New Mexico is a state in the southwestern United States that is a unique destination for many travelers. With its unique culture, fascinating history, and diverse landscape, New Mexico offers a wide range of experiences and activities for visitors of all ages. In this chapter, we will take a closer look at why New Mexico is so fascinating and what are the reasons to visit this state. Geography and climate New Mexico has an area of more than 315,000 square kilometers, making it the fifth largest state in the United States. It is known for its contrasting landscapes, ranging from the deserts of the south to the mountain ranges of the north. The state is also rich in rivers and lakes, such as the Rio Grande and Elephant Butte Lake. The climate in New Mexico varies by region. It is hot and dry in the desert areas in the south, while it is cooler in the higher regions in the north. Winters can be cold and snowy, especially in the mountains, while summers are often hot and sunny. The average temperature in summer is around 30°C, while in winter temperatures often drop below freezing. History New Mexico has a rich and fascinating history dating back to Native America. The Pueblo Indians were the first inhabitants of the region and created a culture and traditions that endure to this day. In the 16th century, they were conquered and colonized by the Spanish, resulting in a mixture of Spanish and Native American culture

From hiking sandstone canyons to chowing down on southwestern cuisine, fall under the spell of the Land of Enchantment with Moon New Mexico. Inside you'll find: Strategic, flexible itineraries with ideas for art lovers, outdoor adventurers, history buffs, and more Top experiences and unique activities: Wander through a ghost-town graveyard, count the bullet holes in the ceilings of preserved 19th-century saloons, or visit the birthplace of the atomic bomb. Soar through New Mexico's clear blue sky on a colorful hot air balloon. Spark inspiration and delight in the spirited art scene of Santa Fe, or seek an extraterrestrial experience at the International UFO Museum & Research Center in Roswell Savor the flavors: Dig into traditional local cuisine, like red sauce-smothered enchiladas, tender carne adovada, and hearty posole. Indulge in juicy green-chile cheeseburgers or opt for something lighter from one of New Mexico's many organic farm-to-table restaurants Outdoor adventures: Go deep on a trek into the mesmerizing underground world of Carlsbad Caverns or venture off-trail in the De-Na-Zin Wilderness to view stunning hoodoos. Raft from surging waters to gentle currents on the Rio Grande or explore the wavelike gypsum dunes of White Sands National Monument Ways to respectfully engage with native cultures: Attend a dance ceremony or a powwow, tour a pueblo, or peruse handmade goods at a market Local insight from Santa Fe dweller Steven Horak on when to go, where to stay, and how to get around Full-color, vibrant photos and detailed maps throughout Thorough background on the landscape, wildlife, climate, and local culture, plus advice for families, seniors, international visitors, and LGBTQ+ travelers Focused coverage of Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Taos, Navajo Nation, Las Cruces, Carlsbad, and more With Moon New Mexico's practical tips and local know-how, you can find your adventure. Exploring more of the Southwest? Try Moon Arizona & the Grand Canyon or Moon Zion & Bryce. Hitting the road? Try Moon Southwest Road Trip.

Over 1,200 years old, 500 miles long, and rich with tradition and sacred history: Embark on the trip of a lifetime with Moon Camino de Santiago. Inside you'll find: Strategic trekking guides for walking the Camino, including where to start to get the Compostela certificate and excursions to gateway cities like Santiago, Léon, and Pamplona Unique ideas for enriching your experience: Admire folkloric art and Romanesque churches, stroll through the stone archways and winding alleys of medieval cities, and soak up mountain views as you cross over the Pyrenees and descend into green valleys. See the archaeological site where Europe's oldest humans were uncovered and breathe in the salty ocean air as you finish your journey at the shores of the Atlantic Savor the local flavors: Enjoy authentic jamón serrano, tapas, and Galician wine, or grab fresh cheese and bread for a picnic lunch The best detours, festivals, and villages along the way: Linger in Estella, witness the running of the bulls in Pamplona, visit the monastery in Nájera, or sip wine in Cacabelos Essential planning information on when to go, how to get there, where to eat, and where to stay, from pilgrim dorms to private hotels, plus tips on hazards, precautions, and gear Valuable insighton the history and context of the pilgrimage from expert Beebe Bahrami, who has walked the Camino many times since 1995 Full-color photos and detailed maps throughout, plus a handy fold-out map of the entire route Thorough background information on the sacred sites and history of the Camino, as well as the landscape, culture, and local etiquette Handy tools including Spanish and French phrasebooks, visa information, volunteer opportunities, and tips for seniors, women traveling alone, religious and secular travelers, and LGBTQ travelers Start your transformative journey with the expert insight, unique suggestions, and practical advice of Moon Camino de Santiago.

