Are you searching for the best national parks in New Mexico? If your answer is yes, then you have reached the right place.
There are many breathtaking vistas in New Mexico. It is in the Southwest region of the United States, yet tourists generally ignore them. The state is also home to the Rocky Mountains, and the Rio Grande. It is a variety of vivid canyons, cliffs, and caves in addition to its stunning but harsh desert landscape.
If you are planning to visit the state, you need to check out some of the best national parks that are located in New Mexico. If you don’t know which one to begin with, you might just find his blog to be of help. Keep reading this article till the end to learn more…
Top 10 Must-Visit National Parks In New Mexico In 2024!
You can tour the magnificent archaeological sites that the Ancestral Puebloans left behind at several locations. It provides a fascinating look into the cultures and individuals who have influenced the state. They are protected as a component of the nation’s parks and monuments.
With so many facets and breathtaking beauty on display, New Mexico more than lives up to its moniker as the “Land of Enchantment.” And what better way to explore them than the national parks in New Mexico!
Here are the best national parks in New Mexico that you need to visit at least once in your life. If not in the year 2023!
1. Aztec Ruins National Monument
The captivating Aztec Ruins National Monument, which is next to the little city of the same name, is tucked away in the state’s northwest. It has been guarding the ruins and remains of a fascinating prehistoric pueblo, thought to have been constructed about a thousand years ago, since 1923.
This magnificent archaeological monument has over 400 rooms to explore, with its Great Kiva unquestionably the standout. American settlers mistakenly credited it to the Aztecs. Visitors can enter a duplicate that has been meticulously recreated in order to see the real ruin’s glorious stonework. You can also view it as it was in its prime.
The museum at the National Monument is definitely worth visiting. Especially if you want to learn more about the history and culture of the Ancestral Puebloans. There are lots of eye-catching exhibits and artifacts there.
2. Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park comes in second on the list of the top national parks in New Mexico. The fascinating Carlsbad Caverns National Park is located in the southeast of the state, not far from Texas. It is a remarkable location with more than 119 caves, the greatest and most impressive of which is Carlsbad Cavern, its show cave.
Although the state of New Mexico is breathtaking from the outside, Carlsbad Caverns National Park is home to at least one subsurface natural wonder. Carlsbad is far from anything else in New Mexico. It is situated on the border with Texas, is well worth the trip.
The Big Room is a natural chamber that is 4,000 feet long, 625 feet wide, and 255 feet high. It is the third-largest cave chamber in North America and the seventh-largest in the world. Carlsbad is covered in limestone that an old coral reef deposited.
Intricate and enormous, Carlsbad is home to tens of thousands of rare cave formations. It includes stalagmites, stalactites, cave pearls, flowstones, cave crystals, and underground lakes. Visitors have the option of taking a ranger-led expedition into one of the less popular caverns. They can also explore the well-lit tunnels on their own.
The half-day Hall of the White Giant and Spider Cave trips are not for the claustrophobic. But the King’s Palace and Left Hand Cave tours are appropriate for kids and beginners. The closest established campsite is in Guadalupe National Park, which lies across the Texas state line. Camping is permitted in the park’s wilderness.
3. El Malpais National Monument
The state’s westernmost national monument, El Malpais, is where a sizable volcanic field may be found. It is situated in a remote but breathtaking area just off Interstate 40 and is full of cinder cones, lava flows, and rock formations.
Its barren, devastated, and lava-scarred areas, which are a part of the Zuni-Bandera volcanic field, seem to continue on forever; the most recent flow occurred there about 3000 years ago. There are several amazing lava tubes for visitors to explore, some of which are home to shimmering ice caverns, tucked away among the isolated and rocky remnants.
El Malpais’ immensely varied volcanic scenery provides solitary pursuits, leisure, and adventure. Unbelievable geological phenomena like lava flows, cinder cones, lava tube tunnels, and sandstone bluffs are just a few to explore. People have been adjusting to and living in this unique terrain for decades, despite what some may perceive as a barren setting.
