The city of Santa Fe is located in New Mexico, approximately some 60 miles away from Albuquerque, which is found to its south. The city was originally known as “La Villa Real de Santa Fe de San Francisco de Asis” by the Spaniards who set foot on it way before 1607.  The name meant, “The Royal City of the Holy Faith of St. Francis of Assisi”. Santa Fe is one of the oldest cities in the USA, and holds the record for being the oldest state capital city in that country. Its age makes it a tourists’ favorite travel destination due to its rich history amongst other attractions.

A part from its rich history, Santa Fe is strategically located between two mountains, the Jemez Mountains which are found to its west and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains located to its east. Winters come with snowfall, but this is seen here as a blessing in disguise since the snowfall markets it as a favorite skiing destination. The wonder here is that the snow normally falls amidst the clear blue skies of sunshine. As such, there are no temperature extremes in the city throughout the whole year, making it a popular tourist hub.

One of the cultural attractions in the city is the Santa Fe Indian Market which takes place every August. Products in this market are mainly original art works of the American Indian Artists. However, with the introduction of the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market which is held in July, other cultures have ceased the opportunity and are exploiting the new market grounds for their pieces of work.

The city is served by a small municipal council airport. However, commercial flights use the nearby Albuquerque International Sunport Airport. There are also municipal bus shuttles for moving around, but one can still rent a car and enjoy some of the attractions at their own pleasure.

Santa Fe is known for its rich history and consequently historic sites. The Palace of Governors is located in the city’s downtown National Historic District. Built in the year 1610, it the oldest public building in the US. What is even more interesting about it is the fact that the one-story building is still in use to date. Native Americans use its front part for selling their traditional art works, including pottery, jewelry, sand paintings and so on. The other structure found in the district is the San Miguel Mission Church, which is believed to be the oldest church in the US as well. The oldest house ever build in the US is also believed to be located here in the National Historic District, at 215 East De Vargas Street, towards the east of Old Santa Fe Trail. It was built in the year 1646.

Other attractions in Santa Fe include museums, other great historic sites, shopping and outdoor activities like skiing, hiking and so on. Some of the museums here include the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture, The Museum of International Folk Art, the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian and the Museum of Spanish colonial.