Albuquerque Attractions

Sandia Peak Tramway

The perfect awe-inspiring overview of Albuquerque can be had from nearly one mile (2km) above the city on top of Sandia Crest, the windy mountaintop where the view is said to extend for over 1,000 miles (1,609km). Simply follow Tramway Boulevard for a few miles north of the city to board the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway, the world's longest continuous jigback passenger tramway, which makes the ascent from the desert foothills to the summit in about 20 minutes. In winter skiers make use of the more than 30 trails descending from the mountain crest, while in summer hikers and mountain bikers take the tramway up and enjoy nature on their way down. Pleasure seekers simply ride to the top to enjoy the view, which is particularly spectacular at sunset, and enjoy a meal at the High Finance Restaurant with its picture windows.

Telephone: (505) 856 7325 (tramway), 242 9052 (ski area); E-mail: info@sandiapeak.com; Website: www.sandiapeak.com; Opening time: Daily 9am to 9pm (summer), 9am to 8pm in winter (from 5pm on Tuesdays); it does not operate on very windy days, and is closed for maintenance for two weeks every spring and autumn; Admission: $17.50 (adults), $10 (children 5-12); concessions available. A one-way ticket is $9. In ski season a round trip with any Daily Ski Lift Ticket is $9

Mural

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is designed to give an introduction to New Mexico's rich Native American cultural heritage and the 19 individual pueblo communities of the State. The centre is situated on 12th Street, about a mile northeast of the Old Town in Albuquerque, and is a recreation of Pueblo Bonito, a ruined Indian village in the Chaco Culture National Historic Park dating from the 9th century. The centre also features a museum displaying early photographs, artefacts and artworks. A restaurant serves traditional fare and traditional dances are performed by different tribal groups. Those interested in seeing the real thing can make an excursion to Pueblo Acoma, 60 miles (96km) west of Albuquerque, the oldest inhabited village in the United States, situated on a 367-foot (112m) high sandstone rock.

Address: 2401 12th Street; Telephone: (505) 843 7270; Website: www.indianpueblo.org; Opening time: Daily 9am to 5.30pm; Admission: $4 (adults), concessions available

Petroglyphs © National Park Service

Petroglyph National Monument

One of Albuquerque's most enjoyable recreational attractions is the 17-mile-long (27km) stretch of escarpment of the West Mesa, entered from Unser Boulevard, that is a treasure-trove of more than 25,000 prehistoric and historic rock carvings or petroglyphs, some dating as far back as 2,000 years. Maps and information regarding the geology and history of the area are available from the Las Imágenes Visitor Center. Hikers can follow various trails to explore the Boca Negra Canyon, or join rangers on scheduled walks during the summer months. Picnic areas, drinking water and restroom facilities are provided.

Telephone: (505) 899 0205; Website: www.nps.gov/petr; Opening time: Las Imágenes Visitor Center and Boca Negra Canyon: daily 8am to 5pm; Admission: Boca Negra Canyon parking fee: $1 (weekdays), $2 (weekends). There is no charge for other areas within the Monument

American International Rattlesnake Museum

Albuquerque’s Rattlesnake Museum is an exciting and educational experience. Billed as an animal conservation museum the establishment is dedicated to displaying how rattlesnakes influence our lives. Exhibits include artefacts, memorabilia and the largest collection of live rattlesnakes in the world. The snakes, gathered from North, Central and South America, are kept in specially recreated habitats.

Address: 202 San Felipe; Telephone: (505) 242 6569; Website: www.rattlesnakes.com; Opening time: Monday to Saturday 10am to 6pm, Sunday 1pm to 5pm (June to August); Monday to Friday 11.30am to 5.30pm, Saturday 10am to 6pm, Sunday 1pm to 5pm (September to May); Admission: $3.50 (adults), $2.50 (children)

Museum of Natural History and Science

New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science

The exciting Museum of Natural History takes visitors on a time trip through 12-billion years from the formation of the universe to the present day. From the earth's beginnings exhibits, displays and recreated scenes take you through an erupting volcano, an ice-age cave, an aquarium, the dinosaur age and a fossil centre, giant-screen theatre, planetarium and a naturalist centre, to name just a few of the educational entertainments offered.

Address: 1801 Mountain Road; Telephone: (505) 841 2800; Website: www.nmnaturalhistory.org; Opening time: Daily 9am to 5pm. Closed on Mondays (excluding holidays) during January and September; Admission: Museum, DynaTheatre, Planetarium: $7 (adults), $4 (children)

Albuquerque Museum

Albuquerque Museum

The Albuquerque Museum on the edge of the city's Old Town explores New Mexico's past, using the largest collection of Spanish colonial artefacts in the United States to do so. Exhibits like Spanish armour and swords mingle with a recreated 18th-century adobe house compound. The museum also pays homage to the Vaqueros, the original cowboys who rode the range in New Mexico in the 16th century. There are also hands-on experiences to try like spinning wool and a theatre where films about the city are shown regularly. The museum provides a walking tour of the Old Town area departing at 11am each day except Monday during spring, summer and fall.

Address: 2000 Mountain Road; Telephone: (505) 243 7255; Website: www.albuquerquemuseum.com; Opening time: Tuesday to Sunday 9am to 5pm; closed Thanksgiving and Christmas; Admission: $4 (adults), $1 (children 4-12). Free on the first Wednesday of every month and until 1pm on Sundays