Ledes from the Land of Enchantment

Explore the land of enchantment from home with NM’s virtual tour series

Would you like to explore the land of enchantment from the comfort of your own home? Would you like to plan your next vacation?

Whether you’re an outdoor explorer or a tourist looking to stay at home, the New Mexico Tourism Department has what you need to see New Mexico’s signature travel destinations, historical and cultural sites, and outdoor areas with a new series of virtual tours.

Tours explore all of New Mexico’s five geographic regions, from the red sandstone cliffs of Gallup to the pine-covered mountain ranges of Ruidoso.

Phillip Mitchell, of El Paso, Texas, fishes for trout and catfish at Alto Reservoir near Ruidoso, New Mexico on August 14, 2021.  Alto Reservoir is an Eagle Creek surface diversion through the village of Ruidoso.

“Virtual tours and other forms of immersive media have become incredibly useful tools for exploring and inspiring travel destinations,” said Cabinet Secretary Jen Paul Schroer. “We’re excited to be working with communities across the state to bring these virtual tours to life.”

Check out the full tour at newmexico.org/virtualtours.

Here’s your guide to the latest New Mexico virtual tours:

Northwest New Mexico

The simulated journey begins in northwest New Mexico and explores the cities of Gallup, Farmington, Aztec, Grants and Cibola Counties, as well as Acoma Sky City.

The Aztec Ruins National Monument continued to welcome visitors during the pandemic.

Step back in time at the Aztec Ruins National Monument, once home to the Puebloans over 900 years ago, or the Salmon Ruins in Farmington – an excavated 11th-century Chacoan Anasazi residential complex.

Explore the great outdoors in Cibola County’s Bluewater Lake State Park, where visitors can camp, hike, boating, fishing, and horse-riding, or visit the Sandstone Bluffs Overlook for a look at the Malpais lava flows and Mount Taylor .

More:Outdoor Recreation suffered from COVID-19 and is showing signs of recovery in New Mexico

North-Central New Mexico

Continue to North Central New Mexico to enjoy the arts, culture, cuisine, and tradition by exploring Santa Fe, Taos, Los Alamos, Questa, Red River, and Chama.

Take a look at the entertainment, dining, shopping, and events of the Santa Fe Railyard Art District, as well as the city’s various historic chapels.

Water tower on the Santa Fe Railyard in Santa Fe, New Mexico January 30, 2017.

Immerse yourself in history and art at Taos’ many museums, including the Harwood Museum of Art, Kit Carson Home and Museum, and the Millicent Rogers Museum.

Would you like to escape the hustle and bustle or get some fresh air? Visit the natural wonders of Questa like the Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument or Eagle Rock Lake Park.

Northeast New Mexico

Slow down things in northeast New Mexico, which includes Pecos and Las Vegas.

New Mexico's Pecos National Historical Park preserves the ruins of an Indian pueblo.  Photo by Jackie Finch

Take a look at the picturesque fishing spots of Pecos such as the Cowles Ponds, or delve into the past at Pecos National Historical Park at the ancient places of Pueblo’s life.

Experience the small-town charm of Las Vegas with a visit to Historic Plaza Park or relax at the Castañeda Hotel, which was originally built in 1898.

Where to sleep:This tiny house in Carlsbad was owned by Airbnb. Named # 1 New Mexico Property

Central New Mexico

Travel to the heart of New Mexico for a diverse cultural experience in locations that range from urban plazas to rural ranch communities like Albuquerque, Corrales, Bernalillo, and Sandoval Counties.

In this photo taken on Wednesday, June 22, 2016, Native American jewelers are selling their artwork in the square of Old Town Albuquerque, NM 48 percent according to new information from the US Census Bureau.  The data also showed that New Mexico has one of the highest minority percentages in the country.

Visit the vibrant old town of Albuquerque Historic Old Town, the city center founded in 1706.

Head north to Corrales for a look at what the rural village has to offer like Acequia Vineyards and Winery and Ex Novo Brewery. Head to Corrales Road for restaurants, shops, and art galleries.

Southwest New Mexico

Travel to southwest New Mexico and get a feel for the historic Old West and unique culture of the Mexico-US border in Silver City, Mesilla, Las Cruces, and Deming.

The city's Visit Las Cruces-branded Convention and Visitors Bureau is located at the southern gateway to downtown Las Cruces at the corner of S. Main and E. Amador Avenues.

Visit the growing city of Las Cruces with 320 days of sunshine a year and the neighboring village of Mesilla for a glimpse into 19th century history.

Visit Silver City for a get a feel for small town life. Visit the Silver City Museum in the 1881 Mansard / Italianate HB Ailman House to learn about the rich cultural history of southwest New Mexico.

Southeast New Mexico

End your tour of the Land of Enchantment by seeing the wonders and secrets of southeast New Mexico from its many parks to its unique connections with science and space exploration.

The Big Room in Carlsbad Caverns National Park drew more than 460,000 visitors last year.

Take a peek inside the largest cave chamber in North America at Carlsbad Caverns National Park or explore New Mexico’s ecosystems at Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park.

Travel to downtown Roswell, which is home to the International UFO Museum and Research Center and a variety of restaurants and shops.

Take a virtual tour of the New Mexico Museum of Space History, the largest pistachio and White Sands National Park in the world in Alamogordo.

Claudia Silva is a reporter for the UNM Local Reporting Fellowship. She can be reached at [email protected], by phone at 575-628-5506 or on Twitter @thewatchpup.

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