What to see and do in Central New Mexico - our 4 day itinerary in Albuquerque and Santa Fe

New Mexico may not come as a first choice for vacation or travel destinations but the enchanted state is packed with cool things to see and do. Below was our 4 day itinerary around the Albuquerque and Santa Fe area. 

Day 1: Arrive in Albuquerque mid day. Have lunch at the chic Grove Cafe & Market in ABQ. Then drive to Santa Fe. Check in at the rustic Hotel Chimayo, one of the Heritage Hotel & Resorts properties. Enjoy a slice of pizza (or two) at the Low 'n Slow hotel bar then explore the old town on foot.

Get acquainted with New Mexico cuisine for dinner at Tomasita's at the Santa Fe Railyard. 

Day 2: Head out early to grab your coffee and pastry at Dolina Cafe & Bakery then hit the road to Bandelier National Monument to beat the crowd (if there is any). Hike the 2.6 mile out and back Alcove House trail at Bandelier to check out the kiva and alcove. 

If that is not enough, drive to the nearby town of Los Alamos to tour the Los Alamos History Museum to learn about Oppenheimer and the Manhattan Project 

On the way back to Santa Fe, stop by the Cross of Martyrs to take in the panoramic view. Dinner at the fancy Casa Chimayo and end the night with the passionate flamenco cabaret show La Emi at the Lodge Santa Fe.

Day 3: Practice your French and have your crepe at the Clafoutis then take a speed tour of the Loretto Chapel in old town Santa Fe before heading out to Meow Wolf on the way back to ABQ. 

Get lost with the food choices for lunch at the Sawmill Market before checking into Hotel Chaco, another Heritage Hotel & Resorts properties. 

Have dinner at Ten 3 and watch sunset on top of the 10,300' Sandia Peak via the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway. 

Day 4: Rise early to take the hot air ballon ride over the Rio Grande with World Balloon. Head to old town Albuquerque for some tamales and horchata at Buen Provecho.

Enjoy the amenity at Hotel Chaco in the hot afternoon and sip on a cocktail at the rooftop lounge Level 5 at sunset. Go back to Sawmill Market for more because eating there once (or even twice) is not enough. 

Day 5: Depart

Previous

Next