With 550,000 inhabitants Albuquerque is the largest city of New Mexico, and it is nearly 45% of the inhabitants of the state who live in its agglomeration. Contrary to what is often believed, Albuquerque is not the capital of New Mexico, it is its little neighbour Santa Fe who occupies this role.at the gateway to the Chihuahua Desert, Albuquerque is one of the highest American cities. It has been situated at an altitude of 1,490 metres, at the level of the Rio Grande, at 1,950 metres at the foot of the Sandia mountains. The Sandia Peak Tramway, which joins the city at the top of the mountain at 3,000 meters altitude, was until 2010 the longest cable car in the world.310 days of sunshine a year, and one of the deepest blue skies in America, Albuquerque is a not unpleasant vacation stop on a family trip to the USA.Albuquerque is located near the center of New Mexico, 105 kms from Santa Fe and 215 kms from Taos, its airport connected to the major American cities can make it a good starting or arrival point for a road trip in the American West, for a route whose objectives would be the discovery of New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona and Utah. Unfortunately there is no direct access from Europe and the nearest major tourist sites to Albuquerque are to the north-west of the city. Albuquerque is considered a better place to start or finish a road trip in the U.S., and it is best to stay overnight in the U.S. Since Europe arrival in Albuquerque is usually late in the day, after a stopover in another U.S. city, while the first flight back is more likely in the morning. Accommodation near the airport, on arrival or the day before departure, is then more comfortable. Albuquerque does not have the charm, far from it, of Santa Fe its neighbor. On the other hand its historical center is perhaps more authentic so much the capital of New Mexico became tourist. Albuquerque was founded in 1706 on a traditional Spanish village plan, with a central square surrounded by residential houses, a church and administrative buildings. This central square has stood the test of time: today it is the Old Town Albuquerque, the historic and cultural centre of the city, located to the east of the city.