Albuquerque at a Glance
Albuquerque, the most populous city in New
Mexico, was founded in 1706 and named for the Spanish king's viceroy in Mexico
City, the Duke of Albuquerque. The city is built around Old
Town, which features a Spanish-style central plaza and the gorgeous San
Felipe Neri Parish. A visit to the Albuquerque
Museum of Art and History reveals New Mexico's art and history. At the western
edge of the city, do not miss the Petroglyph
National Monument, an impressive collection of Indian and Hispanic petroglyphs.
Thanks to its year-round moderate climate, the city is a premier air-ballooning
spot. Each year in October, the city hosts the Albuquerque
International Balloon Fiesta, the world's largest balloon festival with over
1,000 registered balloons representing more than 50 countries. Excellent skiing,
hiking, mountain biking and camping opportunities are available in the Sandia
Mountains, just 30 minutes away by car or 20 minutes away via the Sandia
Peak Tram, the world's longest aerial tramway.
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