4. El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail
In all of the United States of America and Mexico, El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro is revered as a historic path for trade and cultural exchange. Trade and travel along this path influenced the settlement and growth of the larger Southwest and changed the lives of individuals and communities.
In addition to helping to break down barriers between cultures and improve the lives of those who live along El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, the designation of this route as an international historic trail honors the connections and interactions that have existed between American Indian, Mexican, Black, Spanish, and other European cultures both historically and currently.
The aims of El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro were varied. Many of its users participated in the lengthy mission of the Spanish empire to convert American Indians to Christianity. However, the road was home to a wide variety of personalities; those traveling north included settlers, priests, and newly appointed officials; those traveling south included retiring officials, friars, traders, enslaved Indians, prisoners of war, and convicts.
The path was also a key route for trade, serving as a conduit for the exchange of products and knowledge. Each of the thirty-two waggons in a typical caravan along the road was pulled by eight mules and could hold around 4,000 pounds of freight. Most caravans also carried other livestock like cattle, lambs, goats, burros, and poultry. The freight included private goods, correspondence, mission supplies, and royal decrees.
Between El Paso, Texas, and Santa Fe, New Mexico, the El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail stretches for 404 miles; the historic trail continues all the way to Mexico City. Along the entire length of the trail into Mexico, there are museums, historic sites, churches, and remnants of the old trail.
5. Fort Union National Monument
The territorial-style adobe remains of the greatest 19th-century military fort in the area are exposed to the wind. There is a broad valley of short grass prairie among the swales of the Santa Fe Trail. Fort Union served as a catalyst for political and cultural change in New Mexico and the Southwest for forty years. It happened from 1851 to 1891, whether those changes were wanted or not.
North of Watrous in Mora County, New Mexico, is where you’ll find Fort Union National Monument, a part of the US National Park Service. On June 28, 1954, the national monument was established.
The site includes the remains of the third fort as well as the second of three forts that were built there starting in 1851. A network of ruts from the Mountain and Cimarron Branches of the previous Santa Fe Trail is also discernible.
From a self-guided tour and a much interpretive trail where the guides take the visitors through the fort, to a short 0.5-mile walk with a special focus on some parts of the fort, the tourists can have it all here!
The Fort Union National Monument opens at 08:00 a.m. in morning and stays open till eight in the night. You can visit this place on Saturdays and Sundays.
6. Bandelier National Monument
Another of the region’s top archaeological sites, the magnificent Bandelier National Monument, is located not far from Santa Fe. It is located on the Jerez Mountain slopes and has a tonne of amazing wilderness, as well as various Ancestral Puebloan sites scattered throughout its picturesque surroundings.
It was established in 1916 and now preserves some of the state’s most stunning, reachable, and substantial cliff homes. Visitors can explore caves, kivas, and ceremonial structures utilized by the Ancestral Puebloans for generations in Frijoles Canyon’s magnificent peach-colored surroundings. There are Petroglyphs and rock art too.
Even though it is the most well-known and picturesque location in the park, there are many more amazing things to see across the national monument, with delightful wildlife, landscape, and views everywhere you look. It also boasts a fantastic museum that displays ancient artifacts and finds from archaeology.
7. Chaco Culture National Historical Park
Northwest New Mexico is home to the fascinating Chaco Culture National Historical Park, one of the most significant and magnificent pre-Columbian cultural sites in the whole United States. It is one of the best national parks in New Mexico. Its expansive site, located within the Navajo Nation, safeguards a large number of historically significant pueblos.
Pueblo Bonita, built between AD 900 and 1100 from pieces of sandstone that have skillful placement. It was once the hub of Puebloan culture and trade. The ruins of several “great houses,” and other smaller structures are there all across the starkly gorgeous Chaco Canyon. Many of these are aligned with the sun’s and moon’s light and shadow patterns. In the wake of a protracted drought in 1130, everyone left their homes.
