Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise
Overview
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.
Additional Info
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
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.
What‘s Included
Professional guide
Light snacks after the flight
Scenic hot air balloon flight
Champagne toast
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities
Options
Sunrise Experience
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
7am Departure
Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride - 7am Meeting time
6:15 am Departure
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.
2021 Sunrise Experience
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
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
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
6am Departure
Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride - 6am Meeting time
Reviews
1,326 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Smooth Ride Up. Sweeping views. The balloon is also gentle going down, but landing spot can be a little anxiety inducing
April M,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00smooth like an elevator. spectacular views.
Awesome Experience
Seaside786190,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The hot air balloon ride was amazing. Our captain Mike was funny, the experience was great. no complaints :) We had done the hot air balloon ride in 2016 with Rainbow Ryders and will be back in 2036 :D
Amazing!
angelatC4294BL,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Anthony and crew were amazing it was I would highly recommend this crew…
Experience Bucket list item!
Trek650036,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Once in a life time amazing experience ! Watching the sunrise from our view was breathtaking . Our pilot, Anthony , seemed super experienced and made the ride stress free and enjoyable.
Beautiful flight with an excellent pilot and crew
gordonk944,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a 70th birthday gift to my wife. As a former balloonist I had been up hundreds of times, but she never had. It was wonderful! The weather was perfect for ballooning, but what made it extra special was our pilot Alfred and crew. And the price was reasonable as well! I highly recommend Rainbow Ryders.
Beautiful
F9846AMcatherineg,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderfully relaxing experience.
First Ride, Not the Last!
Allison B,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an incredible ride this week with pilot Anthony and crew! Highly experienced and knowledgeable, and very informative. Rainbow Ryders took care of every detail, start to finish! Will definitely fly with them again whenever we’re in a city where they are!
Solo Traveler
Paila k,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Best time ever! As a very nervous solo traveler Mike kept me close and made me feel super comfortable. YOLO
Hot air balloon at sunrise
Rachel H,Mar 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The pilots were incredibly knowledgeable and well equipped for managing the balloon. Seeing the set up and takedown processes was also part of the fun. Great experience.
Bucklet list ✔️
Escape08804063499,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was our first time in a hot air balloon. Absolutely loved it! Kris was our pilot. He was very knowledgeable and made the tour fun.
From US$189.00
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