Albuquerque, the largest city in New Mexico, lies on the Rio Grande in front of the Sandia Mountains. It is famous for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, when in October hundreds of hot-air balloons fill the sky. But the city has its own desert charm otherwise too: a historic old town in adobe style, the old Route 66 running right through the city and one of the longest gondolas in the world up into the mountains.
The Balloon Fiesta
The big event is the Balloon Fiesta in early October, the largest hot-air balloon festival in the world. At the morning mass ascension, hundreds of colorful balloons rise together. Anyone coming then should book hotels many months in advance.
Old Town
The historic center is the Old Town from the 18th century, with the old plaza, the San Felipe church and small shops in adobe style. Most beautiful in the late morning, when life sets in.
Sandia Peak and Route 66
With the Sandia Peak Tramway, one of the longest gondolas in the world, you float up to over 9,840 ft (3,000 m), with a wide view over the desert. The legendary Route 66 runs through the city as Central Avenue, with old neon signs and diners.
