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Rolling into Portal, Arizona, it doesn’t take long to see why some folks show up for a visit... and stick around for years.
Southwest New Mexico

Off the Grid and Into the Wild: Exploring Rodeo, NM and Portal, AZ 🏜️🐍🐦

2 months agonewmexicotravelguyAdd comment

Chasing birds, solitude, and desert magic in Rodeo, New Mexico and Portal, Arizona — where cell service fades, the trogons get elegant, and the Chiricahua Mountains steal the show.

The city of Albuquerque, stretched out like a sun-soaked tapestry below Sandia Peak. After miles of switchbacks and a healthy dose of elevation gain, this is the kind of view that reminds you why you lace up your boots in the first place.
Central New Mexico

Albuquerque’s Top 3 Hikes—and Why Tree Spring Trail Keeps Me Coming Back 🌲🥾

2 months agonewmexicotravelguyAdd comment

Looking for the best hikes in Albuquerque? Here's a local’s take on three top trails—including the under-the-radar favorite I keep coming back to: Tree Spring Trail in the East Mountains.

La Matanza in Belen, New Mexico, is a vibrant celebration of community, culture, and cuisine, where skilled cooks prepare traditional dishes like carne adovada and chicharrones over steaming cauldrons. Amid the crisp winter air, the festival brings people together to honor ranching heritage, share rich flavors, and keep New Mexico’s Hispano traditions alive.
Central New MexicoFood

The Belen Matanza in New Mexico: Where Tradition Sizzles, Chicharrónes Crackle, and Pants Get Tight 🐖

2 months agonewmexicotravelguyAdd comment

From Chicharrónes to Community Spirit: Everything you need to know about the Belen Matanza Experience

The Sandia Peak Tram glides toward the top, reaching an impressive height of 10,378 feet. From up there, you’re treated to sweeping views of Albuquerque sprawled below and the rugged, sun-soaked shrublands stretching out to the west.
Central New Mexico

Experience Albuquerque from Above: The Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway 🚡

3 months agonewmexicotravelguyAdd comment

Take the Sandia Peak Aerial Tram to one of New Mexico’s best views. From dramatic landscapes to hiking adventures, it’s the perfect Albuquerque escape.

Get Ready to Feel the Heat: The 2025 National Fiery Foods & BBQ Show in Albuquerque
Central New MexicoFood

Get Ready to Feel the Heat: The 2025 National Fiery Foods & BBQ Show in Albuquerque 🌶️🔥

3 months agonewmexicotravelguy2 comments

Feeling the burn as the National Fiery Foods & Barbecue show returns to Albuquerque, New Mexico from February 28 - March 2, 2025.

Here's another look at St. Elizabeth’s Church (Bazylika św. Elżbiety Węgierskiej), along with colorful historic townhouses that house cafes, restaurants, and shops.
Beyond NM - Europe

A Road Trip through the Baltics – The Journey You Didn’t Know Was on Your Bucket List (Part 5 of 5): Poland

4 months agonewmexicotravelguy

Wrap up your Baltic road trip with a journey through Poland. Explore The Wolf's Lair, Wrocław, Toruń, Auschwitz, Ojców National Park, and Kraków

Cathedral Square is the heart of Vilnius, packed with history and landmarks. Vilnius Cathedral (left): This iconic building with tall columns is central to Lithuania’s Christian history. Palace of the Grand Dukes (right): Once home to rulers, it’s now a museum showcasing Lithuania’s rich past. Gediminas Tower (far right): The last piece of the Upper Castle, offering incredible city views. Grand Duke Gediminas Monument (center): A tribute to the founder of Vilnius in the square’s heart.
Beyond NM - Europe

A Road Trip through the Baltics – The Journey You Didn’t Know Was on Your Bucket List (Part 4 of 5): Lithuania

4 months agonewmexicotravelguy

Discover Lithuania's Hill of Crosses and Vilnius: A journey through faith, resilience, and history in the heart of the Baltics.

Welcome to Riga, Latvia! This photo features the House of the Black Heads, located in Riga’s Old Town. Built in 1334, it started as a meeting place for public organizations and banquets. Today, it’s a symbol of Riga’s history and a must-visit for anyone in Latvia’s capital.
Beyond NM - Europe

A Road Trip through the Baltics – The Journey You Didn’t Know Was on Your Bucket List (Part 3 of 5): Latvia

4 months agonewmexicotravelguy

Your Latvia Road Trip Playlist: Gauja National Park, Sigulda Bobsleigh and Luge Track, and the capital city of Riga.

This picture captures a slice of Tallinn, Estonia’s medieval city walls, complete with its famous towers. The towers are part of the remarkably well-preserved defenses that wrap around Tallinn’s Old Town. These towers are linked by the old defensive walls that were built between the 13th and 16th centuries. The whole area is a centerpiece of Tallinn’s UNESCO-listed Old Town and a favorite spot for visitors to explore.
Beyond NM - Europe

A road trip through the Baltics – the journey you didn’t know was on your bucket list (Part 2 of 5): Estonia

4 months agonewmexicotravelguy

Your Estonia Road Trip Playlist: Tallinn, Soomaa National Park, and Pärnu

Flags of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania (from left to right)
Beyond NM - Europe

A road trip through the Baltics – the journey you didn’t know was on your bucket list (Part 1 of 5): Overview

5 months agonewmexicotravelguy2 comments

From Tallinn to Kraków, this Baltic road trip hits small towns, capitals, and stunning landscapes.
Part 1: An introduction to the Baltics.

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If you have any suggestions for places, people, or events I should feature in an upcoming post, feel free to contact me at mark@newmexicotravelguy.com

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Okay, last one—I promise. But I liked this shot so much, I use it as the photo for my weekly newsletter. Feel free to sign up!
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The city of Albuquerque, stretched out like a sun-soaked tapestry below Sandia Peak. After miles of switchbacks and a healthy dose of elevation gain, this is the kind of view that reminds you why you lace up your boots in the first place.
Albuquerque’s Top 3 Hikes—and Why Tree Spring Trail Keeps Me Coming Back 🌲🥾
2 months ago

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