A Local's Guide To Must-See New Mexico | Best In Travel 2023

BEST IN TRAVEL 2023: NEW MEXICO
Learn why New Mexico is called the "Land of Enchantment." Is it because of the state's thousand-year-old pueblos where Native Americans still live in today? Or the fiery-red deserts that you can cross on horseback or by hot air balloon? Or perhaps, is it because of the modern and contemporary art scene that New Mexico's capital Santa Fe is world-famous for? Native American hoop dancer ShanDien LaRance shows us her top places to go and things to do while introducing us to the native land and culture of her home state.
Featuring: ShanDien Sonwai LaRance & Steve Wikviya LaRance
Executive Producer: Annie Greenberg
Producer: Matt Paco
Director / DP: Jack Pearce
Camera Operator: Blake Horn
Senior Editor: Di Li
Subscribe to the Lonely Planet KZbin Channel: / @lonelyplanet .
Follow Lonely Planet on Instagram: / lonelyplanet .
Read more on: www.LonelyPlanet.com.
00:00 - Welcome to New Mexico
00:10 - Meet ShanDien LaRance & Steve LaRance
01:17 - Cultures of New Mexico
01:44 - Bandelier National Monument
02:07 - Taos Pueblo
02:28 - El Santuario de Chimayo
02:47 - Ojo Caliente Spa
03:10 - Art in Old Town Santa Fe
03:27 - Museum Hill
03:38 - Indigenous Fashion
04:08 - Meow Wolf Santa Fe
04:46 - Land of New Mexico
04:58 - Ghost Ranch
05:26 - Santa Fe Hot Air Balloons
06:05 - Come visit New Mexico
#LonelyPlanet #BestInTravel #BestInTravel2023 #NewMexico #SantaFe #Travel

[@LonelyPlanet]

What other spots in New Mexico are must-stop places worth visiting? Let us know!

[@anjaniziznewski]

The villages of Madrid and Cerrillos on the Turquoise Trail :)

[@margaretgross9311]

I am from NM. My family has been here since 1598. There is a bunch more of NM, than Santa Fe, Taos. Albuquerque has the largest Balloon Fiesta in the world. The Tram on the front side of the Sandia Mountains- it is one of the longest in the world. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is in Albuquerque. The National Hispano Cultural Center is in Albuquerque. The National Nuclear Museum is in Albuquerque. The Botanical Gardens in Albuquerque are in the top 10 in the Nation. Petroglyph National Monument is in Albuquerque and the Coronado Historic site is in the metro area. Albuquerque has three major Casinos, which offer high stakes gambling, a vibrant nightlife, and great indigenous food. In NM, there are two national parks, two national historic parks, one national heritage area, and 11 national monument spread out over the states. There is lots to see in this state. I lived here most of life and am still seeing amazing things, like the VLA in San Augustin Plains, wineries and breweries all over the state, and the Gila Wilderness, the sixth largest national forest in the US. I hope all visitors get off the beaten path and travel some two lane highways in NM.

[@vigillionaire]

Pecos in summer! Santa fe in September. It's a vibe

[@richardstephens3327]

Come down south, see where the land is very different and places that time and maps have forgotten.

[@MariaMosqueda-ru5eo]

Lonely new Mexico

[@dcv7465]

To all my overseas friends - the United States is often (unfairly) mischaracterized as a homogenous place that lacks culture. To that charge, I say - come visit New Mexico. This place is unique in the U.S. and unique in the world. And to my fellow Americans - New Mexico is a beautiful and underrated part of our country. You won't find a place that mixes Native, Mexican, Spanish and cowboy culture like this anywhere else. You should come and spend your tourist dollars here.

[@LonelyPlanet]

New Mexico is a unique, wonderful place.

[@sonneillionx7705]

What about being the most dangerous state crime and stuff?

[@InvaderKush]

@@sonneillionx7705that’s Albuquerque lol.