A network of old roads known as the Chacoan Roads connects the Chaco Culture National Historical Park to a number of formerly prosperous desert settlements. After visiting Chaco, go 75 miles north to the Aztec Ruins National Monument. It is a first-come, first-served campground at the end of a 21-mile dead-end dirt road. Here you will see another magnificent grand house and a recreated underground ritual space called a kiva.
The backdrop is equally stunning as the extensive archaeological sites, which are fascinating to investigate. The barren desert steppe has enormous mesas and stunning buttes. Visit the museum at the site before leaving. Learn all there is to know about the Ancestral Puebloans who once lived in the dry area.
8. El Morro National Monument
Imagine how refreshing it would be to reach water after days of sand-filled journey. El Morro (the headland) was a well-liked camping area for hundreds of years. This is because of a dependable waterhole concealed in the base of a sandstone bluff. Over 2,000 signatures, dates, notes, and petroglyphs are here from prehistoric Puebloans, Spanish, and American travelers. Make a pit stop at the El Morro National Monument while traveling.
Two paths are there at El Morro National Monument. To select the path that’s best for you, stop by the visitor center and speak with a ranger. The tourist center is where all routes start and end.
Only when the visitor center is open can visitors access the trails of El Morro National Monument?. It is necessary to start hiking the Headland Trail by 3:00 PM. Before 4:00 pm, hikers who want to complete the Inscription Loop must start.
Let me give you some advice if you intend to visit the El Morro national park and want to know what to do there. On the Headland Trail, you can go hiking. The Inscription Loop is part of this 2-mile track, which also leads to the top of the El Morro bluff. With a 224-foot elevation climb, the course is somewhat challenging.
You can trek the Inscription Loop by taking a shorter trail. You can walk the half-mile trek to the pool You will pass through hundreds of Spanish and American inscriptions and ancient petroglyphs. The looping, half-mile asphalt trail is wheelchair accessible with some help. If you only have an hour or so to spend at the park, this is a fantastic option. It must begin at 4:00 p.m. at the latest.
9. Manhattan Project National Monument
The Manhattan Project was a groundbreaking, top-secret government initiative during World War II that saw the United States race to create and use the first atomic weapons before Nazi Germany.
One of the most significant historical moments of the 20th century was the American employment of these weapons against Japan in August 1945. The project gave birth to the nuclear era and left behind profound impacts, still felt today. Three key places across the nation served as the birthplace of the Manhattan Project: Hanford, Washington; Los Alamos; and Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
The villages created to house the Manhattan Project personnel were private businesses and enterprises under contract with the project. Every community transformed into a hub of activity with theaters, shops, schools, hospitals, parks, and community gathering spaces.
The population of Oak Ridge had increased to roughly 75,000 by 1945. Richland, a Hanford Site bedroom suburb, witnessed an increase in population to 15,000, while Los Alamos had an increase to 6,000.
10. Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument
Less than an hour south of Santa Fe, Tent Rocks offers slot canyons, strangely beautiful rock formations, and breathtaking views—everything you could desire in a desert hike.
Before opening up beneath the 100-foot conical hoodoos that give this national monument its name, the three-mile trail’s first half winds through a slot canyon so narrow you can touch the walls on both sides. From there, the trail switches back up to the top of the mesa for a commanding view of the Jemez Mountains and the Rio Grande River Valley.
In the Keresan language, Kasha-Katuwe translates to “white cliffs.” The people of Cochiti Pueblo speak it, which also co-manages the monument. An eruption gave birth to the volcanic tuff that formed the white cliffs, hoodoos, and Slot Canyon.
Tent Rocks does not allow camping and the route is only open during the day, although the Cochiti Lake recreation area is close by and has built campsites. It makes for a wonderful day excursion because it is a short drive from old Santa Fe.
Wrapping It Up!
In case you were searching for the best national parks in New Mexico, I hope that this log has been of much help to you. If there are any other queries related to the same, feel free to let me know. All that you need to do is scroll down till you reach the bottom of the page, then leave your comments and queries in the box below, And I will be there to answer them all for you!
