Balloon Fiesta

The camera is in the basket, and the first thing to do is look straight up: the entire zenith is the inside of your own envelope, a vast band of coloured gores running away to the crown, with the burner frame and the load cables converging on it. Nothing else in a panorama looks like that. Level with you and below, the sky is full of other balloons - dozens near enough to make out their baskets, dozens more reduced to specks against the mountains, at every altitude at once, because pilots here work the layered winds and go up or down to find the direction they want. Underneath, the Rio Grande valley: the river winding through a belt of cottonwood, fields, roads, the edge of the city. The Sandia Mountains stand along one whole side of the horizon. Bunting hangs off the basket rim in the foreground.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of visitors descend upon Balloon Fiesta Park to take part in the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Hot air balloon races and flight parades are among the main Albuquerque International Balloon Festival events, and those who partake in them often have the chance to win prizes. Other events during the festival include fireworks displays, trade shows, and concerts, but by far the biggest treat here is the soaring view from a hot air balloon for those who join in the ascent. It truly is a grand, citywide fiesta and has grown from a small inaugural event in 1972 to become one of the biggest and best attractions in New Mexico.

Balloon Fiesta Park is where the main Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta events take place. This sizeable plot of land is found along Alameda Boulevard NE on the city’s north side. Parking lots are located on the park’s north and south ends, and visitors should look to arrive early in the morning, especially on weekends. Anyone who wishes to enjoy the nine-day Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is also encouraged to check out the Balloon Discovery Center. Situated on the north end of Main Street, this educational center offers excellent insight into the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and hot air ballooning in general.

Old Town No visit to Albuquerque would be complete without spending some time in the city’s Old Town district. Albuquerque’s historic Old Town dates back to the early 1700s and is largely known for its architecture, its cobbled streets, and its wonderful shopping and dining options. Central Avenue, which was formerly part of historic Route 66, runs through Old Town, only accentuating the appeal for tourists. Guided walking tours of the district can be arranged.

Chaco Canyon There are plenty of interesting attractions that can make a New Mexico vacation unforgettable, and among them is Chaco Canyon. Situated in the northwest part of the state, this historic park, which is more officially known as the Chaco Culture National Historic Park, boasts a most impressive collection of ancient ruins and dwellings of the Ancient Pueblo Peoples. This site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.