What to do and see in Albuquerque, New Mexico (NM): The Best Tours

Soar over the Rio Grande Valley in a hot air balloon on a sunset flight from Albuquerque. As the sun goes down over the mesa, marvel at the dramatic oranges and reds that paint the sky, and see the Sandia Mountains loom over the New Mexico landscape. Your expert pilot shares fascinating commentary about the region that plays host to the world's largest hot air balloon festival each October. After you land, celebrate an amazing flight with sparkling wine and a commemorative flight certificate.

Inclusions: Professional guide, Scenic hot air balloon flight, Sparkling wine, Light refreshments

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off (can be requested at an additional fee directly through the tour operator), Gratuities

The Turquoise Museum in Albuquerque, New Mexico showcases the J.C. “Zack” Zachary turquoise collection. The collection includes turquoise from over 80 locations around the world, several one of a kind pieces including the “George Washington Stone” (a large turquoise stone with a remarkable resemblance to George Washington), and displays show that off almost every aspect of “The World’s Most Colorful Gem”. Energetic, entertaining, and informative tours are guided by a member of the Lowry/Zachary Family. Visitors often remark, “we should have come here before we went shopping”.

Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Live commentary, Local guide

Exclusions: Gift Shop Items, Hotel pickup and drop-off

This is a private tour for 1-3 people.   We can do as much as you like and can fit in 8 hours.  We can drive through historic Route 66-downtown Albuquerque; visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, museum, & store; Old Town-plaza, church, hidden patios, galleries/shops. We will drive north on Rio Grande Blvd, following the river through the valley occupied by Pueblo Indians, Spanish settlers and still is home to farms, and wine growers. We can visit historic Los Poblanos Lavender Farm/shop; the village of Corrales; and prehistoric Pueblo Indian village of Kuaua (Coronado State Monument-established during the Classic Period of Anasazi Culture). On our way back to Albuquerque we will see Sandia Pueblo's herds of cattle and Buffalo and ride the Sandia Peak Tram for magnificent views of the area. This is a perfect tour of the present and past filling you with beauty and delicious food. Lunch options are many depending on your cravings. Great Photo tour!

Inclusions: Bottled water, Beverages, Snacks, Local guide, Hotel pickup, Hotel drop-off, Transport by private vehicle, All taxes, fees and handling charges

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Food and drinks, unless specified

This is a private tour for 1-3 people.  We can do as much as you like and can fit into 4 hours.   We can drive through historic Route 66-downtown Albuquerque; visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, museum, & store; Old Town-plaza, church, hidden patios, galleries/shops. We will drive north on Rio Grande Blvd, following the river through the valley occupied by Pueblo Indians, Spanish settlers and still is home to farms, and wine growers. We can visit historic Los Poblanos Lavender Farm/shop; the village of Corrales; and prehistoric Pueblo Indian village of Kuaua (Coronado State Monument-established during the Classic Period of Anasazi Culture). On our way back to Albuquerque we will see Sandia Pueblo's herds of cattle and Buffalo and ride the Sandia Peak Tram for magnificent views of the area. This is a perfect tour of the present and past filling you with beauty and delicious food. Lunch options are many. Great Photo tour!

Inclusions: Bottled water, Beverages, Snacks, Local guide, Hotel pickup, Hotel drop-off, Transport by private vehicle, All taxes, fees and handling charges

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks, Food and drinks, unless specified

Private tour for 1 to 3 people.   Santa Fe, New Mexico is the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow!  There are so many shops, all full of stuff we really want to buy. From Indian Jewelry, trendy clothes, hand-tooled boots, OMG, hats, and art. The glass is full! Santa Fe truly captures the spirit and style of the Southwest with the adobe style of its buildings and architectural design. The oldest capital city in the United States, Santa Fe wows visitors with endless beauty. A walk through the streets around the historic plaza will lead you to shops and galleries, restaurants, museums, and historic churches. At the Palace of the Governors, you can admire the artwork and jewelry created by the Native Americans sitting under the portal. Walk up  scenic Canyon Road  with over eighty galleries, restaurants and shops. Santa Fe is an art lover’s and History Buffs’ paradise. From museums to galleries to restaurants, you will be awe struck!

