The World’s Largest Chile Pepper is a concrete structure measuring 47 feet long and 2.5 tons in weight and is located in Las Cruces New Mexico at the Big Chile Inn. A motel’s proprietors built it between 2010 and 2011 with the hope that it would draw tourists to their area and give Las Cruces a distinct character (the chile pepper being New Mexico’s favorite crop). This 47-foot-long monster also makes Hatch, New Mexico, the self-proclaimed “Chile Capital of the World,” a competitor of Las Cruces.
Standing tall at over 17 feet high and weighing in at over 2,000 pounds, The World’s Largest Chile Pepper is a giant roadside attraction located in Las Cruces, New Mexico. As its name suggests, it claims the Guinness World Record for the largest chile pepper sculpture ever created.
The giant red chile pepper sculpture pays homage to Las Cruces’ agricultural heritage and its status as a major producer of authentic New Mexican chiles. It has become an iconic landmark and photo opportunity, drawing visitors from around the world who want to pose next to the oversized pepper.
In addition to providing endless Instagrammable moments, the pepper sculpture celebrates the importance of chile peppers to New Mexican cuisine and culture. Las Cruces is considered the chile capital of the state, producing award-winning Hatch Valley chiles each year. The World’s Largest Chile Pepper pays tribute to this agricultural legacy and adds some spice and humor to the landscape of southern New Mexico. Come see it on your next visit!