Albuquerque is a city off the beaten track.

     Unlike its sister cities of Santa Fe and Taos, which are also Mexican in origin, Albuquerque is distinctly chic. It may not have the same quantity of Santa Fe galleries and give way to spectacular views caught in Taos, but beats both with its hot welcome and no less hot-air balloons concentrated in the sky right above the city. This is not a magic, but evidence of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta held every October.

     The event is a perfect way to start your visit.

     What's more? You can find it out on your own with Booked.net from cheap hotels in Albuquerque to those packed with luxuries all available with maps, photos and secure forms to complete your stay in Albuquerque – a city where locals drink tequila instead of water.

     In this bustling New Mexico city all cultures from Spanish, Mexican, Native American, Anglo, and Asian find time to drink tequila in warm evenings as soon as sunset comes. It is the time when ethnic differences vanish and give way to the unique whole - 448,607 residents all ''authentic Mexicans'' love Albuquerque as if it was their motherland.

     You will like as well this typical Sun Belt City with the highest elevations in the United States ranging from 1490m above sea level near the Rio Grande to 1950m in the foothill areas of Sandia Heights and Glenwood Hills. The entire area offers comprehensive selection of things to do and places to see. Attractions include;

- Rio Grande Zoo with polar bears, lions, zebras, tigers, giraffes, and elephants to be met there

- Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum traces a history of ballooning

- Albuquerque Museum of Art and History preserves artifacts from the rich past of New Mexico

     In this museum you hardly at first recognize relicts of the small settlement that Albuquerque once was in 1706. Named after Spain's duke of Albuquerque the city thrived on its strategic location on a trade route and also farming became dominant from the start in the fertile Rio Grande Valley. A huge growth came with the turn of the 20th century, as railroad workers boosted the city. In 1926 they established Route 66 nicknamed as "The Mother Road" that contributed much to the modern economy of the city.

     Today Albuquerque has moved towards hi-tech achievements, gradually building a reputation of the leading cost-effective computer maker and gained attention for its progress in filmmaking with Albuquerque "Q" Studios and Sony Pictures Imageworks.

     Whatever interests you have be it film industry or groovy festivals, Albuquerque will keep you occupied during your stay there, but first consider booking in advance a hotel in Albuquerque at Booked.net – a website with discount hotel offers.