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PRINT THIS MAP Albuquerque Balloon Festival! Travel the World through Poster Art! PRINT THIS MAP

Albuquerque Description Albuquerque is an authentic, high-spirited American legend located in the heart of New Mexico. As one of the oldest cities in the United States, Albuquerque’s heritage is rich and multicultural, boasting strong Native American, Hispanic and Latino influences. The unrivalled character of Albuquerque has been molded by its long and enthralling history. It was founded in 1706 as a small Spanish settlement by a group of colonists granted permission by King Philip V of Spain to establish a new villa on the banks of the Rio Grande. It was named in honor of Spain's Duke of Alburquerque. Over the years, the first "r" in that name was dropped, leaving Albuquerque spelled as we know it today. In 1880 the railroad came to town and the city flourished almost overnight. Today, Albuquerque remains a center of regional transportation. Remember the song lyrics, "If you ever plan to motor west, travel my way on the highway that's the best. Get your kicks on Route 66?" Well, that historic (now decommissioned) highway, the "Main Street of America," still runs through parts of the city, and each year locals and visitors help celebrate that remarkable highway's impact on America's growth. Fast Facts The American International Rattlesnake Museum, situated a block south of the Old Town Plaza, boasts the largest collection of different species of live rattlesnakes in the world. According to AAA’s Annual Vacation Cost Survey for 2008, Albuquerque ranked as the second most affordable vacation destination in North America. The glowing brown sacks that embellish Albuquerque’s walkways, churches and homes each holiday season are called luminarias (paper bags lit from within by a candle). They date back more than 300 years to the first Spanish settlers. Contact Us | Privacy Statement Copyrighted by Graphic Maps All rights reserved! All maps, graphics, flags and original descriptions created by Graphic Maps, a d/b/a of the Woolwine-Moen Group, unless otherwise noted and/or directly linked to the source, and use of same for any application whatsoever (with the exception of outline maps) requires written permission. We make no copyright claim on any statistical data on this page, nor on any non-original graphics, and/or pictures not produced by us. Certain statistical data is gathered from the CIA World Factbook, as well as numerous public domain reference materials. Every effort is made to be as accurate as possible when disseminating information on any worldwide destination. We are not responsible for unintentional data entry errors or omissions. If you would like to submit an addition, change or correction, or suggest a new link, please forward it to our map department and we will give it our immediate attention.

Major Albuquerque Attractions More than three centuries of amazing history combined with a melting pot of international cultures have transformed Albuquerque into a celebrated travel destination. In this thoroughly modern city the mountain air is crisp and clean; the people friendly, and things work right the first time. You will be dazzled by the amazing scenery and enthralled by the endless sunny days. Come enjoy! The Ballooning Capital of the World Albuquerque is home to the International Balloon Fiesta, and a dazzling fiesta it is! Each year in October, hundreds of colorful hot-air balloons soar into the clear blue sky, helped by gentle winds and perfect cool temperatures. This event has garnered international fame and it is one of the most photographed happenings on the planet. Gathering of Nations Pow Wow This grand gathering is the largest Native American event in the world. Over 3000 indigenous Native American dancers and singers from more than 500 tribes in the United States and Canada meet in Albuquerque every year. Along with celebrations of dance and song, the impressive Gathering of Nations Pow Wow hosts a huge Traders Market and a Miss Indian World contest. Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway Enjoy sensational views of deep canyons and scenic land while taking a trip on the longest aerial tramway in the world to the top of Sandia Peak. Enjoy a panoramic view of the Rio Grande Valley and the Enchanted Land in a breathtaking way; then dine atop the mountain as the desert sky above Albuquerque turns to shades of red, violet and gold. additional U.S. States here Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming ***Washington D.C. PRINT THIS MAP

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