Skip to main content

New Mexico on a Budget for 10 Days


Painting by Carol Eliassen

Here is a detailed 10-day New Mexico itinerary focusing on cultural experiences, food, and historical sites, with a budget of $300-$400 per day. This itinerary assumes you'll be renting a car, which is essential for exploring New Mexico effectively. I'll factor in estimated costs for gas, food, activities, and lodging.

Assumptions:

  • Accommodation: Mid-range hotels/motels or well-reviewed Airbnb options (averaging $120-$180/night).

  • Car Rental: $50-$75/day (including insurance).

  • Food: Mix of casual and mid-range restaurants, with some splurge meals.

  • Activities: Entrance fees, tours, and cultural experiences.

Day 1: Arrival in Albuquerque & Old Town Charm

  • Morning (9:00 AM): Arrive at Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ). Pick up your rental car.

  • Morning (10:00 AM): Check into your hotel/Airbnb in or near Old Town Albuquerque. (Estimated: $150)

  • Lunch (12:00 PM): Grab lunch at The Shed in Old Town for classic New Mexican cuisine (red chile is a must!). (Estimated: $25)

  • Afternoon (1:30 PM): Explore Old Town Albuquerque. Visit San Felipe de Neri Church, browse the shops, and soak in the historic atmosphere.

  • Afternoon (3:30 PM): Indian Pueblo Cultural Center - Learn about the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico. Explore the museum and shop for authentic Native American crafts. (Estimated: $20)

  • Evening (6:00 PM): Dinner at High Noon Restaurant and Saloon in Old Town. (Estimated: $40)

  • Evening (7:30 PM): Optional: Catch a performance at the KiMo Theatre, a beautifully restored Pueblo Deco movie palace.

Day 1 Total Estimated Cost: $235 - $245

Day 2: Albuquerque: Heights and History

  • Morning (9:00 AM): Breakfast at your hotel or a local cafe. (Estimated: $15)

  • Morning (10:00 AM): Sandia Peak Tramway - Take a scenic ride to the top of the Sandia Mountains for breathtaking views. (Estimated: $30)

  • Lunch (12:30 PM): Have lunch at the restaurant on top of Sandia Peak or pack a picnic to enjoy the views. (Estimated: $20)

  • Afternoon (2:30 PM): National Museum of Nuclear Science & History - Learn about the history of the atomic age. (Estimated: $20)

  • Evening (5:30 PM): Explore Nob Hill. This area is known for its trendy restaurants, bars, and shops.

  • Dinner (7:00 PM): Dinner at Frontier Restaurant near the University of New Mexico. A local institution. (Estimated: $30)

Day 2 Total Estimated Cost: $115

Day 3: Road Trip to Santa Fe & Canyon Road Art

  • Morning (9:00 AM): Breakfast at your hotel or a local cafe. (Estimated: $15)

  • Morning (10:00 AM): Drive from Albuquerque to Santa Fe (approx. 1 hour).

  • Morning (11:00 AM): Check into your hotel/Airbnb in Santa Fe. (Estimated: $160)

  • Lunch (12:30 PM): Lunch at The Plaza Cafe on the Santa Fe Plaza. (Estimated: $30)

  • Afternoon (2:00 PM): Explore Canyon Road. This historic street is lined with art galleries, studios, and sculptures.

  • Afternoon (4:00 PM): Visit the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum. (Estimated: $20)

  • Evening (6:00 PM): Dinner at Geronimo, a fine-dining restaurant on Canyon Road (reservations recommended). (Estimated: $75)

Day 3 Total Estimated Cost: $300

Day 4: Santa Fe: History, Culture, and Culinary Delights

  • Morning (9:00 AM): Breakfast at your hotel or a local cafe. (Estimated: $15)

  • Morning (10:00 AM): Palace of the Governors - Visit this historic building on the Santa Fe Plaza, the oldest continuously occupied public building in the United States.

  • Morning (11:00 AM): New Mexico History Museum - Learn about the rich history of New Mexico. (Estimated: $15)

  • Lunch (1:00 PM): Food Tour - Take a guided food tour of Santa Fe to sample local specialties. (Estimated: $80)

  • Afternoon (3:00 PM): San Miguel Chapel - Visit the oldest church in the United States.

