The ABQ Trolley Co. was first thought up in 2007 by Mike Silva and Jesse Herron, two tourism professionals located in Albuquerque. On May 5th, 2009, after making plans for almost two years, the ABQ Trolley Co. began operations, offering the first tour service of its kind in Albuquerque, New Mexico, as the city had not had a city tour service in almost a decade. The company was created to offer a front-row seat to the sounds and sights of Albuquerque and provide a unique city tour designed to help people fall in love with the city. The tours start in Albuquerque's Old Town at the Hotel Albuquerque.
Tours
The Best of ABQ City Tour explores 18 miles of Albuquerque and lasts 120 minutes. During the comprehensive tour, visitors can learn about some of the city's rich history as well as get a feel for the lay of the land. The tour also gives those riding the trolley an idea of all there is to do in Albuquerque, the extent of which often surprises visitors. Trolley riders end their tour with information to help them make the most of their stay in the city. Included in the sights on the Best of ABQ City Tour are Old Town, the historic Barelas neighborhood, Museum Row, Historic Route 66, Downtown, the Grande Botanic Garden, Rio Grande Zoo, Tingley Beach, Nob Hill, and much more.
The tour takes place on a custom open-air trolley that is quite unique to Albuquerque. The ABQ Trolley Co. boasts that there is no other trolley like it anywhere else in the world. The company also claims their tour is the "best first thing to do in Albuquerque." Mosaic tiles and stucco-texture paint decorate the trolley, which is made using wrought-iron rails instead of the traditional brass rails. The open-air design allows visitors to enjoy the warm New Mexico sunshine. Those riding the trolley are advised to wear sunscreen since the only shade comes from the roof of the trolley, although the trolley is fitted with rain curtains that drop down to protect visitors from wetter weather.
Plan your Visit
In addition to the Best of ABQ City Tour, the ABQ Trolley Co. offers several other excursions and trolley tours. The company's BaD Tour tours the locations in Albuquerque seen in the popular television show Breaking Bad. Lasting about 3.5 hours, the tour spans 38 miles. The route features a couple stops as well as Breaking Bad trivia and prizes. Visitors should be aware that the tour isn't appropriate for children due to adult subject matter. Included in the sites featured during the BaD Tour are Jesse Pinkman's duplex and house, Walter White's house and condo, Tuco's headquarters, and Saul Goodman's law office, among several others.
The ABQ Trolley Co. also offers a St. Paddy's Pub Crawl, other special tours, and group tours. Among its services offered are excursions to other parts of New Mexico, including Santa Fe, Route 66, and the Turquoise Trail.
800 Rio Grande Boulevard NW, Albuquerque, Phone: 505-200-2642
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