Villanueva is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in San Miguel County, New Mexico, United States.

[4][5] Prior to 1786, when a peace treaty was concluded with the Comanche, Spanish settlements in New Mexico were confined to the Rio Grande valley.

The grant was approved by the Spanish government in 1794 and settlements established in the land grant area included Bernal, El Pueblo, Entrnosa, Guzano, La Cuesta, Las Mulas, Puertecito, San Jose del Vado, and San Miguel del Vado.

[10] Many Ciboleros (buffalo hunters) and Comancheros (traders with the Plains Indians), of the 19th century originated from La Cuesta and other Hispano communities along the Pecos River.

Under the Trewartha climate classification Villanueva has a BSK (Semi-arid steppe with hot summers and cool winters).