| As one of the oldest cities in the United States, | | | | International Balloon Fiesta, which takes place |
| Albuquerque boasts a unique multicultural heritage | | | | every October. Albuquerque is the balloon capital |
| and history where Native American, Latino, | | | | of the world, and during the festival you'll see |
| Hispanic, Anglo and other cultural influences are | | | | more than 700 balloons in the sky at a time. The |
| ingrained in everyday living. Set against a | | | | festival draws a huge international crowd of |
| backdrop of the ancient Sandia Mountains, a visit | | | | balloonists and spectators each year, and is |
| to Albuquerque allows visitors to experience a | | | | considered to be one of the most photographed |
| true taste of the authentic Southwest, while | | | | events in the world. If hot-air ballooning is |
| basking in the region's spectacular weather. | | | | something you'd like to try for yourself, |
| With 310 days of sunshine, Albuquerque makes an | | | | Albuquerque has many local hot-air balloon |
| ideal destination for those who enjoy outdoor | | | | companies which provide rides for visitors on a |
| activities. Whether your penchant is for golf, | | | | daily basis, while the Anderson-Abruzzo |
| biking, pony trekking or skiing, Albuquerque - with | | | | Albuquerque International Balloon Museum features |
| its endless blue skies - provides the perfect | | | | one of the world's finest collections of hot-air |
| environment to indulge in your hobby. As such, it | | | | ballooning equipment and memorabilia and is a |
| comes as no surprise to learn that Albuquerque | | | | world-renowned authority in the art, culture, |
| was named by Men's Fitness magazine as one of | | | | science and history of hot-air ballooning. |
| the top ten fittest cities in the U.S. | | | | Not to be outdone, Albuquerque also boasts an |
| Albuquerque's golf courses are perhaps one of | | | | extensive array of shopping options to explore. |
| the sport's best-kept secrets, with several of the | | | | From Native American jewellery and produce to |
| region's courses having been ranked among the | | | | authentic Southwestern pottery, weaving, art and |
| best in the country by golfing publications. With | | | | more besides, you're sure to find a delightful |
| courses ranging from desert links to parkland and | | | | treasure that will bring back cherished memories |
| mountain courses, Albuquerque offers one of the | | | | of your visit to Albuquerque for years to come. |
| most diverse golf experiences available. What's | | | | And if that isn't enough, Albuquerque is also home |
| more, green fees in Albuquerque are considerably | | | | to one of America's most unique and cherished |
| less expensive than at comparable courses | | | | regional cuisines, so it's no surprise to know that |
| elsewhere in the country so you'll be able to play | | | | food is one of the things that people remember |
| more often, especially as Albuquerque also boasts | | | | most about a trip to New Mexico. The regional |
| a moderate winter climate, with 14 golf courses | | | | cuisine is based on native ingredients such as corn, |
| available to play all-year round. | | | | beans and chillies and incorporates Mexican, Native |
| For cycling enthusiasts, Albuquerque has earned | | | | American and Spanish flavours. Away from the |
| numerous rankings as a great cycling city. In fact, | | | | local cuisine, Albuquerque has a hugely diverse |
| the city was named the third-best place to bike in | | | | choice of culinary options: sushi bars, pizzerias, |
| the U.S in 2006 by Bicycling Magazine; and with | | | | Mexican taquerias are all available, along with |
| trails ranging from flat, winding routes through the | | | | traditional restaurants offering a wide range of |
| city to intense, rugged mountain trails nearby, | | | | dishes. |
| cyclists need look no farther for thrills. The Sandia | | | | Whether you stay in an authentic Southwestern |
| foothills to the northeast of the city offers miles | | | | bed and breakfast, a luxurious guest resort or a |
| of gravel and single-track trails leading to National | | | | downtown hotel in Albuquerque, you're sure to |
| Forest and Wilderness land which overlooks the | | | | find Albuquerque is a city with something for |
| city, and provides stunning views for onlookers. | | | | everyone, and a place where you can immerse |
| Alternatively, if you prefer something a little more | | | | yourself in a sublime mix of culture and heritage |
| sedate, Albuquerque is home to the world's | | | | that is entrenched in centuries of history. |
| largest hot air balloon festival, the Albuquerque | | | | |