Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunset
Overview
Available languages
3 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Soar over the Rio Grande Valley in a hot air balloon on a sunset flight from Albuquerque. As the sun goes down over the mesa, marvel at the dramatic oranges and reds that paint the sky, and see the Sandia Mountains loom over the New Mexico landscape. Your expert pilot shares fascinating commentary about the region that plays host to the world's largest hot air balloon festival each October. Upon landing, enjoy a celebratory toast and light refreshments.
Additional Info
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
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‘s Included
Professional guide
Snacks
Champagne Toast
Scenic hot air balloon flight
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities
What To Expect
Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon
Sandia Mountains, Rio Grande River, and local wildlife.
Options
2021 Sunset 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
300lbs+ (Extra Space Policy)
Extra Space Policy: Passengers 300+lbs 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
3pm Departure
Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride - 3pm Meeting time
3:30pm Departure
Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride - 3:30pm Meeting time
Sunset 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
Reviews
55 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Everyone should do this!
Pamela S,
Oct 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We thoroughly enjoyed the ride and Captain Morgan. Very knowledgeable. If anything, we got there at the expected time arrival and had to wait until launch time. However, it was the day before the balloon festival started and there were a lot of people riding. Everyone real nice
If you use their website, be prepared for frustrations. Dont tell their CSR they have a problem. They are "perfect"
knyegaard,
Sep 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00I am sure their flights are wonderful if you can figure out to book it. The website has serious problems and whoever designed it doers not understand modern website navigation (i.e. mobile access). I spent an hour trying before giving up in frustration I called their CSR which is the only thing worse than their website. I told her that I have given up on the website and would like to book a flight. Rather than saying "I'm sorry for your trouble, let me help you", she said "there is nothing wrong with our website," Result? I hung up and decided to find something else to do that day (my wife and my anniversary).
A truly breathtaking experience with a very professional team!
TravelingPamCT,
May 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely loved flying with Rainbow Ryders! The team of pilot Greg, Bobby, and Nick was awesome and so professional. And when my original flight was canceled due to rain, the office was wonderful in rebooking me for the one other date I could make while I was in New Mexico. Thank you!
Balloon ride at sunset !!!
annesI1591NX,
May 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Pick up was close to our hotel. Luis and his son were so comfortable and knowledgeable His stories and expertise on the area was above and beyond. Don’t pick anyone else. The pilot Gery cooper with 40 years experience was so comforting and he landed right on a circle spot - not Much bounce. A very smooth landing. The mimosas and champagne local! Five stars all the way. We came from RI. It was on our bucket list and it was amazing. So quiet , spiritual while flying. The sunrise. Go in the morning. You will not be disappointed. We went in May. 2025. We loved it. Billy and Anne.
Awesome!
lauriey569,
Mar 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Birthday present and what a great time. Not big on heights and have some motion sickness, but did not get sick and being up in the air was great did not feel overly anxious, because of the views it’s spectacular. Beautiful day and our pilot was informative and he handled the balloon great. I would say out of everything the landing was rough, I wish I had my feet one in front more than the other and leaned back a little more it would have been better. I definitely had knees bent, which you want it does happen fast and then you are out of balloon and wishing I had more time in the sky. I definitely recommend Rainbow Ryders hot air balloon rides.
Fantastic experience
Escape23735282994,
Feb 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience! Fantastic guide with lots of information and a perfect trip. Organized, well-communicating team! Thank you very much!
First time flight in Albuquerque
Dennis M,
Jan 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our pilot Troy and the flight crew were awesome. Troy kept us informed of what we’d be doing , step by step, he answered everyone’s questions, and shared stories of his international flights all while emphasizing the importance of safety. Troy clearly loves sharing his passion for ballooning.
Ridiculous!
Pamela G,
Jan 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00It was cancelled by the balloon company and we did not go. Stop sending me messages! You gave me a refund!
Fun ride, great staff!
Kara W,
Jan 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our balloon ride was a great experience. The flight crew, Anthony, Jerry & Misa, were efficient with prepping for the ride and fun companions on the way to the launch site and back from landing. We felt safe and reassured with their collective experience, and they’re all clearly passionate about ballooning.
Fun time
61quishag,
Dec 24, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our pilot and the team were friendly. They answered all of our questions. The ride was a great experience that I can cross off of my bucket list.
From $225.00
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Operated by Rainbow Ryders