  • Afternoon (4:00 PM): Loretto Chapel - See the miraculous staircase. (Estimated: $10)

  • Evening (6:00 PM): Dinner at Tomasita's, a popular spot for New Mexican food in the Railyard District. (Estimated: $40)

Day 4 Total Estimated Cost: $160

Day 5: High Road to Taos & Artistic Vistas

  • Morning (9:00 AM): Breakfast at your hotel or a local cafe. (Estimated: $15)

  • Morning (10:00 AM): Drive the High Road to Taos. This scenic route passes through historic villages, churches, and stunning landscapes.

  • Morning (11:00 AM): Stop at Chimayo - Visit the Santuario de Chimayo, a famous pilgrimage site known for its healing dirt.

  • Lunch (1:00 PM): Lunch in Truchas, a picturesque village known for its art galleries. (Estimated: $30)

  • Afternoon (3:00 PM): Arrive in Taos and check into your hotel/Airbnb. (Estimated: $140)

  • Afternoon (4:00 PM): Explore Taos Plaza.

  • Evening (6:00 PM): Dinner at Orlando's New Mexican Cafe in Taos. (Estimated: $35)

Day 5 Total Estimated Cost: $220

Day 6: Taos Pueblo & Rio Grande Gorge

  • Morning (9:00 AM): Breakfast at your hotel or a local cafe. (Estimated: $15)

  • Morning (10:00 AM): Taos Pueblo - Visit this ancient Native American village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (Estimated: $25)

  • Lunch (12:30 PM): Lunch at The Love Apple, a restaurant in a renovated church. (Estimated: $40)

  • Afternoon (2:00 PM): Rio Grande Gorge Bridge - Walk across this impressive bridge for stunning views.

  • Afternoon (3:00 PM): Earthships - Tour these sustainable homes made from recycled materials. (Estimated: $20)

  • Evening (6:00 PM): Dinner at Lambert's of Taos, a fine-dining restaurant. (Estimated: $70)

Day 6 Total Estimated Cost: $170

Day 7: Return to Santa Fe & Relaxation

  • Morning (9:00 AM): Breakfast at your hotel or a local cafe. (Estimated: $15)

  • Morning (10:00 AM): Drive back to Santa Fe (approx. 1.5 hours).

  • Morning (11:30 AM): Check back into your Santa Fe hotel/Airbnb. (Estimated: $160)

  • Lunch (1:00 PM): Lunch at Cowgirl BBQ, a casual spot with live music. (Estimated: $30)

  • Afternoon (2:30 PM): Relax at Ten Thousand Waves, a Japanese-style spa. (Estimated: $80)

  • Evening (6:00 PM): Dinner at Sazón, a restaurant serving modern interpretations of traditional New Mexican cuisine. (Estimated: $75)

Day 7 Total Estimated Cost: $360

Day 8: Bandelier National Monument & Los Alamos

  • Morning (9:00 AM): Breakfast at your hotel or a local cafe. (Estimated: $15)

  • Morning (10:00 AM): Drive to Bandelier National Monument (approx. 1 hour).

  • Morning (11:00 AM): Explore Bandelier National Monument. Hike among the ancient Pueblo dwellings and cliff dwellings. (Estimated: $25)

  • Lunch (1:00 PM): Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at Bandelier or grab a bite in Los Alamos. (Estimated: $20)

  • Afternoon (2:30 PM): Bradbury Science Museum in Los Alamos - Learn about the history of the Manhattan Project.

  • Afternoon (4:00 PM): Drive back to Santa Fe.

  • Evening (6:00 PM): Dinner at Paper Dosa, a restaurant serving South Indian cuisine. (Estimated: $40)

Day 8 Total Estimated Cost: $100

Day 9: Turquoise Trail & Madrid

  • Morning (9:00 AM): Breakfast at your hotel or a local cafe. (Estimated: $15)

  • Morning (10:00 AM): Drive the Turquoise Trail, a scenic route between Santa Fe and Albuquerque.

  • Morning (11:00 AM): Visit Madrid, a quirky former mining town turned artist colony.

  • Lunch (1:00 PM): Lunch in Madrid at The Mine Shaft Tavern. (Estimated: $30)

  • Afternoon (2:30 PM): Continue driving the Turquoise Trail.

