Location: Cuba
Top Things to do in Cuba
Top 10 Things to do in Cuba, United States
Cuba is a village in Sandoval County, New Mexico, in the United States. As of the 2010 census, the village population was 735. It is part of the Albuquerque Metropolitan Statistical Area. Located off the busy 550 highway, Cuba has several motels, restaurants and bars.
Restaurants in Cuba
1. Jemez Mountains
Overall Ratings
5 based on 130 reviews
Reviewed By bryonia2015 - Brisbane, Australia
This is one fantastic scenic drive, although a little hairy in a snow blizzard. Heading west from Albuquerque, toward Los Alamos and Santa Fe, we chose New Mexico Route 4, which is no doddle, even if only 64 miles long (103 kilometers). Route 4 passes through Jemez Pueblo, into Jemez Springs before climbing steeply into the Jemez Mountains, through the Santa Fe National Forest, skirting the southern boundary of Valles Caldera National Preserve. On the east side of the Jemez Mountains, it descends even more steeply, on a series of hairpin turns (overlooking the Frijoles Canyon in Bandelier National Monument) into White Rock then leading east onto a connection road to Los Alamos National Laboratory sites.
We passed easily through Jemez Pueblo, into Jemez Springs, dressed for a sunny adventure, perhaps a soak at the hot springs. The day turned cool by the time we reached Jemez Springs, which reminded us of Australia, with red soil and massive red mounds. The road wound round and through the mountains until we reached a steep piece of road. It started to snow lightly and we chuckled about the fact we had never seen snow falling. As we stopped to admire Soda Springs, it started snowing even harder, so we pulled out some pathetically thin jeans, jackets and gloves, thinking it would peter out shortly. The snow kept falling so hard it soon was almost impossible to see the springs, so we took a few photos then jumped in the car to warm up. Travelling further up the mountain the flakes got bigger, blanketing everything in sight. We now experienced our first snow storm, driving on roads covered in snow and ice. Everything whited out as we followed in the wheel well of vehicles which had previously passed. After stopping to offer aid to a motorbike rider on the side of the road, we were pleased when a huge truck passed, leaving wheel tracks for us all to follow. 2 miles down the road our hearts sank, as the road descends steeply around tight corners and switchbacks. Nearing the Los Alamos turnoff, a snowplough appeared (no dream, it was real) and with the lower elevation the snow flakes began to melt. Our sunny adventure had been more exciting than we expected. We later heard the road had been closed due to the blizzard we had passed through. We soon learned to always check the weather forecast, even if it is spring. More by accident than design, we had water and food in the car as well as a mobile phone and a blanket if we had been stuck.
2. Highway 126
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By Oldjack - Greater Melbourne, Australia
The area between Los Alamos and Cuba New Mexico along Highway 126 through the Santa Fe National Forest is a very pretty area with constantly changing scenery. The road is not the greatest but worth the journey. Once in Cuba Highway 550 is much better and again the scenery changes through to Bloomfield and Farmington.
3. San Pedro Parks Wilderness
Overall Ratings
5 based on 5 reviews
Located inside the Santa Fe National Forest, this beautiful park sits at an average elevation of 10,000 feet.
Reviewed By Sweeniesdad - Lexington KY
The San Pedro's Parks are a cool, green contrast to the badlands west of Cuba. There are no fantastic sites or towering peaks, but miles and miles of high Mtns parks at 10,000 ft. Just some really nice all day crushing minus the crowds back in the eastern part of the state.
4. Jemez Hot Springs: Home of The Giggling Springs
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 266 reviews
Jemez Hot Springs, Home of The Giggling Springs is located at the site of the earliest Bath House in the Jemez Springs area. Before that, the mineral water was used by the Native Americans of the area. Our water comes from deep beneath the Valles Caldera (ancient volcano) up the mountain. The four pools contain an ancient sea water abundant with a relaxing and therapeutic blend of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, silica, sodium and more. The source is 142 degrees F, but the pools are kept at a comfortable 102-104 degrees. The water is natural, and no chlorine or chemicals are added. We use ultraviolet light, ionizers and an oxygen inversions system to disinfect the water, and they are flow-through pools, so the water changes out regularly. Swim suits are required, children 14 and over are welcome, and for the comfort of our guests. Reservations are not required.
