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Tribal tradition: Travel from Atlanta to Albuquerque for the Gathering of Nations

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Published on March 11, 2019
Tribal tradition: Travel from Atlanta to Albuquerque for the Gathering of NationsPhoto: iStock

If your ideal getaway includes taking in the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of a one-of-a-kind cultural event, then Albuquerque in late April is the destination for you.

New Mexico's largest city is home to the annual Gathering of Nations Powwow, the largest celebration of Native American culture on the continent. The event draws participants from nearly 800 tribes in the U.S. and Canada for two days of dancing, contests, music, food and crafts.

Now in its 36th year, the powwow welcomes Native and non-Native people alike, and the stages, booths and events are open rain or shine.

The powwow opens April 25 with the Miss Indian World cultural pageant, and continues through April 27 at the powwow grounds in Albuquerque. While you're there, you can take advantage of the other attractions in and around the Duke City, from New Mexico's unique fusion of Native, Hispanic and Anglo cuisine to the inspiring vistas on a hike in the high desert.

Fortunately, there are plenty of relatively inexpensive flights between Atlanta and Albuquerque on travel site Skyscanner.

Here’s a list of flights, hotels, restaurants and local attractions in Albuquerque to round out your trip.

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Flight deals to Albuquerque

The cheapest flights between Atlanta and Albuquerque are if you leave on April 25 and return from New Mexico on April 28. jetBlue currently has roundtrip, nonstop tickets for $289.

Top Albuquerque hotels

To plan your accommodations, here are some of Albuquerque’s top-rated hotels, that we selected from Skyscanner's listings based on price and customer satisfaction.

The Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town (800 Rio Grande Blvd. NW)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

If you're looking for an inexpensive place to stay, consider The Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town. The hotel has a 4.8-star rating on Skyscanner, and rooms are currently available for $99.

This Albuquerque spa hotel is located in the historical district, near the Albuquerque Museum, the Old Town Plaza and the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science. Additional attractions include the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.

The Hotel Parq Central (806 Central Ave.)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

There's also the 4.2-star rated The Hotel Parq Central. Rooms are currently set at $120/night.

Situated near the airport, this Albuquerque hotel is also close to the University of New Mexico and the Rio Grande Zoo, as well as the National Hispanic Cultural Center. Additional attractions include the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science.

Featured Albuquerque restaurants

If you're looking to snag a bite at one of Albuquerque's many quality eateries, here are a few popular culinary destinations from Skyscanner's listings that will help keep you satiated.

Antiquity Restaurant (112 Romero St. NW)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

If you're looking for a local favorite, head to Antiquity Restaurant, which has an average of five stars out of seven reviews on Skyscanner.

The restaurant, located close to the Old Town Plaza in Albuquerque, features an assortment of seafood, lobster, steak, veal, chicken and pork dishes. 

Duran Central Pharmacy (1815 Central Ave. NW)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

Another popular dining destination is Duran Central Pharmacy, with 4.9 stars from eight reviews.

The unique "restaurant and pharmacy" setting of Duran Central Pharmacy is a frequent stop for locals and tourists. All of the food is made in-house, including the hand-rolled tortillas.

Farina (510 Central Ave. SE)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

Also worth considering is Farina.

"Lively with great food," wrote visitor David. "If your a bit adventurous try the chef's choice pizza!"

The Frontier Restaurant (2400 Central Ave. SE)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

Finally, there's The Frontier Restaurant.

The Frontier Restaurant has served the Albuquerque area and the University of New Mexico community since 1971.

"The five-star rating is for more than just the food," wrote visitor Susan. "This local landmark restaurant has been an Albuquerque 'go-to' for decades, with an eclectic menu. Between its extended hours of operation, and kitchy decor, which leans heavily on John Wayne themed art, is a delight."

Featured Albuquerque attractions

Not sure what to do in Albuquerque, besides eat and drink? Here are a few recommendations, provided by Skyscanner.

Popejoy Hall (1 University of New Mexico)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

The top-rated visitor attraction in Albuquerque, according to Skyscanner, is Popejoy Hall.

"The New Mexico Philharmonic plays here as well as the ensembles from (the University of New Mexico)," wrote visitor Daown.

ABQ BioPark - Botanic Garden (2601 Central Ave. NW)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

Then, there's ABQ BioPark - Botanic Garden.

"There (are) plenty of interesting things here, including Spanish gardens, a Japanese garden, a rose garden, a farm, a butterfly house, bug building, a couple of greenhouse conservatories and the children's fantasy garden," visitor Steve wrote.

The Sandia Peak Tramway (30 Tramway Road NE)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

Lastly, consider checking out The Sandia Peak Tramway.

The Sandia Peak Tramway stretches from the northeast part of the city to the crest line of the Sandia Mountains. It contains the world's third longest single span cable car span, according to the operators. 

This story was created automatically using flight, hotel, and local attractions data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.