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Information on New Mexico
The geographical wonderland of New Mexico is known as the 'land of enchantment' and offers a diverse landscape of the Rocky Mountains in the north, the Great Plains stretching across to the east, the hot Chihuahuan Desert in the south and impressive canyons to the west and the Rio Grande. Combined with a bright blue sky, a rich heritage of ancient Native American culture and Hispanic occupation, New Mexico makes up a fascinating and colourful mosaic that quite understandably draws thousands of visitors looking for a destination that brings surprises at every turn, and reveals hidden treasures behind every mysterious rock formation.
The original inhabitants of the region were the Anasazi people, who have now live on the settlements and have evolved into the Pueblo Indians and the state of New Mexico once witnessed the legendary wars between the Navajo and Apache tribes for territory. Along came the Spanish explorers and by 1610 the capital of Santa Fe had been founded and settled.
The state is home to some interesting historic attractions, which explore the blend of Indian and Spanish heritage in the region and the Pueblos 'living museums' are fascinating attractions. The state was home, too, to some of the most legendary mountain men and notorious cowboys, like Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid, not to mention cattle barons like John Chisum who grew rich rounding up longhorns on the southeastern plains. From cowboys to alien space ships is a big leap, but one New Mexico makes with ease in the town of Roswell in the southeast, where UFO enthusiasts flock to investigate the famed 'Roswell Incident'.
New Mexico holidays not only offer an interesting history and enchanting landscapes, the state also has a timeless quality. A laid-back attitude prevails even in the cities, and the pace is as slow and languid as the ascent of the myriad of colourful hot-air balloons that fill the skies over the city of Albuquerque in the world-famous annual festival.
