Three days in New Mexico: from Albuquerque to Taos

Day 1: Albuquerque

Albuquerque lies nearly at the geographic center of New Mexico and serves as a departure point for other locations. But the setting of the city itself is scenic too; it starts at the base of the Sandia Mountains and stretches along the Rio Grande.

If you only have one day it’s best to visit the serene and quaint historical old town of Albuquerque – a very old one for American standards! Since 1706 these adobe buildings around a central plaza have been the focal point of community life in this city. Currently the area is mainly known for its typical New Mexico shops, traditional hacienda restaurants and folklore events and though the plaza and surrounding might seem a bit touristy at first, in my opinion it was the loveliest spot of the city nonetheless. 

Just take it easy and stroll around for an hour or two. Before you know it you’ve discovered hidden patios, lush balconies, rose gardens, artsy studios and lovely boutiques. The typical red chilis are drying everywhere in the sun and if you want to buy authentic turquoise jewellery or native crafts such as rugs and bags, buy it here, as it is much cheaper than in Santa Fe. Try out one of the pungent traditional dishes or seek the shade for a coffee in between on the large cottonwood trees on an iron bench while watching how life goes by on the plaza. 

UP, UP, and AWAY

We stayed in town for half a day before we continued to the Balloonfiesta north of the city. The festival was just so awesome to experience! The first fiesta started some 40 years ago as a birthday gift for the organizer’s mom (with a lightening up of what was then 13 balloons). Nowadays it’s a huge event, with hundreds of balloons (almost up to a thousand) rising up to the sky each morning and lots of people saluting them. If you have the chance, plan your visit to New Mexico around this event – held each October-, you won’t regret it. Click here for some more pictures of the event! 

Day 2: Santa Fe

Beirut singer Zach Condon once wrote a song about his home town and even though I had no idea of what to expect from Santa Fe, because of that track I knew beforehand it couldn’t be but an enchanting town. Indeed it felt like there was a lot of magic in the air over there during our visit this month, during a real Indian Summer. 

Santa Fe is the artsiest city I’ve ever been to and luckily for the common man, lots of it is visible in public spaces.If you’re eager to explore this side of Santa Fe, it’s best to focus on three neighbourhoods: Canyon Road, Santa Fe Plaza and Santa Fe Railyard. Click here to find out more about a day in Santa Fe! 

Day 3: The Taos region

If you really want to get a taste of the Native American heritage blended in with Hispanic and European culture, you need to get out for a day in the Taos Region. Many of the 19 ‘pueblos’ are to be found in and near the region. Centuries ago, Spanish conquistadores who encountered the settlements of the Native American groups dubbed them as such. Today they remain homes and cultural strongholds that are worth a visit. 

Taos and its surroundings are easily reached from Santa Fe and if you follow the route HWY 503 – 98 to Chimayo – 76 to Picuris Pueblo – 518 to Taos and the 68 back to Española you have a wonderful road trip ahead of you with so many scenic stops.

• Nambe: One of the first pueblos you’ll encounter on the 503 is Nambe – one the Tewa speaking tribes in northern New Mexico. The tribe settled down here in the 14th century and has been historically known for its strong agriculture, traditional textiles, and pottery production. There are some 500 villagers left. You can drive around the little town, but for me the real site was the surroundings of the pueblo. Since it’s nestled in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, you have some beautiful vistas along the road. If you continue you can also hike to the waterfall, which would make a perfect picnic break.

• El Chimayo de Santuario: A lovely spot to stop on the way if you’re looking for a tranquil break. One of the most important Roman Catholic churches in the southwest, this mission is nestled in the little town of Chimayo. The sanctuary itself is very modest, austere and ancient too, as it has been built in 1810. If you walk around the area, it really feels like you’re back in that age too. Many people come here to get water from a little well that is believed to cure ailments, so it can get a little crowded on the weekends. 

• Taos: Just like Santa Fe, Taos is a very quaint and quirky village. The locals kept it that way by keeping giant signs and tall buildings out and sustainable architecture in. The town traces its history from the Taos Pueblo people and is still known as a traditional and contemporary art colony. Shops in town are nowadays clustered around the Plaza where you can find all kinds of authentic bookstores, home decor stores, chocolate shops and galleries. Many of the restaurants and wine bars are situated in this part too. Personally I really loved the John Dunn Way, a carless street right next to the plaza with lovely decoration and a very cute atmosphere all around. If you’re looking for some decent, go to Great Noodles at the south end of this alley. They offer the yummiest Asian dishes for very fair prices. 

• Taos Pueblo: Located just 3 miles outside of Taos, this UNESCO listed ‘pueblo’ is one of North America’s longest inhabited communities. The main part of the multi-storied adobe village was constructed between the years 1000 and 1450. It’s pretty impressive that they’ve been able to preserve it all until this day. Tribal members provide guiding tours and give you inside information about the village’s customs. But perhaps you just like to walk around on your own, which is wonderful too as you can easier meet people that way. Don’t forget to be respectful to villagers; most of the houses are still their homes, so therefore you can’t just walk inside. Also, always ask whether it’s okay to make a picture.

• Vistas along the Rio Grande Gorge: While driving back the route 68 towards Santa Fe, you’ll encounter some beautiful sceneries. Take a break along the winding bends of the river and enjoy the views on both Tres Orejas and Picuris Peak. If you’re visiting in autumn, just like us, you’ll have a spectacular foliage show to gaze at too!