per night from 3 Feb to 4 Feb
₹14,774
₹17,018 total
3 Feb - 4 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this historic hotel in Santa Fe. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,079 reviews)
We will definitely stay here again. Very friendly staff and even though the hotel is historical it is well appointed with modern amenities. The location is right next to the plaza and within walking distance to many shops, restaurants and museums.

Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026

La Fonda on the Plaza
See all 3,237 properties in Central New Mexico
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Fort Marcy Hotel Suites by All Seasons Resort Lodging

Fort Marcy Hotel Suites by All Seasons Resort Lodging

3 out of 5
321 Kearney Ave Santa Fe NM
Stay at this aparthotel in Santa Fe. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a business centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,214 reviews)
Booked for the Santa Fe Wine and Chile Festival. Great location!

Reviewed on 4 Dec 2025

Fort Marcy Hotel Suites by All Seasons Resort Lodging
La Dea

La Dea

4.5 out of 5
2861 Agua Fria St Santa Fe NM
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Santa Fe. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Santa Fe Plaza and Rockin' Rollers Event ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (50 reviews)
Great kitchen! The location was perfect!

Reviewed on 14 Jan 2026

La Dea
Palace Modern Residences at the Railyard

Palace Modern Residences at the Railyard

2 out of 5
314 Read St Santa Fe NM
Stay at this holiday home in Santa Fe. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Santa Fe Plaza and Art Vault are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
Such a well designed, clean place to stay in a perfect, central location. Will definitely stay here again next time we’re in Santa Fe. Highly recommended!

Reviewed on 11 Nov 2025

Palace Modern Residences at the Railyard
See all properties in Central New Mexico
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Santa Fe Plaza which includes heritage architecture, a church or cathedral and street scenes

Santa Fe Plaza

Home to many landmarks in the heart of the city, this spacious square evokes echoes of the Spanish colonial era with its markets, bandstand and live music.

Santa Fe Plaza
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Balloon Fiesta Park

After visiting Balloon Fiesta Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Albuquerque. Discover the area's top-notch restaurants and its acclaimed art galleries.

Balloon Fiesta Park
Ski Santa Fe offers a nice variety of runs for a wide range of levels. The winding, scenic drive to get there is as good as

Ski Santa Fe

Hit the slopes at Ski Santa Fe during your trip to Santa Fe. Discover the top-notch restaurants and acclaimed art galleries in this walkable area.

Ski Santa Fe
Yucca in its full, glorious bloom on UNM campus just north of Northrop Hall.

University of New Mexico

Enjoy the student vibe at University of New Mexico as part of your travels around Albuquerque. Experience the area's fascinating museums and acclaimed art galleries.

University of New Mexico
A peak inside Meow Wolf. Love this place!

Meow Wolf

You can spend an afternoon studying the exhibits at Meow Wolf during your trip to Santa Fe. Visit the shops and stunning cathedral in this walkable area.

Meow Wolf
Loretto Chapel showing a church or cathedral

Loretto Chapel

A mysterious spiral staircase with no known origin is the highlight of this former church that now acts as a wedding chapel and museum.

Loretto Chapel

Cities near Central New Mexico

Albuquerque which includes street scenes

Albuquerque

Espanola which includes tranquil scenes

Espanola

The Decalogue stone is nestled in a canyon on Hidden Mountain, about a mile hike from the nearest road. The inscription has been interpreted as an abbreviated version of the Ten Commandments written in an ancient form of Hebrew, but there is no evidence of its authenticity.

Los Lunas

San Ysidro, the patron saint of farming, is the namesake of this cemetery and church as well as the next-door Casa San Ysidro - a living history museum that depicts life in 19th century New Mexico.

Corrales

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