Albuquerque , United States of America

Rio Grande River Valley Flight

Active

(144 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Choosing our launch sights daily makes it a lot more likely your flight is successful. Ballooning is dependent upon the weather and having such a large radius we fly in gives us a much higher likelihood of having a slow soft landing.

We offer private flights as well as group flights. We can accommodate almost any requests and we would be happy to do so.

Available options

Rio Grande River Valley Flight

What's included

Mimosas or nonalcoholic options are available. Only 18 years old and above are allowed to have alcoholic beverages

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

We fly within a 30 mile radius of Albuquerque, New Mexico. We choose our launch sight to give you safest as well as the most scenic flight.

During days that will have a lot of balloons activity we plan our flights in the Rio Rancho area (north of Albuquerque) in order to show you all of the balloons flying for competitions.

One of our favorite flights is slightly south of Albuquerque in a farming community called Los Lunas. There we fly over the mighty Rio Grande river and if you’re lucky we might even touch down in the river to do a “splash and dash.” Followed by a beautiful flight over historic Tome hill.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.6

88 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.4

56 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

You must be able to get into the basket and stand continuously for an hour.

Children under 5 are not allowed to ride

Weight limitations might apply

Meeting point

Meetup is an hour before sunrise. We then take you to the launch sight, introduce you to your pilot, and then take you back to your vehicle.
Kindly note that the meeting time is always 1 hour before sunrise based on New Mexico time zone.

Important notes

Subject to availability and blackout days. Please call to book (505)239-3733

About Albuquerque

Albuquerque, the largest city in New Mexico, is known for its unique blend of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo cultures. Nestled in the high desert, the city offers a stunning backdrop of the Sandia Mountains and a vibrant arts scene, making it a compelling destination for travelers seeking both natural beauty and cultural richness.

Top Attractions

Sandia Peak Tramway

The Sandia Peak Tramway offers stunning views of the Rio Grande Valley and the Sandia Mountains. It is the longest aerial tram in the U.S., providing a thrilling ride to the top of the Sandia Mountains.

Adventure/Nature 2-3 hours Moderate ($28-$32 for adults, discounts for children and seniors)

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the world's largest hot air balloon festival, attracting hundreds of pilots and thousands of visitors each year. The event features mass ascensions, special shape balloons, and stunning displays of color against the backdrop of the New Mexico sky.

Event/Cultural 9 days (early October) Free to attend, with fees for special events and activities

Old Town Albuquerque

Old Town Albuquerque is the historic heart of the city, featuring adobe buildings, art galleries, shops, and restaurants. The area is known for its Spanish and Native American influences, as well as its vibrant arts and culture scene.

Historical/Cultural 2-4 hours Free to explore, with costs varying for shopping and dining

Petroglyph National Monument

Petroglyph National Monument is home to one of the largest collections of ancient petroglyphs in North America. The site features over 24,000 images carved by Native American, Spanish, and Anglo peoples, offering a glimpse into the region's rich history and cultural heritage.

Historical/Nature 2-3 hours Free (entry to the monument is free, but there may be fees for special tours or events)

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is a living history museum dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich cultural heritage of the 21 Native American pueblos of New Mexico. The center features exhibits, art galleries, a museum shop, and a restaurant serving traditional Pueblo cuisine.

Cultural/Educational 1-2 hours Moderate ($8-$10 for adults, discounts for children and seniors)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Green Chile Stew

A hearty stew made with pork, green chiles, and potatoes, often served with tortillas or bread

Dinner Contains pork and gluten (if served with bread or tortillas)

Enchiladas

Corn tortillas filled with various ingredients (such as cheese, meat, or vegetables) and covered in a chile sauce

Dinner Can be vegetarian or vegan, but often contains cheese and gluten (from the tortillas)

Sopapillas

Fried dough puffs, often served with honey or cinnamon sugar

Dessert Contains gluten and can be fried in lard or vegetable oil

Biscochitos

Traditional New Mexican cookies made with lard, flour, and anise seed, often served with coffee or tea

Dessert Contains gluten and lard

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Sandia Mountains Hot air ballooning Rock climbing and bouldering Mountain biking Spa treatments and wellness retreats Scenic drives and picnics Visiting art galleries and museums Shopping and dining

Best Time to Visit

September to November

This period offers pleasant weather with mild temperatures and clear skies, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the city's attractions. The fall foliage in the nearby mountains is also a highlight.

15-27°C (59-81°F) 59-81°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Mountain Time Zone (MT), UTC-7 (Standard Time), UTC-6 (Daylight Saving Time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Albuquerque is generally a safe city for visitors, with a low crime rate and a strong police presence. However, as with any city, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Use licensed and reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft.
• Be cautious when using ATMs and payment terminals, and cover the keypad when entering your PIN.

Getting there

By air

Albuquerque International Sunport • 5 miles (8 km) from downtown

By bus

Albuquerque Bus Depot

Getting around

Public transport

The ABQ RIDE bus system is affordable and convenient, with frequent services and real-time tracking available via the ABQ RIDE app.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Nob Hill Downtown Albuquerque North Valley Uptown

Day trips

Santa Fe

65 miles (105 km) north of Albuquerque • Full day

Santa Fe is a charming city known for its Pueblo-style architecture, vibrant arts scene, and rich cultural heritage. The city is home to numerous museums, galleries, and historic sites, as well as a variety of shopping and dining options.

Taos

120 miles (193 km) north of Albuquerque • Full day or overnight

Taos is a picturesque town nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, known for its historic adobe buildings, vibrant arts scene, and proximity to outdoor recreation opportunities. The town is home to the Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as numerous galleries, shops, and restaurants.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

300 miles (483 km) southeast of Albuquerque • Overnight or extended trip

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a stunning underground world of caves, stalactites, and stalagmites, as well as a diverse range of above-ground desert landscapes. The park is home to one of the largest bat colonies in North America, as well as numerous hiking trails and scenic drives.

Festivals

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta • Early October (9 days) New Mexico State Fair • Mid-September (10 days) Five Star Albuquerque Queenco • Mid-September (2 days)

Pro tips

Visit the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in early October for a stunning display of hot air balloons and a unique cultural experience.
Try a green chile cheeseburger, a New Mexico specialty, at one of the city's many local restaurants and cafes.
Explore the historic district of Old Town Albuquerque, with its adobe buildings, art galleries, and shops selling local crafts and souvenirs.
Ride the Sandia Peak Tramway for stunning views of the Rio Grande Valley and the Sandia Mountains, as well as a chance to hike and explore the summit.
Visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center to learn about the rich history and culture of the 21 Native American pueblos of New Mexico, as well as to sample traditional Pueblo cuisine.