Albuquerque tours and excursions
Albuquerque tours
Hot-air balloon tours
Several companies offer hot-air balloon rides over Albuquerque and the Rio Grande. As well as the spectacular flight itself, World Balloon provides a light breakfast, local sparkling wine and a commemorative certificate.
Tel: +1 505 293 6800Website: http://worldballoon.com
Bike tours
Based in the Old Town, Routes Rentals offer hugely enjoyable two-hour bike tours through the glorious woodlands that line the Rio Grande, plus an extensive programme of speciality tours, include various itineraries that trace the locations seen in TV epic Breaking Bad. You can also simply rent a bike and do what the hell you like.
Tel: +1 505 933 5667Website: http://www.routesrentals.com
Albuquerque excursions
Ácoma Pueblo
Perhaps the most remarkable of all New Mexico's native American communities, Ácoma Pueblo perches atop a remote desert mesa 80km (50 miles) west of central Albuquerque. Known as Sky City for its dramatic setting, Ácoma was besieged by Spanish conquistadores in 1598, but remains proudly important, and can be visited on daily guided tours led by its Pueblo inhabitants.
Tel: +1 800 747 0181Website: http://www.acomaskycity.org
Turquoise Trail
Designated a National Scenic Byway, the Turquoise Trail is an alternative back route that threads between Albuquerque and Santa Fe, through a succession of revived former ghost towns that lie on the eastern slopes of the majestic Sandia Mountains. The trail follows NM 14, starting around 26km (16 miles) east of central Albuquerque and continuing for about 98km (61 miles) to Santa Fe. Several of the long-abandoned mining towns en route, including Cerrillos and larger Madrid, have been revitalized by an influx of artists and craft workers, and are now filled with quirky galleries, cafes and B&Bs, as well as some fascinating museums.
Tel: +1 505 281 5233Website: http://www.turquoisetrail.org
