Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise
Active
4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Float over the Rio Grande Valley during a sunrise hot-air balloon flight from Albuquerque, home of the largest hot-air balloon festival in the world. As the sun comes up over the Sandia Mountains, admire the dramatic reds and oranges that fill the sky, and learn about the features of the New Mexico landscape from your expert pilot. Upon landing, enjoy a celebratory toast and light refreshments.
Available options
6:45am Departure
Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride - 6:45am Meeting time
300lbs+ (Extra Space Policy)
Extra Space Policy: Passengers 300lbs+ must purchase an additional space to ensure safety, comfort, and proper weight distribution during flight<br/>Premier Ride Operator: Rainbow Ryders, Inc. is the premier and largest hot air balloon business serving the Southwest since 1983.<br/>Duration: 1 hour: Your flight will be about 45 minutes - 1 hour (depending on Mother Nature), with the entire experience lasting about 3 hours.<br/>Celebratory Toast included<br/>Rio Grande Valley views
2021 Sunrise Experience
Premier Ride Operator: Rainbow Ryders, Inc. is the premier and largest hot air balloon business serving the Southwest since 1983!<br/>Duration: 1 hour: Your flight will be about 45 minutes - 1 hour (depending on Mother Nature), with the entire experience lasting 3 hours.<br/>Celebratory Toast included<br/>Rio Grande Valley views
6:15 am Departure
Duration: 3 hours: Flight itself is roughly 45 minutes to an hour. The whole experience is 3 hours.<br/>Post-Flight Celebration: Celebratory toast and a light continental breakfast.
6am Departure
Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride - 6am Meeting time
Sunrise Experience
Premier Ride Operator: Rainbow Ryders, Inc. is the premier and largest hot air balloon business serving the Southwest since 1983.<br/>Duration: 1 hour: Your flight will be about 45 minutes - 1 hour (depending on Mother Nature), with the entire experience lasting 3 hours.<br/>Celebratory Toast included<br/>Rio Grande Valley views
7am Departure
Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride - 7am Meeting time
What's included
Professional guide
Light snacks after the flight
Scenic hot air balloon flight
Champagne toast
Detailed itinerary
1
Rise early to begin your hot-air balloon experience. Stop into the office for check-in, then ride to the balloon launch site (which varies day-to-day depending on weather).
Your pilot begins the process of inflating the balloon when you arrive. You can even help out the crew during the inflation process for a more hands-on experience.
As you float high above the ground, enjoy incredible birds-eye views of the Rio Grande Valley. Your pilot determines the route for the day depending on the wind’s direction. You may fly over the city of Albuquerque and even dip low enough to wave at people or skim the Rio Grande River. Throughout your flight, your pilot shares informative commentary about the landscape beneath you.
After approximately one hour in the air, your pilot lands the balloon and the ground crew comes to meet you. Celebrate your flight with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine and a commemorative flight certificate before returning to the original starting point.
What's not included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.8
234 reviews
5★
214
4★
11
3★
4
2★
1
1★
4
Tripadvisor
4.9
1,049 reviews
5★
1007
4★
23
3★
11
2★
2
1★
6
Important information
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Minimum age is 5 years
Not recommended for participants with knee problems
Due to the nature of this tour and the safety of all guests, the tour operator reserves the right to refuse service to passengers who are intoxicated or show signs of intoxication. If, as a result, your tour is canceled, you will not be entitled to a refund.
Flights can only be operated with safe winds, clear sky and no rain. In case of unsuitable weather conditions, you will be provided the option to take the tour on an alternative date or be refunded in full.
Unable to fly anyone who is pregnant
This is a shared basket flight, there will be anywhere from 10-16 total passengers in each basket
Passengers 300lbs+ must purchase an additional space to ensure safety, comfort, and proper weight distribution during flight
Meeting point
Please check in at our office location.
Important notes
• Departure Times Vary based on time of year. Please call 1-800-725-2477 to verify your departure time.
**Note: Hotel Pick Up services are not offered at this time. You will be responsible for getting to the proper check in location at the meet time listed.**
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.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