[@sonneillionx7705]

@@InvaderKush ahh the rest is good? I'll live in Alamogordo in June :'(

[@InvaderKush]

@@sonneillionx7705​​⁠​​⁠Alamo is fine, that’s actually where I’m from originally. Beautiful aea, just not much to do and super conservative. You will be super close to skiing though.

[@themoondrinksmerlot4260]

I wish YT would replace every transplant-realtor’s video with THESE videos. I love New Mexico - We visit once a year from Denver. Nobody ever shows the land like this.

[@Funny4450]

This presentation was so well done - ShanDien and Steve are such great ambassadors for New Mexico!

[@LonelyPlanet]

Yes, they are! They're great people.

[@NMEntertains]

This is just a snippet of what New Mexico has to offer, but a beautiful one. We encourage you to come to New Mexico and see what all we have to offer in Southern, Western, and Eastern New Mexico as well. 🙂

[@carlmartinez7399]

Very nice. Makes you proud of being a New Mexican.

[@DS-cf1zc]

I have plans to visit and travel across the US - I have a whole range of stops offs that pass through New Mexico and Arizona, purely as they seem to be two states with incredible cultural heritage. I cannot wait to visit, and see this with my own eyes, what a wonderful place.

[@elosogonzalez8739]

What a great spokesperson for the state!

[@LonelyPlanet]

ShanDien is great.

[@tommackay7433]

New Mexico is a lot like Arizona, only a lot better. I moved her a couple months ago and will never leave.

[@JoleneSmith-yv4gb]

😂

[@hamburger11000]

I love to visit New Mexico. Was stationed there in the 60's and my wife and I have returned many times since then. Come and visit, you will never forget it.

[@jm5390]

New Mexico is such a beautiful and underrated state. I've always loved visiting and driving through the various towns and seeing the landscapes and cities go by. Add the food and rich cultural history and you've got a gem of a state!

[@LonelyPlanet]

We totally agree.

[@newenglandscrambler2262]

Wonderful video. Its nice to see one frome someone who actually has a personal connection to the land and not just a travel blogger. I have visited several times and going back for a 9 day trip this weekend. I am planning to move to the state in the next couple of years, and I couldn't be mkre excited. New Mexico is still a hidden gem in this country.

[@deeelle697]

the best new mexico tourism video ive seen & exactly what i was looking for. thank you for sharing,

[@LonelyPlanet]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@memostacosbirria8495]

I lived in Albuquerque in 92-94 I love it ❤

[@MUHAMMADQASIMMAKAOfficial]

Nice sharing 👍

[@yuxiq6409]

这是我的脚踏实在地球上的地方，我住在地球上，却觉得这里是最亲近地球的地方。新墨西哥州，一个充满魔力的地方，其独特的文化和美丽的风景让我深深地爱上了这里。这里的土地，广阔而富有生机，从沙漠的辽阔到山脉的壮丽，每一处都让我想起了中国家乡的美景。新墨西哥的文化是一个融合了土著美洲人、西班牙和美国边疆传统的独特混合体，这种多元文化的和谐共存，让我在远离故乡的地方也能感受到一种亲切感。 每当我漫步在充满历史感的圣菲街道，或是在阿尔伯克基的热气球节中仰望满天的彩球，我都能感受到这里浓厚的文化底蕴和生活的热情。新墨西哥的艺术，无论是充满活力的民俗舞蹈还是色彩斑斓的波布洛风格建筑，都让我感到震撼和赞叹。 在新墨西哥，我找到了一种特别的归属感，这里的风土人情让我想起了中国的家乡，无论身在何处，那种对土地的深厚爱意和文化的自豪感始终伴随着我。在这片充满魔力的土地上，我找到了第二个“家”，一份温暖而深刻的情感链接，让我无论何时都感到欣慰和满足。

[@Sassamous]

I loved your presentation. You did a fabulous job. I saw your brother dance and have been FB friends with your father for some time. You are a credit to your family and your people.