From the Pacific to the Atlantic, through prairies and bayous to snow-capped mountains, uncover the best of the US with Moon USA State by State. Inside you’ll find: Broken down by region, each chapter introduces the unique personality of all 50 states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico The top 3 experiences in every state: Whether it’s a bucket-list national park, a famous festival, or an unbeatable beach, find out what makes each state special Unforgettable outdoor adventures: Explore the best national parks from Acadia to Zion. Peep the changing leaves in Vermont or set up camp for a night of stargazing in Texas. Explore underground caves in Kentucky, or hike to waterfalls in Washington and volcanoes in Hawaii. Admire stunning arches and hoodoos in Utah, or watch for wildlife in Alaska Road trip ideas: Hit the road with lists of each state's best scenic drives and must-see roadside stops Local flavors from coast to coast: Sample hatch chilis in New Mexico and dig in to heaping plates of hot chicken in Tennessee. Spend a weekend wine-tasting in Oregon, or try a flight of craft beers in Colorado History and fun facts: Get to know more about each state with historical background, lesser-known local favorites, and more A foldout poster map with checklists to track your adventures Moon USA State by State: Inspiration, experiences, and adventures from coast to coast. Winner of the 31st Annual North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA) Travel Media Awards Competition: Best Travel Book or Guide, Gold Award​ About Moon Travel Guides: Moon was founded in 1973 to empower independent, active, and conscious travel. We prioritize local businesses, outdoor recreation, and traveling strategically and sustainably. Moon Travel Guides are written by local, expert authors with great stories to tell—and they can't wait to share their favorite places with you. For more inspiration, follow @moonguides on social media.

Moon Travel Guides: Experience the Life of the City! Whether you're looking for honky-tonks or chicken-fried steak, find out what sets "DFW" apart with Moon Dallas & Fort Worth. Inside you'll find: Strategic itineraries that can be adapted for your budget and timeline, whether you're in Dallas for a weekend or spending more time exploring the region Activities and unique ideas: Catch a show at the House of Blues, learn how to line dance, or risk a ride on a mechanical bull. Tour landmarks of both cities' infamous outlaw history, or grab a bite from one of Dallas's many food trucks after strolling the Nasher Sculpture Center. Escape the heat with a dip in Lake Texoma or a kayak trip down the Trinity River, and find the best margaritas, dancing, and famed Texas steak for a night on the town Honest advice on where to stay, where to eat, and how to get around by car or public transportation Local insight from born-and-bred Dallas expert Emily Toman Full-color, vibrant photos and detailed maps for navigating independently Detailed and thorough information, including background on culture and history, geography, and regional vernacular With Moon Dallas & Fort Worth's practical tips, myriad activities, and expert advice on the best things to do and see, you can plan your trip your way. Looking to explore more of the Lone Star State? Try Moon Austin, San Antonio & the Hill Country, or Moon Texas.

