New Mexico (USA)
Introduction to New Mexico
In 2016 I’ve made a roadtrip through the USA. With this trip I’ve visited Texas, New Mexico and on one day Colorado. New Mexico is the place in the USA to visit when you want to see nature, culture and history. Especially the last part because buildings are at least more than 150 years old.
Places in New Mexico
Carlsbad Caverns
Carlsbad is the place where you can visit huge caves in New Mexico. In the village you can stay for one night in a motel. I’ve made my day trip from Alpine in Texas and could visit the same day the Carlsbad Caverns.
The trip into the cavern is self-guided. You start with a visit to the visitors’ centre and then walk down in the caves. About 1,5 hours is an absolute minimum to enjoy the caves. In the visitors’ centre there is a reasonable restaurant where you can enjoy lunch. So the best way to spend the day is starting early in the morning as I did from Texas, visit the caves, have a late lunch and then go to your accommodation which is about a 45 minutes drive from the caves to the centre of Carlsbad.
Taos
Taos is one of the places you shouldn’t miss during your visit to New Mexico. This place is excellent to stay at least two nights. First to visit Taos and Taos Pueblo, but also a visit Wild Rivers Recreation Area and a day trip to Colorado are possible.
Taos is a nice old city which is divided into two parts. You can visit Taos and Taos Pueblo. The last one is the real historical part. It’s nice just walking around. The main city of Taos has like the old part a lot of Adobe architecture which adds a special atmosphere to the city. In the main city there are a lot of touristic shops. In Taos Pueblo it’s more focused on history and you can join a guided tour for free after the entrance of USD 16,- (price 2016) has been paid. During this tour a lot of information has been given on the history of Taos Pueblo.
Bandelier National Monument
Bandelier National Monument is a national park near Santa Fe. This national park offers some nice panoramic views and opportunities to hike. Apart from that, there are some well preserved historic caves. The trials are well marked and it’s easy to navigate by yourself. Only according to the sign you’ll have to watch for wildlife like bears and mountain lions. If you stay on the trial the only wildlife I’ve seen were some deer.
Bandelier National Monument is just a short distance away from Santa Fe. This city is a place to stay at least three nights. Because apart from the city centre with Adobe architecture there are many possibilities to visit the surrounding nature and parks. Bandelier National Monument was, in my opinion, one of the highlights of my trip to New Mexico and should be part of your schedule. Entrance fee in 2016 was USD 25 each car.
Santa Fe
Santa Fe has an old and well-maintained city centre which is nice just to wander around and enjoy the historic architecture. Outside Santa Fe, apart from a visit Bandelier National Park, the village Madrid but also the not so well known Puye Cliffs are worth to add to your itinerary. The last one can be combined with New Mexico’s Lourdes in Chimayo.
Madrid
Madrid is a small village nearby Santa Fe which offers some colourful buildings and is worth a short excursion. It’s a traditional village and it can be combined with a visit to the nearby village of Los Cerrillos.
