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 .
The mass ascension ceremonies at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta!
Definitely worth the drive to get out here!
Very interesting rock formations!
The American Indian ruins here are very hands-on, it's fun to climb and walk through the structures.

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 Lensic Performing Arts Center or Georgia O'Keefe Museum 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, ABQ Uptown and Coronado Center are top sights worth seeing.

Northeast Heights
Downtown city skyline of Albuquerque at night, New Mexico, United States of America.

Downtown Albuquerque

4/5(3 area reviews)

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

Downtown Albuquerque
San Felipe de Neri Parish Church in the old town of Albuquerque

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
San Esteban Del Rey Mission in Acoma Pueblo

Historic Eastside

While visiting Historic Eastside, you might make a stop by sights like Canyon Road and Edition ONE Gallery.

Historic Eastside
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
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 1 027 kr per night from 22 Mar to 23 Mar
1 027 kr
22 Mar - 23 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Albuquerque. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,927 reviews)
The staff were warm, efficient and very helpful! Rose and Alesh helped us check out and take us by shuttle to the airport at 3am! Great location very affordable. Would stay again.

Reviewed on 17 Mar 2026

Best Western Airport Albuquerque InnSuites Hotel & Suites
Nativo Lodge Hotel Albuquerque

Nativo Lodge Hotel Albuquerque

3 out of 5
6000 Pan American Fwy NE Albuquerque NM
The price is 1 244 kr per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
1 244 kr
31 Mar - 1 Apr
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! (1,395 reviews)
Good. Glad to see they had security after reading about problems in Albuquerque.

Reviewed on 19 Mar 2026

Nativo Lodge Hotel Albuquerque
Sandia Resort And Casino

Sandia Resort And Casino

4 out of 5
30 Rainbow Rd Ne Albuquerque NM
The price is 2 700 kr per night from 23 Mar to 24 Mar
2 700 kr
23 Mar - 24 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa resort in Albuquerque. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,463 reviews)
Great

Reviewed on 18 Mar 2026

Sandia Resort And Casino
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! (2,227 reviews)
This was a real nice place. Really close to everything in the historic and arts district. Plenty of parking and very cozy. Hope to stay here again. The host was in touch to make sure everything was good for us.

Reviewed on 16 Mar 2026

Fort Marcy Hotel Suites by All Seasons Resort Lodging
Visitors Love the Location,
 I Love the View!

Visitors Love the Location, I Love the View!

Santa Fe NM
Stay at this condo in Santa Fe. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and patios. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions Santa ...
10/10 Exceptional! (448 reviews)
Sally’s home was very quaint and lovely. We enjoyed our stay very much.

Reviewed on 8 Mar 2026

Visitors Love the Location, I Love the View!
Steps to the Historic Santa Fe Plaza

Steps to the Historic Santa Fe Plaza

Santa Fe NM
Stay at this cottage in Santa Fe. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Loretto Chapel and Santa Fe Plaza are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (22 reviews)
This home was exactly what we wanted for our short stay in Santa Fe. The beds were very comfortable and the casita had everything we wanted and needed. Brett (the host) was so kind and welcoming and made sure we were well taken care of. He had lots of suggestions on places to visit while we were ...

Reviewed on 18 Mar 2026

Steps to the Historic Santa Fe Plaza
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.

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