Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
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.
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
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Professional guide
Light snacks after the flight
Scenic hot air balloon flight
Champagne toast
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities
Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon
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.
Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride - 7am Meeting time
Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride - 6:45am Meeting time
Premier Ride Operator: Rainbow Ryders, Inc. is the premier and largest hot air balloon business serving the Southwest since 1983!
Duration: 1 hour: Your flight will be about 45 minutes - 1 hour (depending on Mother Nature), with the entire experience lasting 3 hours.
Celebratory Toast included
Rio Grande Valley views
Extra Space Policy: Passengers 300lbs+ must purchase an additional space to ensure safety, comfort, and proper weight distribution during flight
Premier Ride Operator: Rainbow Ryders, Inc. is the premier and largest hot air balloon business serving the Southwest since 1983.
Duration: 1 hour: Your flight will be about 45 minutes - 1 hour (depending on Mother Nature), with the entire experience lasting about 3 hours.
Celebratory Toast included
Rio Grande Valley views
Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride - 6am Meeting time
Premier Ride Operator: Rainbow Ryders, Inc. is the premier and largest hot air balloon business serving the Southwest since 1983.
Duration: 1 hour: Your flight will be about 45 minutes - 1 hour (depending on Mother Nature), with the entire experience lasting 3 hours.
Celebratory Toast included
Rio Grande Valley views
Duration: 3 hours: Flight itself is roughly 45 minutes to an hour. The whole experience is 3 hours.
Post-Flight Celebration: Celebratory toast and a light continental breakfast.
1,187 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Janet B,
Jul 8, 2025
- Viator
This is one experience you will not want to miss. It is exciting to view the mountains of New Mexico floating in the hot air balloon. The pilot of the balloon made me feel safe and comfortable the whole time.
jason c,
Jun 23, 2025
- Viator
The experience was cancelled 30 minutes before it was supposed to happen so that was terrible. We had to wake up super early and start our drive there only to be told it wasn’t happening.
NATALIE D,
Jun 19, 2025
- Viator
The hot air balloon experience was amazing, truly a bucket list. It was peaceful and the views were lovely. The landing was different than expected. I would definitely do it again!
Maria H,
Jun 14, 2025
- Viator
Educational, fun and relaxing! Made new fiends learned alot and got to see incredible views and learn about the area - 10/10 recommend!
Dino L,
Jun 13, 2025
- Viator
Had an overall amazing time and experience. Brad was as amazing pilot and definitely is a people’s person. Made everyone feel comfortable and laugh though out the whole experience. Definitely recommend this!
Operated by Rainbow Ryders