New Mexico is a southwestern US state of extraordinary diversity, where ancient Native American civilizations, Spanish colonial heritage, and 21st-century art communities converge against a backdrop of red desert mesas, soaring mountain ranges, and alabaster dune fields. The Land of Enchantment offers travelers the gypsum-white dunes of White Sands National Park, the dramatic cavern formations of Carlsbad Caverns, the UNESCO-listed cliff dwellings of Bandelier and Chaco, the living Taos Pueblo, and Santa Fe's world-class museums and galleries.
A rental car is essential for exploring New Mexico. The state is large (5th largest in the US) and public transportation between cities is very limited. The New Mexico Rail Runner Express connects Albuquerque and Santa Fe affordably. Within Albuquerque, ABQ Ride buses and Uber/Lyft cover most urban areas. Most national parks and monuments have no public transit access.
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Rent a car at Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) — it is almost always cheaper than in Santa Fe or Taos
New Mexico has some of the best road trip routes in the US: Turquoise Trail (NM-14), High Road to Taos (NM-76), and the Enchanted Circle (US-64/NM-38)
Gas prices in New Mexico are typically lower than the national average; fill up before heading into remote areas
I-25 and I-40 are well-maintained interstates; secondary roads (especially to Chaco Canyon) may be unpaved and require high clearance
Speed limits are 75 mph (120 km/h) on many NM interstates — traffic moves fast
Download offline maps via Google Maps or Maps.me before leaving cell coverage areas like Chaco Canyon