Northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado Vacation Ideas Northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado - Road Trip Planner
 

Costs for Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Taos, Northern NM, Southern CO

Things to do / Travel Guide

This region of the southwestern United States is in general rather affordable. A traveler's dollars can go a lot further in this region than in other parts of the United States.

Dining

For the most part, dining is very affordable in the region, and portions are large. If you're going to eat a lot of Mexican food while there (recommended, and you might not have much choice anyway) you'll find that as little as $5 can get you a filling taco or burrito plate with a drink, while an “investment” of $10-$15 can get you a feast of caballeroproportions.

In areas that cater heavily to tourists, like Santa Fe and Taos, there is a wide-range of fine-dining options, but they can often be pricey. Once you add in the influx of hip, high-income newcomers in recent decades, many of the places you find in this region may be downright overpriced in comparison to Albuquerque or other places in the region.

Lodging

Lodging is cheapest in the area around Albuquerque, especially in chain hotels around the major highways, and in the smaller towns in the region. Chain lodging establishments in these areas, as well as in more expensive Santa Fe and Taos, are typically your best bet for affordable lodging. It gets more expensive if you're looking to stay in bed and breakfasts, fancier hotels, or luxury guesthouses in the Santa Fe or Taos areas. There are also a limited number of hostels throughout the area as well as lots of camping options.

Attractions

Most attractions in the region, be they parks, lakes, or cultural events, should be within the budget of even the most frugal traveler.