Ankita Tripathy loves to write about food and the Hallyu Wave in particular. During her free time, she enjoys looking at the sky or reading books while sipping a cup of hot coffee. Her favourite niches are food, music, lifestyle, travel, and Korean Pop music and drama.
You ever feel like life’s just looping on repeat? Same mornings, same coffee, same everything.
At some point, most of us start craving something that shakes that pattern, and we need something raw and real. That’s where adventure holidays sneak in.
They don’t just change your surroundings, they mess (in a good way) with how you see yourself. For anyone coming out of alcohol rehabilitation centres, that shift can mean the world.
It’s like flipping a switch, a chance to rebuild confidence, piece life together again, and actually feel alive instead of just existing.
Here is more on how transformative travel experiences help us.
The Psychology Of Adventure
Adventure does something strange to your mind. It wakes it up. Think hiking in the Himalayas or rafting wild rivers in New Zealand. It’s not just adrenaline. It’s therapy in disguise.
A study by the University of Northampton found that roughly 90% of people felt stronger, more fulfilled after “residential outdoor trips on nature connectedness.”
That’s almost everyone. Makes sense, though! When you’ve climbed that mountain, or even survived that one terrifying wave, something in your head just changes.
Most folks find that once they’re out there, facing new challenges, limits stretch. You go from “I can’t” to “wait, maybe I can.”
And that’s where growth lives. Especially for anyone recovering from addiction, every small win whispers, see, change is real. It’s not easy, but it’s honest work, and that’s the beauty of it.
Examples Of Adventure Holidays
Are you looking for transformative travel experiences? You can explore the following activities and adventures.
1. Trekking In Patagonia
Now this one’s stunning. Honestly, otherworldly! Glaciers that glow blue, winds that test your patience, and trails that humble you real quick. There’s something about being surrounded by that much untamed beauty that resets your brain.
2. Surfing In Costa Rica
It is not your average beach trip. Warm waves, laughter echoing off the water, and even falling feels kind of freeing.
Learning to surf teaches patience. You wipe out a dozen times, but when you finally ride that wave — yeah, it changes something inside you.
3. Safari In South Africa
There’s silence out there that words can’t touch. Watching a lion cross the grasslands or an elephant just being! Time slows down. And for a moment, you’re reminded how big life actually is.
4. Mountain Biking In The Alps
It’s chaos and calm rolled into one. The climbs are brutal, the paths unpredictable, but man, those views. Finishing a tough trail feels like winning back a part of yourself you didn’t even know you’d lost.
5. Kayaking In The Norwegian Fjords
This one’s magic. Paddling between steep cliffs that look carved by gods is a one-of-a-kind experience.
It’s almost too quiet. The rhythm of your paddle turns into a kind of meditation. You start thinking, really thinking, about where your life’s going next.
Transformative Travel Experiences And Building Connections And Community
The Funniest thing about adventure trips is that you show up thinking you’re doing it for yourself, but you end up building these unexpected friendships.
People you’ve never met start to feel like family after a few shared challenges (or shared blisters). Late-night talks, bad coffee, shared laughs! That’s the stuff you remember.
On a trek route, when a shepherd you meet or your guide shares a slice of cheese with you or pours a cup of coffee, you know you have met the divine.
And especially for folks fresh out of rehab, that connection? It’s gold. Suddenly, you’re not alone.
You’re with people who get it. Who nods instead of judging you. Those friendships stick even long after the trip’s done. Sometimes, they’re the reason you keep pushing forward later on.
When you are straight out of rehab, all you seek is getting included or becoming accepted. These things often become difficult when you are back amidst your family and friends. Back in their minds, they somehow go completely prejudice-free.
However, when you are meeting new people on a journey, these new people do not know you, and they accept you as who you are at present.
Embracing Change And Personal Growth Through Transformative Travel Experiences
Adventure is messy. You can plan every detail and still have everything go sideways, and that’s the point. It forces you to adapt, breathe, and trust yourself again.