[@cathrynocken488]

This THIS IS BY FAR THE VERY BEST VIDEO EVER for BEAUTIFUL NM!!! Thank you!!!!

[@user-nn9jy5om6d]

Great places and things to see; The "White Sands National Park", Alamogordo, Ruidoso, Cloudcroft, Las Cruces, Carlsbad Caves, Fort Sumner, Santa Fe, Madrid (Wild Hogs) movie town, the Rio Grande (I walked across a dry part), Taos, Elephant Butte Lake, and so many more I have been to and still did not see everything! If you have not been to New Mexico, you need to go see this Beautiful State with so much Culture and History.

[@garyreid6165]

I want to move to New Mexico. I wanted to go there when I was a little boy living in New Jersey.

[@LonelyPlanet]

You should definitely visit New Mexico. It's truly an enchanting place.

[@nmlifeio]

Incredibly well-done!!

[@LonelyPlanet]

Thanks. Glad you liked it.

[@RadenYohanesGunawan]

Beautiful people, place and culture. ❤ from Indonesia

[@michaelfitzgerald434]

This was really lovely. Thank you! You speak often of your ancestors. Must be nice. I'm Irish. Booze, poverty and mud puddles! HaHaHaHaHa I used to fly hot air balloons at Albuquerque.. Beautiful state. God Bless!

[@JaneDoe-ng3zm]

The Irish are the Phoenicians. We are unique and blessed that why we are attacked by the enemy, I'm Irish rh negative blood and blessed by heaven

[@leadersleverage]

What a thrilling and captivating video. Your dynamic personality, smile, voice, tonality, energy, confidence, and character match the powerful and spiritual message. Thank you

[@LonelyPlanet]

ShanDien is the best. She's an amazing ambassador for New Mexico.

[@melissaalp5972]

I have never been there, but look forward to going there soon !! What a beautiful place !!!!

[@richardstephens3327]

I love the state of New Mexico but I see this land in a completely different way. Living in the south eastern part of the state where the mountains, great plans, and desert touch. There are the caverns, the river, several dune fields, and an entirely separate yet still very New Mexico feel to the land. As an artist, a historian, and a lover of the wild This area is where I call home and where my family has bin for generations.

[@LonelyPlanet]

Thanks for sharing. It's tough covering a whole state in one video. We hope to come back again and capture more of what makes New Mexico a magical place.

[@theyessentials]

I love this Native perspective, thank you for sharing

[@LonelyPlanet]

Glad you enjoyed it. ShanDien was a great guide to show us around New Mexico.

[@prudd72]

Ive been there twice and August will be my 3rd visit. Its an amazing place and i love the low humidity. However, your elected officials need to put some effort into advertising this beautiful state. From the beautiful landscape, art, Cultural history , and of course ... Billy the Kid and the Lincoln County War. Come and see them before time claims what remains.

[@frankiemaejenkins821]

Me gusta tu nombres por Santa Fe, México-O,'gea Pogeh Owinge-Blanca Choncha. Muchas Gracias por la Matinal. Grozoso.

[@Nguyen80Hoang]

Happy february to Lonely Planet inc. Où sortir🌟

[@LonelyPlanet]

Happy February to you too!

[@streetchat5054]

It is a very beautiful place, be careful with Sun exposure 😊

[@user-nn9jy5om6d]

Thank you for this video, great job! I want to learn more about your people. I lived in New Mexico for several years and I was not surprised at how much I really like it out there. I have lived in Arizona, Nevada and Texas also. I really like the west more than anywhere else in the US. New Mexico is a very underrated State! I think the New Mexico Government needs to fix the roads out there and do more for the entire State! One of the draw backs for people moving to New Mexico is the cost of car insurance and registration due to the road conditions. I loved it out there and I will be moving back to New Mexico. I didn't get to see everything I wanted to see when I was there, but I did see a lot.

[@marymaresca]

Wonderful video!

[@LonelyPlanet]

Glad you liked it!

[@jakula7764]

Awesome.

[@LonelyPlanet]

Glad you think so!

