Trip Report: New Mexico, A Magical Journey 🌶️🎨🏜️
Explore the vibrant food, art, culture, and natural beauty of New Mexico through an unforgettable journey from Albuquerque to Santa Fe and Taos.
Hello travelers, art lovers, and chili pepper fans!
What an incredible journey to New Mexico, a magical place where history stretches back to the beginnings of time.
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Picture this: vast landscapes marked by ancient carvings of Indigenous peoples, petroglyphs whispering tales of thousands of years. The land, sculpted by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago, offers a breathtaking canvas under the big, blue sky.
New Mexico is a live art exhibit of history, culture, food, and beauty. It is a living museum from the Santa Fe Trail, one of the earliest routes connecting people across dangerous terrains, the intersection of cultures today, to the desert, mountains, and canyons. And let’s not forget the food—whether it’s red or green chili peppers, Chimayo, or hatch, they are delicious.
The Zia Pueblo people created the Zia sun symbol, featuring sixteen rays emanating from a center circle. The 16 rays represent the earth with its four directions (north, east, south, west); the four seasons (winter, spring, summer, fall); the four parts of a day (morning, noon, afternoon, night); and the four stages of life (infancy, youth, adulthood, old age). All bound together by a circle of life.
Albuquerque
Our journey begins and ends in Albuquerque.
We stayed at the same hotel as many balloonists at the Querque. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta attracts 500 colorful hot air balloons, with magical sunrise mass ascensions and stunning sunset Balloon Glows.
The Petroglyph National Monument is a must-visit. I recommend Boca Negra's three self-guided trails with around 100 petroglyphs carved by Indigenous peoples back to 1300 A.D. The petroglyphs, etched into volcanic basalt boulders, depict animals, human figures, and abstract symbols.
New Mexico is a hotspot for books, films, and TV shoots, and it’s easy to spot locations from shows like Breaking Bad. But it’s not just about TV shows—New Mexico has inspired many great books too. Local authors like Tony Hillerman with mystery novels set in the Navajo Nation and films like The Milagro Beanfield War.
Be sure to visit Old Town Albuquerque on Route 66, historic adobe buildings, and check out the local Indigenous jewelry—it’s amazing—the story of Native American craftsmanship and history.
The Rio Grande River Nature Center and hike through the cottonwood trees to the river. Be sure to bring plenty of water and stay hydrated, as this is a hot, high-altitude desert.
By now, we were hungry. I recommend delicious enchiladas smothered in red and green chili sauce and couldn’t resist the Frito Pie, a mix of Fritos corn chips topped with chili, cheese, and toppings. Sopaipillas with honey are delicious for breakfast or dessert. Yummy!
Santa Fe
Our next stop is Santa Fe, a city set over 7,000 feet, making it one of the highest state capitals in the U.S. The city has a rich history, being the terminus of the historic Santa Fe Trail, a trade route connecting Missouri to Santa Fe in the 19th century.
Santa Fe is home to an impressive array of museums and galleries. The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, dedicated to the iconic American artist, was a highlight of my visit. Museum Hill is another must-visit, with the International Folk Art Museum home to designer Alexander Girard’s international folk art collection and his innovative exhibition, Multiple Visions: A Common Bond, providing an experience like the Disneyland “It’s a Small World” ride, showcasing diverse toy stories from around the world.
The city’s numerous galleries and the famous Canyon Road, are lined with art studios, boutiques, restaurants, and music.
One of my favorite experiences in Santa Fe is its breathtaking sunsets. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant oranges, pinks, and purples, casting a magical glow over the adobe buildings and surrounding mountains.
Chimayo
On the road to Taos, be sure to stop at Chimayó!
This village is a short drive from Santa Fe along The High Road to Taos Scenic Byway to the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains
El Santuario de Chimayó brings hundreds of thousands of people to Chimayó each year to visit El Santuario de Chimayó, an important Catholic pilgrimage center. The church is famous for el pocito, a small pit of holy dirt in the side chapel that many believe has remarkable curative powers. During Holy Week, especially on Good Friday, tens of thousands of pilgrims make their way from Santa Fe to what is also called the Lourdes of the Southwest. This special place, known for its National Historic Landmark church El Santuario de Chimayó, also features several weaving shops and delectable food.
Bandelier
Another easy day trip is to visit Bandelier National Monument, about 40 miles northwest of Santa Fe, nestled in the rugged canyons and mesas of the Pajarito Plateau.
I explored the cliff dwellings and ancient ruins along the trails. The Main Loop Trail is a great way to experience the lives of the Ancestral Pueblo people who once inhabited this area. Climb the ladders to reach the cliff dwellings and imagine what life was like centuries ago.
Bandelier is a beautiful mix of desert landscapes and lush cottonwood groves. The contrast between the arid terrain and the vibrant greenery creates a unique and picturesque setting.
New Mexico is home to an incredible number of national parks and monuments, each offering a unique experience of the state’s rich natural and cultural heritage. These protected areas are invaluable resources, preserving the beauty and history of New Mexico for future generations to explore and enjoy.
Taos
Our next stop was Taos, a town known for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage from the Gorge Bridge to Taos Pueblo, art galleries, museums, a world-class music scene, and a thriving local culture, Taos has it all.
Taos is home to a thriving art community. I also had the wonderful opportunity to visit my friend, Kate Henke, a local artist in Taos. She graciously shared her art studio and her beautiful work, offering a personal glimpse into the creative spirit of the town.
The town’s historic Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offered a deep dive into the rich cultural history of the Native American community. Walking through the ancient adobe structures, I felt a profound connection to the past and the enduring traditions of the Pueblo people.
The drive along Rio Grande Gorge is incredible, with dramatic views that take your breath away. The combo of the towering mountains and the winding Rio Grande River creates a picturesque and serene environment is perfect for reflection and exploration.
Thank you for joining me on this magical journey through New Mexico!
Omg I love it
Loved the travelog of New Mexico. I especially appreciated your description of the Zia sun symbol. I have seen that native symbol many times and now I know. Thank You.