Somewhere between the scrapes, the missed turns, and the quiet sunsets, you find clarity. You remember what you want.
For people healing from addiction, that moment hits deeper. Stepping outside, feeling tested but not defeated, it rewrites your story.
You’re not “recovering” anymore, and you’re living. And the things you pick up out there, including patience, grit, and gratitude, they stay long after you’re back home.
At the end of it all, adventure holidays aren’t really about travel. They’re about renewal. They crack open the shell of routine and let the light in again.
Whether you’re trekking Patagonia’s wild path or gliding through Norway’s fjords, you don’t just move through landscape. They move through you.
So yeah, if life’s been feeling heavy or stuck, maybe it’s time to pack a bag. The world’s out there, waiting with rough edges and all. And if you let it, adventure might just hand you back the best version of yourself.
Transformative Travel Experience: More Than A Buzzword
“What that transformation is will be different for every traveller: some will be about traversing exterior landscapes, and some will be about traversing interior landscapes.” -
Arnie Weissman, the Editor-in-Chief of Travel Weekly, said this in a report on the BBC. So, while connecting with new people and new locations, you are actually taking a step forward and soaking in every experience mindfully.
However, to indulge in a transformative travel experience, make sure that you don’t overestimate your travel plans. You must keep it spontaneous and slow-paced so that you have enough time for journaling, taking photos, drawing a picture or whatever makes your travel moments unforgettable.
Moreover, with transformative travel experiences, you can free yourself from self-pity. While meeting new people, you will know that many are living under conditions worse than yours. So, you will be thankful for what you have right now.
Many of the countries in South America are popular for their exquisite and varied cuisine. However, the practices of Paraguay food are not known to many. The Paraguayan Cuisine has been influenced by the local indigenous tribe’s culinary traditions and practices brought by immigrants from Spain, Italy, and Portugal.
Being a foodie myself, I love traveling around the world to have a taste of every new variety of food that the world has to offer. Visiting remote areas, meeting with new people, and trying out their traditional dishes is what I have always loved!
I was also in your shoes when I first landed in Paraguay, a bit startled and confused. Although, as I began to explore, my first meal at a fancy restaurant in Asuncion changed my entire perception of the state.
Tid-Bits About Paraguay Food
Classic Paraguay food includes some of the most exclusive dishes that are bound to beat any of the Peruvian or Argentine preparations. Traditional culinary elements in Paraguay food recipes consist of meat, maize, vegetables, manioc, cheese, fish, milk, and even fruits.
‘Asado’ is a local term used for barbecue, which is referred to as both a cooking practice and a social event. In Paraguay, barbecuing is the most important mode of cooking their traditional Paraguayan food dishes.
Here in this article, I will elucidate the best dishes and popular foods in Paraguay that you must try in Paraguay this year. The Paraguay famous foods excite your taste buds and have an experience like never before.
1. Kivevé
You will be stuck in a dilemma whether to count this as a main course or a dessert. Kieve is the most popular and loved Paraguay food. It is a vegetarian dish that is cooked out of andai (a type of juicy pumpkin), cornmeal, Paraguayan cheese, milk, and sugar. Kieve is a typical food in Paraguay.
It has a very creamy and light texture and is orangish in color. This rich-flavored delicacy is served lukewarm and is often consumed as a side dish or even main meal, at breakfasts, and as an evening snack.
2. Chipa
Considered a staple Paraguay food, Chipa is a simple bread roll that was invented by the local indigenous people in the 18th century. It is a bun that is made out of manioc or cassava flour, lard, and anise, and beaten eggs and cheese.
There are different versions of Chipa available, varying over the regional influences. The bread has a very crunchy crust due to the addition of lard. The crumb is soft and has a unique flavor. It is prepared and consumed by every household in the state.
