El Camino Real

State: New Mexico
Length: 299.0 mi / 481.2 km
Time to Allow: 9 hours to drive or a couple days to enjoy the byway

Cultures along El Camino Real De Tierra Adentro (The Royal Road of the Interior Land), are as diverse as its history and scenery. Pueblos reveal artisans crafting wares using centuries-old methods. The route, first traveled by Don Juan de Onate in 1598, provided news, supplies, and travel to the first capital of the New World.

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  • Winging It on El Camino Real

    Winging It on El Camino Real

    Published on Sep 7, 2007

    Drive El Camino Real and cover a lot of birding ground in New Mexico. Tens of thousands of birds rely on the rich desert and nearby National Wildlife Refuges. So bring your binoculars and plan for a few days filled with birding.

  • El Camino Real Overview

    El Camino Real Overview

    Published on Sep 20, 2003

    The El Camino Real is an experience sure to leave an impression of the Southwest with you forever. It follows the Rio Grande River from the United States/Mexico border to Santa Fe. It traverses a land rich in history and culture.

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  • The Española Experience

    1-Day Trip: The Española Experience
    (New Mexico)

    The Española Experience tells the story of this segment of El Camino Real. You will learn of the Anasazi (ancient ones), the first settlers of the...