  • Afternoon (4:00 PM): Arrive back in Albuquerque and check into your hotel/Airbnb near the airport. (Estimated: $150)

  • Evening (6:00 PM): Dinner at Sadie's of New Mexico, a popular spot for New Mexican food in Albuquerque. (Estimated: $40)

Day 9 Total Estimated Cost: $235

Day 10: Departure

  • Morning (9:00 AM): Breakfast at your hotel or a local cafe. (Estimated: $15)

  • Morning (10:00 AM): Last-minute souvenir shopping in Albuquerque.

  • Lunch (12:00 PM): Lunch near the airport. (Estimated: $25)

  • Afternoon (1:30 PM): Return your rental car at Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ).

  • Afternoon (2:00 PM): Depart from Albuquerque.

Day 10 Total Estimated Cost: $40

Total Estimated Trip Cost (Excluding Flights): $2,030 - $2,130

Important Notes:

  • Reservations: Make reservations for popular restaurants and tours, especially during peak season.

  • Altitude: New Mexico is at a high altitude. Drink plenty of water and take it easy on your first few days.

  • Sun Protection: The sun is strong in New Mexico. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.

  • Flexibility: This is just a suggested itinerary. Feel free to adjust it to your interests and preferences.

  • Chile: Be mindful of the spice level of New Mexican chile. Ask for "Christmas" to get both red and green chile.

  • Gas: Gas prices can vary. Factor in gas costs for the long drives.

  • Tipping: Standard tipping practices apply.

This itinerary should provide a fantastic introduction to the cultural richness, historical significance, and culinary delights of New Mexico, while staying within your specified budget. Enjoy your trip!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Seattle Aquarium 2018

Seattle Aquarium We loved visiting the Seattle Aquarium this past summer. There was so much variety and the exhibits were bursting with colors as pictured below: I think pictures tell a story sometimes as much as words. The staff at the Aquarium can be just as entertaining!  If you haven't ever visited this great venue in Seattle, then you are missing out on a very educational experience. It is conveniently located at Pier 59 on the Elliott Bay waterfront among the quaint shops that line the harbor area. Check out their website Seattle Aquarium  for events, tickets, and location. It is fun for the whole family.   If you are a tourist or Washington resident that loves to be a tourist in this awesome city, then check out the discount tickets at  CityPass . You can get unbelievable package deals for the hottest attractions in Seattle, including the Seattle Center, Space Needle, Argosy tours and Chihuly Gard...
1 comment
Read more

Norway's Midnight Sun

Holding the Midnight Sun Norway was our destination.   My husband and I spent two weeks exploring the cities of Bergen and Trondheim as well as the Islands along the western fjords.   Our Norwegian relative tour guides told us we could not leave Norway without experiencing their midnight sun. We searched for the best place on one of the Islands and found it! The midnight sun was glowing across the horizon off the coast of Norway deep into the summer night.   There was a thrill just for being on top of ancient rocks that lined the coast of the Atlantic as the light was starting to fade in the distant horizon.   Our words and laughter seemed to echo across the rocks as the waves crashed high into the air.   We were not only enjoying the view but the sounds and smell of the open air of the salty ocean.    The glowing sun became a light in our hands as we stood and faced the camera.   As a couple we “held” the sun ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Rocky Ridge Safari in East Texas

Under the clear blue skies of East Texas is a gem of a drive-through wildlife and safari center called Rocky Ridge Safari that hosts over 25 different species of animals amongst the 200 acres of native trees and smooth red clay winding roads.  A friend asked me to go with her while visiting family in Texas, and I didn't hesitate to say yes! I couldn't believe my luck in the backwoods of Eustace, very close to Canton, was an incredible drive through wildlife center. The trip was a perfect opportunity to do an animal photoshoot and hopefully shoot some great pictures right from the front seat of my friend Linda's car.  We headed out early to be the first car in line when it opened at 10 a.m. since we knew the animals would be hungry and eager to make their way to our car. When you buy your ticket, it also comes with a good size food bag for feeding with each one. The animals were very eager to see us or rather the food we were handing out. I'm not sure I have a favorite f...
Post a Comment
Read more