Visiting Albuquerque allows you to experience
the authentic Southwest.
Surrounded by natural beauty, Albuquerque is at the center of Native American pueblo country in New Mexico, the “Land of Enchantment.” Nowhere is the confluence of past and present more dramatic than in Albuquerque, where the modern city skyline is set against a backdrop of the ancient Sandia Mountains and an endless, timeless blue sky.
The state’s largest city, Albuquerque retains deep roots in the past and simultaneously stands on the cutting edge of the future. The original Spanish town was built on the site of the oldest farming civilization in North America; modern Albuquerque is the focal point of the “Rio Grande Research Corridor,” one of the nation’s primary space-research complexes. The city’s residents have maintained ethnic traditions and preserved a high quality of life while at the same time fostering modern growth and economic development.
The experts at Fodor’s Travel announced that Albuquerque has been named among the “Top 25 Places to Go in 2013.” Fodor’s editors have chosen Albuquerque as a hot travel destination because of the excellent value for visitors, calling the city an affordable getaway for nature lovers and families. Albuquerque’s visibility on the AMC show “Breaking Bad” has also helped elevate the destination’s profile for travelers.
Transportation in Albuquerque
Airport Shuttle to Downtown Hotels
SUNPORT SHUTTLE – Albuquerque International Airport to the Hyatt Regency or Hotel Andaluz:
$ 11.00 one way
$ 20.00 round trip
$ 5.00 additional passenger in the same party
Sunport Shuttle operates daily, 24 hours a day, from the lower level of the Sunport. Reservations may be made online or at the desk. http://www.sunportshuttle.com/contact.htm
Phone: 505.883.4966 or 866.505.4966
NOTE: The DoubleTree Hotel guests may call for a complimentary shuttle from the kiosk near the Visitor Information Center on the lower level of the Sunport.
TAXIS
Albuquerque Cab Company
Telephone: (505) 883-4888
Yellow Cab Company
Telephone: (505) 247-8888
ABQ Green Cab Company
Telephone: (505) 243-6800
Average fare to downtown hotels is $20.
BUS
ABQ Ride (public transportation)
Albuquerque's public transit system. Call or visit website for bus service times and routes.
www.cabq.gov/transit
Fare for adults is $1.00, for students and seniors is 35 cents. One-day, two-day and three-day passes available.
Telephone: (505) 243-RIDE or (505) 243-7433
Climate
You’ll find its spectacular weather—310 days of sunshine—perfect. The unique weather features also make Albuquerque the hot air ballooning capital of the world. Balloons dot the clear blue skies almost every morning, revealing a myriad of colors year-round. Albuquerque is a mild, dry climate with four distinctly beautiful seasons. Very low humidity means that even when temperatures rise, summer is always comfortable, and the sunny winters are comparatively mild. Average annual rainfall is about 9 in., and the average relative humidity is only 44%. Be aware that low humidity and lots of sunshine means visitors need to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water as well as using lotion and sunblock for protection.
Stay Longer and See Hundreds of Hot Air Balloons
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® (the world’s largest hot air balloon festival) takes place each October, when you’ll see hundreds of balloons in the sky at a time. This magical hot air balloon festival is considered to be the most photographed event in the world, drawing a huge international crowd of balloonists and spectators. The 42nd annual Balloon Fiesta will be held on October 5–13, 2013. For details on events, schedule, entertainment, and photographs visit www.balloonfiesta.com. Balloon Fiesta can be found on Twitter @BalloonFiesta and on Facebook.