The Rough Guide to the Southwest USA Make the most of your time on Earth with the ultimate travel guides. Discover the Southwest USA with this comprehensive and entertaining travel guide, packed with practical information and honest recommendations by our independent experts. Whether you plan to take a retro road-trip down the iconic Route 66, explore the snow-white sand dunes of New Mexico, or immerse yourself in the camp and colourful world of Las Vegas, The Rough Guide to the Southwest USA will help you discover the best places to explore, eat, drink, shop and sleep along the way. Features of this travel guide to the Southwest USA: - Detailed regional coverage: provides practical information for every kind of trip, from off-the-beaten-track adventures to chilled-out breaks in popular tourist areas - Honest and independent reviews: written with Rough Guides' trademark blend of humour, honesty and expertise, our writers will help you make the most from your trip to the Rockies - Meticulous mapping: practical full-colour maps, with clearly numbered, colour-coded keys. Find your way around Santa Fe, Phoenix and many more locations without needing to get online - Fabulous full-colour photography: features inspirational colour photography, including sunset over the Grand Canyon and a bird's-eye view of Zion National Park - Time-saving itineraries: carefully planned routes will help inspire and inform your on-the-road experiences - Things not to miss: Rough Guides' rundown of the best sights and top experiences to be found in the Southwest USA, from Wild West Towns to rural New Mexico - Travel tips and info: packed with essential pre-departure information including getting around, accommodation, food and drink, health, the media, festivals, sports and outdoor activities, culture and etiquette, shopping and more - Background information: comprehensive 'Contexts' chapter provides fascinating insights into Scotland with coverage of history, religion, ethnic groups, environment, wildlife and books, plus a handy language section and glossary - Covers: The Four Corners, Santa Fe and northern New Mexico, Albuquerque and southern New Mexico, Phoenix and southern Arizona, Flagstaff and central Arizona, The Grand Canyon, Southern Utah and Las Vegas You may also be interested in: Rough Guide to the USA: West Coast About Rough Guides: Rough Guides have been inspiring travellers for over 35 years, with over 30 million copies sold globally. Synonymous with practical travel tips, quality writing and a trustworthy 'tell it like it is' ethos, the Rough Guides list includes more than 260 travel guides to 120+ destinations, gift-books and phrasebooks.

They've been dubbed America's best idea for a reason: get inspired, get outdoors, and discover the wild beauty of the United States with Moon USA National Parks. Inside you'll find: Coverage of all 63 national parks, from the misty mountains of the east and the redwoods of the west to the glaciers of Alaska and volcanoes of Hawaii, organized by region Strategic lists and itineraries: Choose from lists of the best parks for hiking, wildlife, families, and scenic drives or make your way down the list of the top ten national parks experiences across the country The best outdoor adventures in every park, including backpacking, biking, climbing, kayaking, rafting, and more, plus detailed hike descriptions and trail maps marked with distance, duration, effort level, and trailheads National parks road trips with driving times and advice for linking multiple parks, interesting stops between them, and nearby attractions and state parks Comprehensive planning resources: With maps and transportation tips, you'll have the tools to explore each park or region individually, or visit multiple for an epic national parks trip Expert advice from former park guide Becky Lomax on how to avoid crowds, what time of year to visit, and where to stay inside and outside the parks, from campgrounds to hotels Know before you go: Find essential background on climate, terrain, wildlife, history, and safety precautions, plus practical information on park fees, passes, and reservations, including how to obtain and use a National Parks Pass Gorgeous, full-color photos throughout, plus a handy keepsake section for your national parks stamps and a detachable fold-out poster map Whether you're trekking to striking vistas, rafting a wild river, or camping under the stars, find your park adventure with Moon USA National Parks. For more in-depth information on a specific park, check out one of Moon's national parks travel guides. About Moon Travel Guides: Moon was founded in 1973 to empower independent, active, and conscious travel. We prioritize local businesses, outdoor recreation, and traveling strategically and sustainably. Moon Travel Guides are written by local, expert authors with great stories to tell—and they can't wait to share their favorite places with you. For more inspiration, follow @moonguides on social media.

Lonely Planet: The world's leading travel guide publisher Lonely Planet's Mexico is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Gather all your senses and dive head-first into the ancient Maya world at exquisite Palenque; sample the freshest local specialities from street food stalls and innovative restaurants; and soak in the colours of Oaxaca City's fiestas, architecture, and arts scene. All with your trusted travel companion. Get to the heart of Mexico and begin your journey now! Inside Lonely Planet's Mexico: Colour maps and images throughout Highlights and itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interests Insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots Essential info at your fingertips - hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, transit tips, prices Honest reviews for all budgets - eating, sleeping, sightseeing, going out, shopping, hidden gems that most guidebooks miss Cultural insights provide a richer, more rewarding travel experience - covering history, people, music, landscapes, wildlife, cuisine, politics Covers Mexico City, Around Mexico City, Veracruz, Yucatán Peninsula, Chiapas, Oaxaca, Central Pacific Coast, Western Central Highlands, Northern Central Highlands, Baja California, Copper Canyon, Northern Mexico The Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet's Mexico is our most comprehensive guide to the country, and is designed to immerse you in the culture and help you discover the best sights and get off the beaten track. Traveling just around Cancun? Check out Lonely Planet's Cancun, Cozumel & the Yucatan for a comprehensive look at all the region has to offer. About Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet is a leading travel media company and the world's number one travel guidebook brand, providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveller since 1973. Over the past four decades, we've printed over 145 million guidebooks and grown a dedicated, passionate global community of travellers. You'll also find our content online, and in mobile apps, video, 14 languages, nine international magazines, armchair and lifestyle books, ebooks, and more. 'Lonely Planet guides are, quite simply, like no other.' - New York Times 'Lonely Planet. It's on everyone's bookshelves, it's in every traveller's hands. It's on mobile phones. It's on the Internet. It's everywhere, and it's telling entire generations of people how to travel the world.' - Fairfax Media (Australia) eBook Features: (Best viewed on tablet devices and smartphones) Downloadable PDF and offline maps prevent roaming and data charges Effortlessly navigate and jump between maps and reviews Add notes to personalise your guidebook experience Seamlessly flip between pages Bookmarks and speedy search capabilities get you to key pages in a flash Embedded links to recommendations' websites Zoom-in maps and images Inbuilt dictionary for quick referencing Important Notice: The digital edition of this book may not contain all of the images found in the physical edition.