3. Bori Bori
Bori-Bori (Vori-Vori) is a nutritious and flavorful thick soup that is prepared out of vegetables such as carrots, celery, onions. It is filled with meat (chicken or beef) and dumplings of cornmeal plus cheese. The prime flavoring ingredients in this soup are bay leaves, cloves, and parsley.
The addition of saffron to this hearty broth makes it even more flavorful and rich golden in color. It must be served piping hot, garnished with some parsley and Paraguayan cheese on the side. It is especially popular during the winters.
4. Sopa Paraguaya
This specialty is not what it sounds like. Even though SOPA translates to soup in the local language, it is not at all in the vicinity of any soupy preparations. It is the national dish of Paraguay, which resembles a cakey thick bread.
It is crafted out of cornflour, cheese, milk, and eggs. The flavor is inculcated through the use of onions and pork fat. It is usually baked and is often termed solid soup. It has a soft and crumbly texture and is served on special occasions as a side dish.
5. Mbeju
Mbeju, when translated to the local Guarani language, means cake. It is a very simple and staple Paraguay food. It is a kind of starchy pancake that is prepared with cassava flour, salt, oil, milk, eggs, crumbled cheese, and even pork fat.
The dough is kneaded well and rolled out thickly like a pancake. It is then fried in hot oil. It is usually consumed during breakfast, sometimes dinner, alongside a bitter herbal tea or coffee.
6. Soyo
This is another popular Paraguay food, which is a thick unpassed soup. It is made with beef grounded in a mortar, rice, and vegetables, including green peppers, onions, and tomatoes. Soyo is another good example of Paraguay’s famous food.
The dish is flavored with garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. The name is derived from the native Guarani phrase so’o josopy, meaning crushed meat. A whole bowl of soyo can be considered as a complete meal and has a high calorific value.
Also Read: Unmissable Attractions In Surabaya
7. Tereré
Since the climate in Paraguay tends to grow hotter every summer, Terere acts as a relief to many. It is a cold-brewed herbal tea that is bitter in taste and is commonly known as yerba mate.
Terere is one of the essential elements of export, and the natives can be seen carrying around a thermos flask, guampa (a spherical mug), and bombilla (a silver straw) everywhere they go. It is a very healthy and refreshing drink and has high caffeine content.
8. Dulce de Mamon
Here comes our most awaited syrupy sweet dessert in the list of top Paraguay food you must try! Dulce de Mamon is one of the oldest and most traditional preparations of Paraguay, which has only two major ingredients.
It is cooked by boiling small cut wedges of papaya in sugar syrup. The mixture is simmered for almost 2 hours in order for the papaya to achieve a soft texture. You can even add some cloves, lemon zest, and a little orange juice to enhance the flavors.
Also Read: 3 Intriguing Reasons To Cruise In Alaska
9. Pira Caldo
Another most favored Paraguay food includes Pira Caldo. It is basically a light fish stew made with freshwater catches such as surubi, mandi’y, and tare’y. I have never in my life tasted such meaty textured fishes with a tinge of saltiness in them.
Initially, vegetables such as onions, tomatoes, leeks, celery, bell peppers, and carrots are fried in pork or beef fat and are cooked with other spices. It is then combined with milk and soft white cheese to improve the thickness and flavor.
10. Bife Koygua
Bife Koygua, or hidden steak as it is known, is another popular Paraguay food that is a must-try. It is a heavy preparation in which the beef steaks are covered with onions and tomatoes. Hence the name.
According to the local language, bife means beef, and koygua means shy or hidden. The recipe calls for the steak to be pounded first with spices, then fried with onions and topped with tomatoes. Towards the end, an egg or two is added at the top, and the dish is garnished with parsley.
Puchero Paraguayo Recipe
The Paraguayan version of a traditional meat stew is called Puchero paraguayo. This stew has its origins in Spain and is now prepared in several countries throughout South America and the Philippines. The name of the stew, Puchero, comes from the Spanish word meaning "stewpot".
