A Traveler's Guide To History, Food, And Culture In New Mexico

The annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta takes flight

The 52nd Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta began. It was a nine-day festival and more than 500 hot air balloons were expected to participate.

• New Mexico offers a unique travel experience with its distinct desert climate and vibrant Native American culture.
• Historical sites like the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and Casa San Ysidro Museum showcase the state's rich history and cultural blend.
• Albuquerque and Santa Fe boast diverse culinary scenes, from traditional New Mexican cuisine to modern food halls and craft cocktail bars.
• Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the desert landscape through hiking, hot springs, and scenic drives.

“Experience America” is a five-part series that showcases often-overlooked destinations and experiences in our backyard.

ALBUQUERQUE and SANTA FE, New Mexico ― Throughout my time in New Mexico, I kept saying it was such a unique place to visit. Not being from a desert climate, the scenery was a real contrast to the Northeast. But it was the state’s embrace of native culture that struck me as particularly special. 

In so many places in the U.S., Native American and indigenous communities can feel like an afterthought (if they’re even acknowledged at all), but in the Land of Enchantment, native Pueblo culture seems to be honored everywhere you look. 

Over a few days in July in August, I got to experience a variety of what New Mexico has to offer, from historic and cultural sites to urban treasures that rival any other city’s. 

Here are some options if you want to plan a trip yourself. 

The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque is a great place for a visitor to get oriented with indigenous New Mexican culture, learn about the traditions of the native people who still reside in the state, and how the area’s history of various controlling powers affected the ancestors of those who lived in the area first. 

According to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, there are 19 Pueblo tribes still recognized in New Mexico, each one a sovereign nation within the state. 

Pueblo people continue to honor their traditional culture and beliefs, which have been shaped and evolved over time through waves of colonization. 

Outside of Albuquerque, there are historic sites around the state, including the Casa San Ysidro Museum in Corrales, which showcases what frontier life was like in New Mexico through a historic house that was first constructed around 1875.  

The Jemez Historical Site near Jemez Hot Springs is an even older development, where visitors can see ruins of a pueblo that dates back to the 16^th century, alongside the 17^th century Spanish mission that later developed and fell into disuse on the same site. 

Across all of these places, visitors can see how traditional regional crafts fused with imports from other parts of the world to create a unique style of clothing and art that still persists into the present. 

Places to experience New Mexico’s history and culture 

• Casa San Ysidro Museum (Corrales) 

• Jemez Historical Site (Jemez Springs) 

• Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (Albuquerque) 

• Palace of the Governors (Santa Fe)  

Both Albuquerque and Santa Fe, the state’s capital, have prominent food cultures with a heavy emphasis on traditional local dishes. You’ll find red and green chile in or on the side of almost every dish you order, as well as blue corn tortillas in many places. 

The Shed, a casual restaurant in Santa Fe, is a great place to get a test of the local flavors. 

Even if you don’t like spicy food, there are plenty of options. In Albuquerque, an old sawmill was converted into a modern food hall called Sawmill Market with global cuisines, and in Santa Fe, there are great bars and restaurants throughout the city. 

If craft cocktails are your thing, be sure to check out The Smoky Note in Albuquerque. 

For a pricier but unforgettable experience, consider a meal at TEN 3, a restaurant high atop Sandia Peak near Albuquerque. It’s the highest restaurant in the state, and getting there involves a 15-minute tram ride to 10,300 feet above sea level. Even if you’re afraid of heights, the views and the food are worth it, and the restaurant also offers bar service for visitors on more of a budget. 

In Albuquerque, I stayed at Hotel Chaco, right across from Sawmill Market, which was centrally-located to a lot of the various sites in and around the city.  

I also stayed at the Four Seasons Rancho Encantado just outside of Santa Fe, which is conveniently located near the Santa Fe Opera, and just a 15 minute drive from downtown Santa Fe. The resort can be pricey, but it’s a great place to visit for quiet relaxation in the desert, with hikes available on the property and other excursions and spa services that are easy to book. 

Where to eat and stay 

• Sawmill Market (Albuquerque) 

• The Smoky Note (Albuquerque) 

• The Four Seasons Rancho Encantado (Santa Fe) 

• Hotel Chaco (Albuquerque) 

It doesn’t take long in New Mexico to get out into the desert and there are plenty of options in the state for nature lovers as well. From Albuquerque, those visiting Sandia Peak can pair their drinks and meals with a hike, or skiing in the winter. 

Hiking is available in many locations throughout the state, just make sure to stay on marked trails and bring plenty of water. The high desert, as its name implies, can be very hot and arid, so staying hydrated is important. 

While it only takes about an hour to drive between Santa Fe and Albuquerque on the interstate, visitors should consider taking the scenic route along State Road 4, which passes through Jemez Springs and a series of public lands for camping, hiking, fishing and more. 

In Jemez Springs, the hot springs themselves are worth a soak. 

Albuquerque is the main airport for both its namesake city and Santa Fe to the north, with service to most major airline hubs and some other destinations around the country. 

Lodging options are available at most price points, so consider which amenities are important to you when you plan your trip. 

The reporter on this story received access from The New Mexico Tourism Department. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content. 

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter and writes the Cruising Altitude column for USA TODAY. He is based in New York and you can reach him at zwichter@usatoday.com.