Discovering the Beauty of New Mexico: A Road Trip Itinerary

Are you dreaming of an unforgettable road trip through some of the most stunning landscapes in the USA? Join me as I recount my 8-day adventure through New Mexico, starting from my long-awaited visit to the mesmerizing White Sands National Park. 🌄

Day 1 – Arrival in Albuquerque ✈️

Your journey begins in Albuquerque (ABQ), where you will settle down for your first night. After arriving, I enjoyed a delicious meal at El Pinto, famous for its spicy ribs. It’s a perfect start to an exciting trip!

Accommodation: Residence Inn, located conveniently near the airport.

Day 2 – Exploring White Sands and El Paso

On the second day, we set off to White Sands National Park, followed by a visit to El Paso. The landscape of White Sands is absolutely breathtaking, with its vast stretches of white gypsum sand dunes.

Food Stops: We dined at D. H. Lescombes for some wine and great food on our way, and also enjoyed a meal at West Texas Chophouse. Both places were delightful! 🍷🥩

Accommodation: Holiday Inn in El Paso.

Day 3 – From El Paso to Roswell

Our adventure continued as we traveled to Guadalupe, then Carlsbad, and finally to Roswell. In Carlsbad, we had a casual lunch, and for dinner, we tried El Coco Pirata in Roswell, where the spicy seafood was phenomenal! Just a tip — steer clear of the raw items if you’re sensitive to it. 🌮

Accommodation: Airbnb in Roswell.

Day 4 – Santa Fe and Ojo Caliente

This day was all about culture and relaxation. We visited Santa Fe and Bandelier National Monument before heading to Ojo Caliente. I had a lovely meal at Zeng in Santa Fe, known for its delightful hot and sour noodles!

Accommodation: Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa.

Day 5 – Wilderness and Farmington Delights

Day five started with a trek to the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness, followed by a trip to Farmington. For lunch, we settled for a quick McDonald’s, but for dinner, we hit up MMM QUE Rico — their surf and turf fajita platter is a must-try! 🌮

Accommodation: Airbnb in Farmington.

Day 6 – From Farmington to Mancos

A blend of stunning scenery and culinary delights marked day six. We visited Shiprock and Mesa Verde, enjoying lunch at Wendy’s after a McDonald’s overload. Dinner in Cortez at Gustavo’s proved to be rewarding, with their beef tacos highly recommended. 🌮

Accommodation: Unique Airbnb experience in Mancos (a cozy yurt!).

Day 7 – Valley of Dreams and Back to Albuquerque

Day seven took us to the enchanting Valley of Dreams. We made a stop for lunch at Juniper Cafe in Farmington to try the blue corn pudding — simply divine! For dinner, we treated ourselves to Chinese cuisine at Red Chili House back in Albuquerque. 🍜

Accommodation: Same as Day 1.

Day 8 – Departure ✈️

Sadly, all good things must come to an end. I boarded my flight from Albuquerque to LGA, taking with me memories of stunning landscapes, delightful food, and wonderful experiences! 🌟

Conclusion

This road trip through New Mexico is filled with unique experiences, mouth-watering cuisine, and breathtaking sights. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or a culinary enthusiast, this itinerary ensures you won’t miss out on the wonders of this beautiful state. Pack your bags and get ready for a journey like no other! 🌍