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Latin American, Paraguayan
Servings: 4 people
Author: Nita Ragoonanan
Ingredients
1½ lb beef (skirt or flank steak, cut into pieces)
3 cloves garlic, cut in half
1 onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 carrots
10 oz. pumpkin, cubed
2 potatoes, cubed
½ cup rice
6 tablespoons olive oil
Salt
Pepper
Equipment
Pressure cooker
Instructions
To start, get a large pot and fill it with 10 cups (2.5L) of water. Add in some onions, carrots, and bell peppers, and bring it to a boil. Let it simmer for 15 minutes and season it with salt and pepper to your liking. Set it aside.
Next, heat some olive oil in a pressure cooker and add in some garlic and meat. Saute over high heat while stirring constantly until the meat is browned. Pour in the reserved broth and vegetables and close the pressure cooker. Cook for 45 minutes on medium-low heat.
While waiting, rinse the rice. After 45 minutes, open the pressure cooker and add in the rice, potatoes, and pumpkin. Close the pressure cooker again and continue cooking for 15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions!!! (FAQs):
Q1. What Is The Traditional Dessert In Paraguay? Ans: Mazamorra also known as Kaguyjy is one of the most popular traditional deserts in Paraguay. it is made of corn and sugar, mixed with honey or milk. Ka'i Ladrillo is a candy made of peanuts and molasses. Q2. What Is Paraguay's National Dish? Ans: Sopa Paraguaya is the national dish of Paraguay. it is similar to cornbread and made up of corn flour, pig fat, or butter, with cheese and milk. it is very spongy and is rich in calories and protein. Q3. What Is The National Drink Of Paraguay? Ans: Yerba mate tea is prepared with cold water. different variations of terre can be found in Brazil and Argentina. Its birthplace is Paraguay.
Final Thoughts
These are some of the most exotic preparations from Paraguay that made their way into my Top 10 list. Thanks to those Guarani friends that I had over there who guided me through to the best of their culinary traditions.
And if you are hesitating about visiting this place, trust me, the experience is worthwhile. It is not only about their food but also their culture, traditions, and heritage. This beautiful country deserves all the appreciation in the world.
You May Also Like:
Top 7 Places To Visit For An Asian Solo Traveler
Top 7 Nantucket Beaches For Tourists In Massachusetts
10 Things To Do In Bogota – You Must Know Before Going
Washington, DC, the capital of the USA, is experiencing a massive boost in tourism these days. 2023 has been a remarkable year, with the number of footfall reaching 25.95 million. The number is not just up from 2022 by 17%, rather, it is an improvement from the visitors in 2019.
No wonder the things to do in washington DC have an important role to play in the increased tourism.
The spike in tourism has further yielded a positive impact on the local economy. The number of 1.95 million international visitors in 2023 has been especially beneficial, considering they stay here longer and spend more than domestic visitors.
“This is a major milestone for Washington, DC. Put simply, we are seeing the results of our increased marketing and sales efforts thanks to the tourism recovery district legislation, and the city is benefitting from increased tourism. There is still work to do, however, since international travel hasn’t fully recovered. The additional funding allows us to continue to entice international visitors who stay longer and spend more.”Elliott L. Ferguson, II, President and CEO, DDC
So, do you also want to be a part of the bustling tourism scenario in the US capital? Let’s check out the things to do in Washington DC. I have also included some free activities to make your travel itinerary more pocket-friendly.
Fun Things To Do In Washington DC | Including The Fun Things You Can Enjoy Here
The best time to visit Washington, DC, is during the spring season. This is the season when you will find cherry blossoms in full bloom. Further, the spring months record an average temperature of 5-24 degrees Celsius.
You can even plan a visit and explore the best things to do in Washington DC during the fall season. The fall months of September to November also record moderate temperatures ranging between 5-30 degrees Celsius.
Irrespective of the season, if you want to visit Washington, DC, you can try the following activities.
1. Visiting The White House And The Washington Monument
White House And The Washington Monument are two most important landmarks of Washington DC and the entire USA.
