American International Rattlesnake Museum, Albuquerque

Albuquerque's Rattlesnake Museum is an exciting and educational experience. Billed as an animal conservation museum the establishment is dedicated to displaying how rattlesnakes influence our lives. Exhibits include artefacts, memorabilia and the largest collection of live rattlesnakes in the world. The snakes, gathered from North, Central and South America, are kept in specially recreated habitats.

Opening Times:
Monday to Saturday 10am to 6pm, Sunday 1pm to 5pm (June to August); Monday to Friday 11.30am to 5.30pm, Saturday 10am to 6pm, Sunday 1pm to 5pm (September to May).

Admission:
$5(adults), $3 (children)

Petroglyph National Monument, Albuquerque

One of Albuquerque's most enjoyable recreational attractions is the 17-mile-long (27km) stretch of escarpment of the West Mesa, entered from Unser Boulevard, that is a treasure-trove of more than 25,000 prehistoric and historic rock carvings or petroglyphs, some dating as far back as 2,000 years. Maps and information regarding the geology and history of the area are available from the Las Imágenes Visitor Center. Hikers can follow various trails to explore the Boca Negra Canyon, or join rangers on scheduled walks during the summer months. Picnic areas, drinking water and restroom facilities are provided.

Opening Times:
Las Imágenes Visitor Center and Boca Negra Canyon: daily 8am-5pm

Admission:
Boca Negra Canyon parking fee: $1 (weekdays), $2 (weekends). There is no charge for other areas within the Monument

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Albuquerque

The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is designed to give an introduction to New Mexico's rich Native American cultural heritage and the 19 individual pueblo communities of the State. The centre is situated on 12th Street, about a mile northeast of the Old Town in Albuquerque, and is a recreation of Pueblo Bonito, a ruined Indian village in the Chaco Culture National Historic Park dating from the 9th century. The centre also features a museum displaying early photographs, artefacts and artworks. A restaurant serves traditional fare and traditional dances are performed by different tribal groups. Those interested in seeing the real thing can make an excursion to Pueblo Acoma, 60 miles (96km) west of Albuquerque, the oldest inhabited village in the United States, situated on a 367-foot (112m) high sandstone rock.

Opening Times:
Daily 9am to 5pm

Admission:
$6 adults, $ children; concessions available.

Sandia Peak Tramway, Albuquerque

The perfect awe-inspiring overview of Albuquerque can be had from nearly one mile (2km) above the city on top of Sandia Crest, the windy mountaintop where the view is said to extend for over 1,000 miles (1,609km). Simply follow Tramway Boulevard for a few miles north of the city to board the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway, the world's longest continuous jigback passenger tramway, which makes the ascent from the desert foothills to the summit in about 20 minutes. In winter skiers make use of the more than 30 trails descending from the mountain crest, while in summer hikers and mountain bikers take the tramway up and enjoy nature on their way down. Pleasure seekers simply ride to the top to enjoy the view, which is particularly spectacular at sunset, and enjoy a meal at the High Finance Restaurant with its picture windows.

Opening Times:
Daily 9am to 9pm (summer), 9am to 8pm in winter (from 5pm on Tuesdays); it does not operate on very windy days, and is closed for maintenance for two weeks every spring and autumn

Admission:
$20 (adults), $12 (children 5-12); concessions available. A one-way ticket is $12. In ski season a round trip with any Daily Ski Lift Ticket is $12

Roswell, Albuquerque

The town of Roswell in south-east New Mexico has become the focus of UFO and alien hunters from all over the world every since the 'Roswell Incident' in 1947, when an alien craft purportedly crashed near the town leaving surviving extra-terrestrials. Conspiracy theorists believe government authorities deliberately covered up the crash. The incident, as well as a large collection of UFO-related material, is highlighted at the International UFO Museum and Research Center in Main Street, Roswell. The museum also features a worldwide UFO sighting map and a comprehensive library. Roswell itself is just as UFO-crazy, and you can eat at UFO-themed cafes, and buy just about anything you can think of with an alien on it.

Opening Times:
Museum: daily 9am to 5pm

Admission:
Museum: $5 (adults), $2 (children)

Turquoise Trail, Albuquerque

Travellers who abandon the highway and opt for the scenic byways will be rewarded with The Turquoise Trail state-designated scenic and historic route, which runs from Albuquerque to Sante Fe through the majestic Sandia Mountains, passing through the revived 'ghost' towns of New Mexico's mining belt. The route begins on NM14 about 16 miles (26km) east of central Albuquerque, covering about 61 miles (98km) before reaching Sante Fe. En route is the Cibola National Forest, mining towns of Madrid, Golden and Cerrillos filled with art and craft practitioners, the Tinkertown Museum, Museum of Archaeology, Old Coal Mine Museum and the Turquoise Mining Museum.

Albuquerque Museum, Albuquerque

The Albuquerque Museum, on the edge of the city's Old Town, explores New Mexico's past using the largest collection of Spanish colonial artefacts in the United States. Exhibits like Spanish armour and swords mingle with a recreated 18th-century adobe house compound. The museum also pays homage to the Vaqueros, the original cowboys who rode the range in New Mexico in the 16th century. There are also hands-on experiences to try like spinning wool, and a theatre where films about the city are shown regularly. The museum provides a walking tour of the Old Town area departing at 11am each day except Monday during spring, summer and fall.

Opening Times:
Tuesday to Sunday 9am-5pm; closed holidays

Admission:
$3 (adults), $1 (children 4-12). Free on the first Wednesday of every month and until 1pm on Sundays

New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, Albuquerque

The exciting Museum of Natural History takes visitors on a time trip through 12 billion years, from the formation of the universe up to the present day. From the earth's beginnings exhibits, displays and recreated scenes take you through an erupting volcano, an ice-age cave, an aquarium, the dinosaur age and a fossil centre, giant-screen theatre, planetarium and a naturalist centre, to name just a few of the educational entertainments offered.

Opening Times:
Daily 9am-5pm. Closed on Mondays (excluding holidays) during January and September.

Admission:
Museum, DynaTheatre, Planetarium: $7 (adults), $4 (children)