New Mexico's capital city and the oldest capital in the United
States, Santa Fe, is sited just 60 miles (97km) north of the
state's largest metropolis, Albuquerque, from which it differs
quite remarkably. Where Albuquerque is high-tech, Santa Fe is arty,
having become a haven for artists of all persuasions and today
featuring more than 250 art galleries and studios. The city is also
confusing to navigate through with its narrow winding lanes and
one-way streets, making it best explored on foot from its busy
central plaza.Tourists not only flock to this 400-year-old city at the foot of
the Rocky Mountains for the museums and galleries, but also because
it is surrounded by almost a hectare (two acres) of National
Forest, offering great opportunities for skiing, rafting, mountain
climbing, hiking and a host of other associated recreational
pursuits.The local culture is built firmly on Spanish and Native American
roots, which is reflected in the city's historic architecture and
the crafts sold on the plaza by the hawkers. The city makes an
ideal base from which to explore the many Indian pueblos, which are
within an hour's drive throughout the valley of the Rio Grande.
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