You can take an elevator to the top of the Washington Tower and explore a 360-degree view of the surroundings.
On the other hand, the White House, the official residence of the US President, has been standing proud in Washington DC for two hundred years as the symbol of American life and people.
2. Visiting The Lincoln Memorial
Address: 2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW, Washington
Contact No: +1 202-426-6841
Are you traveling to Washington, DC, on a budget? You must visit the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC. It is free and an ideal location for history buffs or people who want to know about Lincoln.
Read here the famous speeches of Lincoln, including the Gettysburg Address and the Second Inaugural Address. Moreover, the 38 Doric columns and other architectural features of the Memorial will grab your attention instantly.
When Lincoln Passed away, the 36 Doric columns of the Memorial used to stand for 36 states of the USA.
3. Sightseeing At The National Mall
Contact Number: +1 202-426-6841
A visit to the grassy expanse of The National Mall is one of the most exciting and fun things to do at The National Mall. If you want to take an end-to-end walk on this grassy expanse, you have to walk for 2.5 miles.
As you take a walk through the National Mall, you will find many important monuments of the USA. You must especially stop by the World War II Memorial and Washington Monument.
Moreover, the National Mall is one of the most popular places to visit in Washington, DC to visit with your family.
4. Plan A Visit To Vietnam Veterans And Korean War Veterans Memorials
Address: 900 Ohio Dr. SW, Washington
Contact Number: +1 202-426-6841
Though not a fun visit, the Vietnam Veterans And Korean War Veterans Memorials are one of the best places to see in Washington, DC. “The Memorial” or “The Wall” is a popular place for dark tourism in the USA.
Today, when you visit the memorial, you will find the names of over 58000 Americans emblazoned on it. All of them lost their lives in the Vietnam War. You will also find metal sculptures of soldiers in action.
Further, the Korean War Veterans Memorials pay tribute to 1.5 million Americans who were impacted by the “Forgotten War.”
Tour And Travel Note:The Korean War Memorial does not have adequate signage. So, if you already don’t know about the Korean War or for a young traveler, it may be difficult to grasp the significance fully.
5. Appreciate The Brilliance Of The National Gallery Of Art
Address: Sixth Street And Constitution Avenue Northwest
If you are looking for free things to do in Washington DC, you must consider a visit to the National Gallery of Art. And all the Da Vinci Code fans, this is the museum where you will find the only oil painting of Leonardo Da Vinci on a permanent display in the USA.
Further, the West Building houses some of the older works of the museum. You will find here works of the likes of Claude Monet and Sandro Botticelli. So, the happening museum in the heart of America assembles the best of Europe art scenario.
6. Catch A Performance At The John Kennedy Center For The Performing Arts
Address: 2700 F St NW, Washington, DC
Contact No: +1 800-444-1324
The John Kennedy Center For The Performing Arts is home to the National Symphony Orchestra. Throughout the year, you will find many performances, musicals and other shows taking place at the John Kennedy Center For The Performing Arts.
Even if you don’t want to spend on the tickets (which usually come at a higher price), you can watch the free performances on the Millennium Stage.
Furthermore, don’t forget to explore the “Art and Ideals: President John F. Kennedy” here. It has been there at the John Kennedy Center For The Performing Arts since 2022, and it ensures an immersive experience.
7. Spend Some Moments Of Introspection At Washington National Cathedral
Address: 3101 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington
Contact Number: +1 202-537-6200
The Washington National Cathedral is the sixth-largest cathedral in the world. The construction of this massive church started in 1907 and was completed in 1990. The cathedral is so huge that you will need at least 2 hours to explore it.
Furthermore, the gothic architecture will grab your attention instantly. Also, as you step inside the church, you will find intricate works of stained glass.
Moreover, the surrounding garden is a nice place to take a stroll and spend your leisure.
Also read
Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try.
Top 13+ Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit [Updated 2024]
Top Tips For Motorbike Rental In Phuket – A Guide To Exploring The Island On Two Wheels.
Related