[@ivanandrade8040]

Beautiful.

[@LonelyPlanet]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@HerAeolianHarp]

Wonderful video and guides.

[@LonelyPlanet]

Glad you think so!

[@booker9879]

Van life.... Santa Fe New Mexico Cerrillos Rd Defined fitness.

[@alexhale2696]

This is just the tip of the iceberg. There is White Sands, The Very Large Arrays, The Trinity Site, The Four Corners Monument, Sandia Tramway, Pie Town, Historic Route 66, Continental Divides, National Museum of Nuclear Science & History in ABQ, Gathering of Nations Pow Wow, many more National & State Parks to visit, etc.

[@123cp8]

I loved living in NM. It’s a gorgeous and diverse place. It makes me a little sad, though, that videos about NM like this one, are almost always just videos about the Santa Fe area.

[@xploration1437]

Yeah, it’s just a tourist trap.

[@UnknownChannel338]

Thank you for making New Mexico look good! The only NM videos I see on KZbin say that New Mexico is terrible and you should NEVER move there.

[@LonelyPlanet]

Glad you like the video!

[@simonjacket8866]

You guys should ask Dream Team Travels to make videos for you. They are very talented videographers saw them on CNBC and other news outlets already

[@TadaTours]

Visit the world with expert tour guides: youtube.com/@TadaTours Subscribe today!

[@CJLuna]

It is a miracle that the Spanish were there and did not exterminate the natives of the area, I am of indigenous descent but from South America and in these parts the Spanish killed everything that moved.

[@lesliedavis5074]

What about the southern part of the state????

[@kennethelizondo1999]

You didn’t mention anything about about the the southern part of New Mexico

[@InvaderKush]

They never do!! 😭

[@phantomdynamics1666]

If you were born in New Mexico like me, 99.999999995 percent of people love nature after. 99.999999995 keave for better opportunities but wished that the scenery and the food could stay with them.

[@MaiaDuerr]

Interesting that the term "Anasazi" is still used...

[@MichaelWilliams-ro9bm]

No desert. Only Mesa…

[@ronniesmith2899]

The elected officials not governing our city is creating chaos for the people visiting and people living in Santa Fe. The loud cars that take over our city day and night is an embarrassment to this city and the tax payers. I moved to Santa Fe over 14 years ago and love it, but the last few years of increased noise from the modified car mufflers have taken over the sound scape and is causing noise pollution that's unacceptable most cities. My family and friends will no longer visit due to lack of sleep either in hotel rooms or at my place due to the noise. There are laws in place to curb the illegal cars but it's not being enforced. This is unfair and I don't know to approach it. I have contacted the governor's office and never received a reply, same with the mayor. Do our elected officials ever step outside to see what's going on in this city? This has been going on for a long time and there's been more than ample time to fix this.

[@katharinecarmichael7759]

Please contact me. I am also here in New Mexico. Born & Raised

[@jonhelmer8591]

As Max Gomez sings: New Mexico: It's not New and it's not in Mexico.

[@JoleneSmith-yv4gb]

I live in New Mexico. The cities are horrible and crime ridden. It is not a good place to live horrible education high cost of living compared to what they would pay you to work here. It is like a confused mess

[@BlazetheCat-34079]

im feeling of feeding right now! GOD SOMEONE HELP NEW MEXICO IS NOT SPANISH

[@randolphfriend8260]

🥲 🩷

[@valarmorghulis9912]

New Mexican born and raised here ...we got a lot of cool German stuff here too ... better than the drunk brown ones most of them are drunk any way ... dah shure crazy guy aaaaaaaah...

[@rafaelspillers6561]

Just avoid Albuquerque

[@jenniferrsn]

Why haha

[@dukeford8893]

I'd avoid Santa Fe before I'd avoid Abq.

[@rafaelspillers6561]

@dukeford8893 yeah that place is also an overpriced dump.

[@streetchat5054]

It is a very beautiful place, be careful with Sun exposure 😊