5 Unique Experiences That Should Be On Everyone’s New Mexico Bucket List

If there's one experience everyone should be required to have in Albuquerque it's going on a hot air balloon ride over the New Mexico landscape. After all, the city is known worldwide for having the largest and most colorful hot air balloon festival in the world. For those who want to cross this adventure off their bucket lists, you can do so with a private hot air balloon flight with Elevated New Mexico. On the day of your flight, you'll be picked up outside of the restaurant Hannah & Nate's before sunrise and be driven to the location of the launch. Once you board the balloon with your pilot, you'll be soaring in the air on a gentle flight in no time. The experience lasts 2-3 hours and it will be one you'll never forget!

White water rafting is a pretty common addition on someone's bucket list. But what if I told you that you can take a white water rafting and wine tour? On this tour, you'll start by taking an exhilarating ride on the rapids through a popular section of the Rio Grande. After part one of the adventure, you'll go to wine tastings at three select wineries: Vivac, La Chiripada, and Black Mesa, all located in Dixon, NM.

Climb aboard the Sky Railway for one of the most unique train rides in New Mexico. Enjoy cocktails and live jazz music as the train travels through the Galisteo Basin Preserve at sunset. There's nothing quite like this experience -- views, music, cocktails, and a sunset all aboard a train.

One of the best ways to get to know a place is through its cuisine. On this food-themed tour in Santa Fe, you'll visit and sample delicious regional dishes at several local eateries. Along the way, you'll even get to see iconic sights like San Miguel Chapel and the Palace of the Governors. Sightseeing and food...what could be better?

On the Taos Half Day Cultural Tour, A Magical Taste of Taos and its Cultural Diversity, you'll experience a side of Taos like you never had before. Your guide will take you to Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge located inside the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. San Francisco de Assisi Mission Church and La Hacienda del los Martinez are two additional historical stops on this tour. Discover extraordinary Taos and learn about its history and local culture.