Inclusions: Activities as per itinerary, Snacks, Bottled water

Exclusions: Drinks, Lunch

Itinerary: Drive West from Albuquerque to the town of San Ysidro where we will start on the National Scenic Route NM 4 to the Pueblo of Jemez.  Visit the Walatowa Visitor Center & Museum.  We will walk to the Red Rocks Formations.  We will drive through the village of Jemez Springs – bubbling with soothing hot springs, brimming with outdoor adventure, and immersed in history and culture. We can have lunch at historic Los Ojos Restaurant and Saloon in Jemez Springs  or at one of the other local cafes.  We will tour the Jemez State Monument, the Soda Dam formation, Battleship Rock,  and Jemez Falls before we drive back to Albuquerque.  ** Monument Closed Monday & Tuesdays

Inclusions: Hotel drop-off

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Food and drinks, Lunch, Gratuities

Mezcla de Culturas means “the mix of cultures” and this immersive and enchanting two-hour walking tour celebrates the history and influence of Albuquerque’s 17th century Old Town’s history neighbored with the vision of New Urbanism’s mixed-use blend of shopping, arts, entertainment and residential. Your tour winds through the historic Old Town and Sawmill districts, where you’ll have the opportunity to see this mix of old and new influences currently shaping Albuquerque’s burgeoning business center.

Inclusions: Experienced Guide, Alcoholic Beverages

Exclusions: Guide Gratuity, Sunscreen & Hat for Sun Protection

Looking for a great way to experience the beauty and nature in Albuquerque? Join us for a memorable journey through some of Albuquerque’s most majestic scenery. Every day at 10am (1pm in Winter/Dec-Mar), Routes Bicycle Tours leads a leisurely, scenic ride along the famous Bosque River Trail starting from our nearby location. This two-hour ride showcases beautiful scenery, flora, and fauna as our professional tour guides identify the many historic and significant landmarks along the trail. This ride is enjoyable for all skill levels and families are welcome!

Inclusions: Use of bicycle, Helmet, Bottled water, Rear rack with bungie, Unique gift to remember your tour!, Individual Hand Sanitizer, Face Masks if Needed

Exclusions: Gratuities

Our tour will take us north on the Camino Real, a road that connected Mexico's ancient cultures with the equally ancient cultures of the American Southwest. This Camino trail is a backdrop for countless Hollywood movies. The first stop will be at the Poeh Cultural Center in the native pueblo of Pojoaque, which translates to "water gathering place". We will visit the museum and see the hundreds of ancient pots returned to this pueblo from museums. Next we see the Nambe Pueblo and follow the trail of pilgrims to the village of Chimayo at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains Each year, more than 300,000 people of every culture visit the Santuario Shrine in hopes of miracle cures. The chapel for the Santo Niño de Atocha is on the grounds, receiving prayers for children. The famous New Mexico Red Chile served at the Rancho de Chimayó restaurant is where we will enjoy lunch. Returning to Santa Fe or Albuquerque, we see the Santa Fe Opera and it's amazing architecture.

Inclusions: Private transportation

Exclusions: lunch at Rancho de Chimayo

The Turquoise Museum in Albuquerque, New Mexico showcases the J.C. “Zack” Zachary turquoise collection. The collection includes turquoise from over 80 locations around the world, several one of a kind pieces including the “George Washington Stone” (a large turquoise stone with a remarkable resemblance to George Washington), and displays show that off almost every aspect of “The World’s Most Colorful Gem”. Energetic, entertaining, and informative tours are guided by a member of the Lowry/Zachary Family. Visitors often remark, “we should have come here before we went shopping”.

Inclusions: Live commentary, Local guide

Exclusions: Gift Shop Items, Hotel pickup and drop-off