Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise

Overview

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.

City: Albuquerque

Fri 25 Apr

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $189.00

Make a reservation

Fri 25 Apr

Starting at $189.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Professional guide

Light snacks after the flight

Scenic hot air balloon flight

Champagne toast

Additional Info

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

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.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (1000)

bigwawao

Oct 2018

Had a hot air balloon ride as one of my bucket list and I checked it off last September. Rode with my fellow hippo reunion members. We chose Rainbow Ryders. I can only comment on how they run their operations since I cannot compare it to other outfits, this being my first balloon ride. Paid half of the cost upfront and online. The second half was done right after the balloon ride after we landed. The people were friendly and respectful. They communicated very well. The van used to transport us was clean and well maintained. We rode to am empty site and they asked us to help set up the balloon which was a treat for me. They were very helpful in helping us into the balloon, especially an elderly member of ours. The balloon was manned by.... He was funny and should I say, downright crazy. He was a licensed ballonist, if that is the right word. We went up and down to several altitude elevations and landed at an empty field. The ground crew were very much on the ball helping the landing and helping us out. We had a little drink after we landed (a balloonist tradition), got our certicates and they drove us back to their office where we had quite an extensive morning snack to boot. I did not know about the snack- pastries, muffins, coffee, juice,. It was a pleasant surprise. Overall, I would ride with this outfit anytime. In fact, my wife wants a balloon ride and I would do it again.

Response from Host

Oct 2018

Hi and thank you so much for your wonderful review! We always love when we are able to help someone check off a bucket list item and I'm glad you chose us for your first balloon flight! It sounds like you had an amazing experience with us and I'm glad you enjoyed everything so much and we were able to be a big help with that experience. I look forward to having you and your wife fly with us again soon!

geminiunicorn

Oct 2018

Our first hot air balloon ride ever was day one of Balloon Fiesta with the sunrise mass ascension. Don't know how we will ever top this hot air balloon experience - it was MAGICAL!!! We went up with Pilot Zach Seibel/ Sundance, he was awesome. The ride was so beautiful with all the other Balloon Fiesta balloons going up and surrounding us, peaceful and gentle. Zach's piloting was outstanding, we didn't even feel it when we landed. This ride is worth every penny - experience of a lifetime!

Response from Host

Oct 2018

Hi there and thanks for your wonderful review! We always love when we are able to provide magical experiences and it certainly doesn't get better then doing so during the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta! Zach is great and we'll certainly pass along your comments his way and we hope you'll be able to come and fly with us again!

sharonsimpsonallen

Oct 2018

Awesome experience! Dean Donley was our pilot and felt totally safe in his care. He was experienced, entertaining, and friendly. Our landing was as smooth as could be. I considered it a bucket list check-off but am hoping it’s not my last balloon ride!

Response from Host

Oct 2018

Hi Sharon and thanks for your kind review and flying with Rainbow Ryders! Dean is great and I'll certainly pass along your kind words to him and his team. I'm glad we could help check a bucket list item from your list and look forward to hopefully flying with you again soon!