From fine-art galleries and fried clams to breathtaking beachside hikes, escape to the Cape with Moon Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard & Nantucket. Inside you'll find: Strategic itineraries, including weekend getaways to Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, or Nantucket, and the 12-day best of all three, designed for outdoor adventurers, beach bums, foodies, families, winter visitors, and more Fun highlights and unique experiences: Admire 19th century lighthouses and take in some local lore at the Whaling Museum. Feast on raw oysters, fried clams, and fresh fish. Kick back at an old-school drive-in theater or have a lively night at a popular drag show in Provincetown. Stroll the cobblestone streets of Nantucket or pop into the galleries and artisan studios on the Cape The top outdoor adventures: Kayak through misty marshes, spot dolphins from a sailboat, hike to cliffside bluffs, or bike the serene beach paths of Martha's Vineyard Honest advice from Cape Cod local Ray Bartlett on when to go, how to get around, and where to stay, from quiet seaside cottages to historic guest houses and posh resorts Helpful resources on Covid-19 and traveling to Cape Cod Full-color photos and detailed maps throughout Thorough background on the landscape, climate, wildlife, and culture Experience the best of the Cape with Moon Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard & Nantucket. Exploring more of New England? Try Moon New England Road Trip. Hitting the trails? Check out Moon New England Hiking. About Moon Travel Guides: Moon was founded in 1973 to empower independent, active, and conscious travel. We prioritize local businesses, outdoor recreation, and traveling strategically and sustainably. Moon Travel Guides are written by local, expert authors with great stories to tell—and they can't wait to share their favorite places with you. For more inspiration, follow @moonguides on social media.

They've been dubbed America's best idea for a reason: get inspired, get outdoors, and discover the wild beauty of the United States with Moon USA National Parks. Inside you'll find: Coverage of all 62 national parks, from the misty mountains of the east and the redwoods of the west to the glaciers of Alaska and volcanoes of Hawaii, organized by region Strategic lists and itineraries: Choose from lists of the best parks for hiking, wildlife, families, and scenic drives or make your way down the list of the top ten national parks experiences across the country The best outdoor adventures in every park, including backpacking, biking, climbing, kayaking, rafting, and more, plus detailed hike descriptions and trail maps marked with distance, duration, effort level, and trailheads National parks road trips with driving times and advice for linking multiple parks, interesting stops between them, and nearby attractions and state parks Comprehensive planning resources: With maps and transportation tips, you'll have the tools to explore each park or region individually, or visit multiple for an epic national parks trip Expert advice from former park guide Becky Lomax on how to avoid crowds, what time of year to visit, and where to stay inside and outside the parks, from campgrounds to hotels Know before you go: Find essential background on climate, terrain, wildlife, history, and safety precautions, plus practical information on park fees, passes, and reservations, including how to obtain and use a National Parks Pass Gorgeous, full-color photos throughout, plus a handy keepsake section for your national parks stamps and a detachable fold-out poster map Whether you're trekking to striking vistas, rafting a wild river, or camping under the stars, find your park adventure with Moon USA National Parks. For more in-depth information on a specific park, check out one of Moon's national parks travel guides.