Northern New Mexico Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Albuquerque which includes street scenes
Canyon Road showing signage
Puye Cliff Dwellings featuring tranquil scenes and a ruin
Puye Cliff Dwellings featuring tranquil scenes
Puye Cliff Dwellings showing tranquil scenes

Discover deep red desert landscapes, rugged Rocky Mountain terrain, historic native pueblos and a remote state park in the northern part of this southern state.

Northern New Mexico promises beautiful natural scenery, cultural attractions and a history rich in tradition. Visit pueblo sites, trek across wide open plains bordered by steep canyons and explore abandoned mining towns.

Throughout its history, the area has served as a trade route as well as the home to Native American tribes such as the Navajos. At the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, experience the living Native American community of Taos Pueblo, which has been continuously inhabited for almost 1,000 years. While here, take the opportunity to buy pottery and jewelry crafted by local artisans.

Head to Chama, a town in the Rocky Mountains known for stunning views and outdoor adventure activities. Go fishing, river rafting and hiking along the trails. Camp out overnight to star gaze at the Milky Way. Take a steam train excursion from Chamas train depot to Antonito, Colorado. Along the way, watch reenactments on this living history museum railroad.

Explore the area around the resort town of Red River to discover the history of a mountain mining town. Visit the Red River Ski & Summer Area for downhill snow sports in the winter and a mountaintop disc golf course in the summer.

The small town of Ojo Caliente near the Rio Grande River is known for its hot springs. The Native Americans of the region considered Ojo’s water to be sacred. At the resort and spa here, soak in the healing mineral waters, experience a mud treatment that is said to rejuvenate your skin and enjoy a roaring fire at night beside a private pool.

Find secluded hiking paths and quiet river banks trails at the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. Nearby is Rio Grande Gorge, a deep canyon carved through layers of volcanic rock.

Fly into Albuquerque International Sunport or the airport at Santa Fe. The best way to get around northern New Mexico is by car. The roads are well maintained and spacious, perfect for a relaxing drive through beautiful scenery. Parking is also free in most towns and attractions.

From the towering Rocky Mountains to hiking trails along dramatic gorges to Native American cultural sites, northern New Mexico has a diverse range of attractions.

Where to stay in Northern New Mexico

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Downtown Santa Fe

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 Santa Fe Plaza or Lensic Performing Arts Center while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Downtown Santa Fe
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Southside

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
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Northeast Heights

If you're spending some time in Northeast Heights, Cliff's Amusement Park and ABQ Uptown are top sights worth seeing.

Northeast Heights
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Downtown Albuquerque

Downtown Albuquerque is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Albuquerque Civic Plaza and Sunshine Theater while you're in town.

Downtown Albuquerque
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Tesuque

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

Tesuque
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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
The Sage Hotel

The Sage Hotel

3 out of 5
725 Cerrillos Rd, Santa Fe, NM
The price is NZ$184 per night from 18 Aug to 19 Aug
NZ$184
18 Aug - 19 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Santa Fe. Enjoy an outdoor pool, room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,808 reviews)
"The Sage is a good option for Santa Fe. There is a convenient shuttle and the mail plaza is only a 15 minute walk. It’s also close to the Railyard area. The staff is very good."

Reviewed on 15 Aug. 2025

The Sage Hotel
The Querque Hotel

The Querque Hotel

3 out of 5
1760 Menaul Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM
The price is NZ$123 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
NZ$123
25 Aug - 26 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Albuquerque. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (4,238 reviews)
"Great treadmill machine. Okay breakfast. Great water with fruit available all day and coffee available all day. Convenient rental car very close by. Not much walking distance from hotel. Better if you have car. Super friendly staff. Good internet speed for working/teleconferences. Good smart tv."

Reviewed on 13 Aug. 2025

The Querque Hotel
Best Western Airport Albuquerque InnSuites Hotel & Suites

Best Western Airport Albuquerque InnSuites Hotel & Suites

3.5 out of 5
2400 Yale Blvd Se, Albuquerque, NM
The price is NZ$174 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
NZ$174
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Albuquerque. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,618 reviews)
"The staff, services and breakfast were great! The room, bedding, carpet were a bit worn but great deal for the price."

Reviewed on 13 Aug. 2025

Best Western Airport Albuquerque InnSuites Hotel & Suites
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 WiFi, free parking, and a business center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,184 reviews)
"Beautiful view overlooking Santa Fe from our balcony. Enjoyed the cool mornings, sunsets, and watching the nightly rainstorms. Very comfortable bed. Good internet access. Short walk to downtown."

Reviewed on 12 Aug. 2025

Fort Marcy Hotel Suites by All Seasons Resort Lodging
Alpine Village Suites

Alpine Village Suites

3.5 out of 5
100 Thunderbird Rd, Taos Ski Valley, NM
Stay at this 3.5-star spa aparthotel in Taos Ski Valley. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (566 reviews)
"Loved it"

Reviewed on 8 Aug. 2025

Alpine Village Suites
Aspen Springs Angel fire

Aspen Springs Angel fire

4.5 out of 5
3080 NM 434, Angel Fire, NM
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury cabin in Angel Fire. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and concierge services. Popular attractions Lady Slipper Trailhead and Monte ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (47 reviews)
"Property was cleaned and communication during the stay was excellent I would definitely visit again"

Reviewed on 24 Jul. 2025

Aspen Springs Angel fire
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

Activities

Cities near Northern New Mexico