Reviewed By Juanita C - Albuquerque, New Mexico
A very clean and relaxing place to soak away your aches and pains in a natural hot spring. Very peaceful and quiet. And we didn't have to hike to it like some of the other ones around. Will go back and recommend this place to anyone going to Jemez Springs.
5. Valles Caldera National Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 298 reviews
Known for its expansive high mountain valles, large elk herds, and diverse history, the Preserve is a favorite among the locals when friends and relatives are in town. If you are in New Mexico you do not want to miss this. Bring your camera and enjoy the expansive views. Pet Friendly: Dogs on leashes are welcome at the contact stations, but are prohibited elsewhere on the Preserve. Registered assistance animals are allowed.
Reviewed By CathyP1953 - Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
The drive from The Bandelier National Park is beautiful!!! The igneous rock formations displayed on the rock faces as you neared the area demonstrated the power of the super volcano that erupted here millions of years ago. To suddenly drive upon the actual crater is a scientists dream area. I loved being able to physically drive down into the bottom center of the massive structure. The employees at the Visitors Center were so knowledgeable about the history of the area. We arrived too late in the day to physically hike the trails, but we took many interesting photos. Make this park a bucket list must see places!
6. Mesa de Cuba Badlands
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
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Reviewed By Sweeniesdad - Lexington KY
All of the badlands, there are five now, are hard to locate, and you have to make your own way, but that is the beauty. They will make you feel as if civilization is a million miles away, and I guarantee you, you will not run into another soul. Unbelievable that there are still unused natuapral areas.
7. Jemez Trail National Scenic Byway
Overall Ratings
5 based on 64 reviews
Reviewed By jbwhitehouse - Dallas, Texas
We drove this route along Road 4 from Bandalier National Monument. It takes a bit longer than the alternative route, but is much more rewarding in views and stops along the way. Soda Mountain and Jemez Springs are two examples of destinations themselves. Lovely drive, though be aware that you drive slower due to curves in the road.
8. Monastery of Christ in the Desert
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 89 reviews
Reviewed By Trogons - New Mexico
A most peaceful and spiritual place. The chapel facilitates thoughtful contemplation and mindfulness. We are not Catholic, but felt the Spirit here. Getting there via the 13-mile well-graded gravel forest road reveals wonderful rock and river country. The Chama River parallels the road most of the way with nay great views. The only downside is the main parking lot is about a quarter mile away from the chapel, I am currently using a cane, so uneven surfaces could present a problem. It's definitely worth a single visit even if you are not Catholic.
9. Jemez Springs Bath House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 129 reviews
The Bath House, built in 1876, is on the National Register of Historic Places. Water issues from the spring at 159-189F. Some water is diverted into holding tanks overnight to cool so that bathers have control over the water temperature. We have 8 oversized cement tubs; they are private & individual so no swimsuit is required. We also offer wraps and massage. Visit our newly renovated Gift Shop for wonderful gifts & souvenirs.
Reviewed By alice w - Placitas, New Mexico
I am fond of this place; it is simply relaxing without any pretense.
First warning: it's not posh. This is an old bath house from the 1880's run by the community of Jemez Springs.
Big over sized tubs, hot mineral spring water.
Very good staff, sets things up for you. Bottles of water, towels.
You can do just this or add a herbal wrap. Same attentive people misting your face and placing cool cloths on your forehead and neck.
You can add on a massage of different lengths. By the time they were finished with me, my legs were too wobbly to walk well.
I like massages, spas and hot springs. It's something I seek out when traveling.
This is a favorite; it's not a fancy place, it provides a place of rest and relaxation with very good people.
It is affordable.
10. Las Vacas Trail
The main trail inside San Pedro Parks, it splits off into more than 100 miles of trails.
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