"ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO" a Albuquerque Travel Page by MarkJochim

Albuquerque has been called one of the most culturally diverse cities in the United States, yet most people are only familiar with the annual Balloon Fiesta, held every October.

There are many attractions to delight the traveler. Every April sees the Gathering Of Nations: North America's biggest Native American pow wow. In 2003, it will celebrate it's 20th anniversary.

Albuquerque also boasts the world's longest jigback passenger tramway which travels 2.7 miles to a height of 10,378 feet.

We also have a world-class Botanical Garden and Aquarium, a wide variety of museums (including the National Atomic Museum and the American International Rattlesnake Museum), as well as the Petroglyph National Monument.

The cultural diversity is represented by Albuquerque's location of the National Hispanic Cultural Center and the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Among the different cuisines represented in the city are Japanese, Thai, Afghani, French, and - of course - New Mexican restaurants.

A wide variety of architecture is to be found here - from the historic San Felipe de Neri Church (dating from 1706) and former Spanish haciendas circling the Old Town Plaza to the art deco-style KiMo Theater to the modern Federal Court House.

Join me, fellow Virtual Tourist, to discover the many surprises of Albuquerque - more than just balloons!