Can you ride in a hot air balloon at the Albuquerque Balloon Festival?

As the self-proclaimed ‘hot air balloon capital of the world’, there are few better places to take to the skies than Albuquerque and the vast desert horizon is often bobbing with colorful balloons. The most atmospheric time of year to experience the thrill of a hot air balloon ride is during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, the largest hot air balloon festival on the planet, which has been held every year since 1971 and draws crowds of up to 800,000 spectators. More than 500 elaborately decorated and uniquely shaped balloons will be gliding through the skies during the big event, creating a spectacle that is as mesmerizing from the ground as it is from the skies, so be sure to keep your camera close to hand.

Don’t worry if you can’t make it to the festival – you can still learn about Albuquerque’s long history of ballooning at the Albuquerque International Balloon Museum, then enjoy an unbeatable bird’s eye view over the desert with a tranquil hot air balloon tour. Albuquerque’s calm, steady winds and year-round mild climate mean that it’s possible to enjoy a hot balloon flight almost every day of the year, and the most dramatic time to fly is at sunrise or sunset. There’s no experience quite like floating above the desert as the horizon melts beneath hues of red, orange and yellow, and once you’re back on solid ground, you’ll be able to celebrate your safe return with a glass of champagne.

Our hot air balloon rides are operated on the Rio Grande River’s west side. This area offers a less congested place for balloon flight, amazing views, and underground power lines, which means you don’t need to worry about any safety issues. While taking in the breathtaking views and attractions such as Sandia peak and tramway, petroglyph national monument, and the university of New Mexico, while learning the amazing history and culture of the local pueblo indians, or the history of hot air ballooning in the home of hot air ballooning.

Compared to our competitors’ flights with 16 to 22 people, we offer a more personable experience for you. Our small balloons are limited to twelve or fewer. Our meeting place at Weck’s world famous restaurant is a mere four miles from the Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Festival, but it’s still far enough away that you’ll be avoiding the crowds and traffic, and clearly viewing the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta for the most amazing photo-ops!

We have plenty of balloon experience, and you’ll be able to experience both the flight and chase in one event. We have two flights each morning during the hot air balloon festival beginning at 6:30 a.m. The first ride lasts 45 minutes to one hour. Passengers of the second ride will be joining in on the hot air balloon chase. They get to feel like storm chasers while waiting their turn. Once we have landed, we’ll trade passengers. The second flight then takes its turn in the air. This is when the first group gets to be the chasers. At our final landing we have the traditional balloon champagne fiesta!

The Safest Flight in New Mexico

We are Family Owned and Operated with a Perfect Safety record Since 1976. Aerogelic Ballooning uses the best equipment, the best policies, and the best people to insure you have the greatest time on your hot air balloon ride. So you can enjoy the view and the company, and feel secure in knowing that you're safe the whole time. While others may fly during weather, we'll never put you in danger.

Click Here To Book Your Flight Today!

 Albuquerque is the hot air balloon capitol of the world. Taking a balloon ride in the Duke City is akin to visiting the Eiffel Tower while in Paris, so many take a balloon ride while here. 

Balloon rides are part adventure, part sightseeing, and part once in a lifetime experience. Seeing the world from above while gently gliding ​

Deciding when and where to launch depends on what you are looking for. There are balloon rides geared to romance that are perfect for couples, whether it's for a proposal or just to share something special.

Balloon rides are slow and graceful and don't upset people who normally get motion sickness. Even those afraid of heights say the slow ascent makes the rise into the air less frightening. 

When taking a balloon ride, wear clothes for outdoors, and dress in layers. Although it may be cold in the morning as the balloon takes off at sunrise, by the time the balloon lands, the sun will have warmed things and you may want to take off your jacket.

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Private Balloon Flights

8311 Golf Course Road NW
Albuquerque, NM 87120

Private Balloon Flights offers passengers a chance to see Albuquerque from above in a basket that will fit in as many or as few passengers as you choose. Family baskets can fit up to six adults as well as the pilot, or baskets that hold more than six, based on weight. All baskets are private unless the shared basket is requested, which runs October 1 through 15, during Balloon Fiesta season.

The ride takes place along the Rio Grande for a close dip called the "Splash and Dash" as well as toward downtown or Old Town. 

Private Balloon Flights offers gift packages that include hats, pins, trading cards, a gift certificate for a romantic flight for two, a bottle of champagne, and more.

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Rainbow Ryders

5601 Eagle Rock Avenue NE
Albuquerque, NM 87113

Rainbow Ryders offers balloon rides for any size group, year round. Rainbow Ryders is the official hot air balloon ride operator at the Balloon Fiesta. 

Rainbow Ryders has a variety of balloon options. Their Sunrise ride takes off at sunrise every day of the year. Float above the Rio Grande and enjoy a champagne toast and light refreshments after the ride. You'll get a certificate and you can be part of the crew, hands-on.

Rainbow Ryders also offers rides at sunset November through March, rides during the Balloon Fiesta and during the fiesta's Dawn Patrol, and private balloon ride options. 

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Sweet Escape Balloon Rides

Sweet Escapes offers balloon rides year-round Their sunrise flights last an hour to an hour and a half, depending on fuel, wind direction, and landing sites. Flights include a champagne ceremony, flight certificate, and continental breakfast. 

Sweet Escapes offers rides for special occasions, to include weddings.

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Vagabond Balloons

4900 Kachina NW
Albuquerque, NM 87120

Vagabond Balloons is a small, family owned business that offers balloon flights at sunrise or sunset. Flight time in the air averages 45 to 90 minutes. The entire experience lasts 2.5 to three hours. Flights carry a maximum of four people. For sunrise flights, expect a champagne toast and continental breakfast after landing. At sunset, there is a champagne toast and light hors d'oeuvres after landing. 

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World Balloon

6390 Coors NW
Albuquerque, NM 87120

World Balloon has locations in Albuquerque as well as Taos. They also fly balloons in St. Louis and Arizona. World Balloon has operated in Albuquerque for over 40 years and offers several types of balloon rides. Flights depart year round.

Their Champagne Flight is a one hour flight that carries up to 12 passengers. Though the time in the air is one hour, the excursion takes three to three and one-half hours in total. Champagne Flights take place at sunrise. Watch the sun rise and then lift off to see an aerial view of the Rio Grande and valley below. After the flight, you'll land and enjoy a champagne toast and light continental breakfast. The flight includes a commemorative flight certificate. This is the most affordable option for World Balloon and currently ranges about $139 for adults and $99 for children. This is a special reduced rate, and rates may change.

World Balloon also offers exclusive balloon rides for those who want to mark a significant event that calls for privacy. The ride lends itself to wedding proposals and anniversaries. The flight shares the same amenities as the champagne flight, without other riders. Cost is $300 for adults and $250 for children.

World Balloon also offers flights during Balloon Fiesta. All flights are $250, for children and adults. The launch site is five miles west of Balloon Fiesta Park. This ride offers opportunities to see and photograph the balloon fiesta from above.

World Balloons offers specials and a 10 percent discount to those who have served in the military, fire, police or EMT services. 

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Can you ride hot air balloons in NM?

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