Welcome to Albuquerque, New Mexico—the ballooning capital of the world! Located in the heart of the Southwest, Albuquerque is rich in history, culture and avenues for adventure.

With beautiful blue skies and sun that shines 310 days a year, Albuquerque is the perfect spot for outdoor activities such as the Albuquerque International Balloon Festival®, the world’s largest hot air balloon festival. Each year in October more than 700 balloons take to the sky at a time, drawing a huge international crowd of balloonists and spectators.

Albuquerque also offers many opportunities for visitors to immerse themselves in the rich history and blend of cultures that make New Mexico so unique. Visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center for an introduction to New Mexico’s 19 Pueblos; learn more about the area’s Spanish Heritage at the National Hispanic Cultural Center; and stop by Albuquerque’s Museum of Art and History which displays artwork from indigenous peoples to Spanish colonials to cutting–edge modern installations. While in town, don’t forget to sample Albuquerque’s unique regional cuisine—a blending of Native American foods with the chili peppers, wheat flour, pork and other ingredients brought to the New World by the Spanish settlers—and award–winning wines from the oldest winemaking region in the country.

Grab your sunglasses, bring a friend and enjoy the beauty and history of Albuquerque, New Mexico!