A truly unique destination, Santa Fe is both the oldest and at 7,000 feet, the highest capital city in the United States. “The City Different” was founded by Spain in 1607, and briefly became part of Mexico before joining the United States in 1848. Nearly the entire city is built in the “Pueblo-Spanish” style, in which the houses were traditionally made with adobe clay bricks and flat roofs. The earthen colors of the buildings blend seamlessly into the surrounding hills and valleys.

Santa Fe’s location at the foot of the southern Rockies, and mild four-season climate (more than 300 days of sunshine annually), help make it a world-class city for outdoor recreation. Boasting several hundred miles of trails from 6,000-12,000 feet in elevation, the International Mountain Bike Association named Santa Fe one of 15 Silver Ride Centers. The nearby Pecos Wilderness offers nearly endless opportunities for hiking (including backpacking), fly-fishing, horseback-riding and back-country skiing. Ski Santa Fe operates 660 acres of lift-served terrain for downhill skiing from Thanksgiving to April.

New Mexico´s capital city is also its cultural and culinary hub. Canyon Road features the highest density of art galleries in the world, and the summer festival of the Santa Fe Opera is renowned globally. Many of the best restaurants in the Southwest are found here, including plenty of places to sample some of New Mexico’s famous red or green chile.