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
7am Departure
Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride - 7am Meeting time
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
6am Departure
Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride - 6am Meeting time
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
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
6:45am Departure
Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride - 6:45am 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.
Reviews
1,334 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great Experience!
Mary Z,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful way to see New Mexico! Rainbow Ryder pilot and crew were friendly, knowledgeable and professional. Highly recommend!
Amazing Experience
Denise S,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Such an amazing experience. It was so peaceful and quiet. Stephen was a great pilot! This is definitely a must do when in Albuquerque.
Sardines
Juan O,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
2.00Everything went well. Except that they charge extra for the rio grande experience and that didn’t happen. Also, in the description it said only max of 4 persons where going to be in the basket and we ended up being 7 including the pilot. Everyone was so close to each other like sardines. We couldn’t even turn to see different angles or sides of the basket.
Great time up in the air
Pammy517,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great to ride in the balloon, I was surprised how comfortable it was. If you have problems with climbing the side of the bucket, the crew will help you get in. I would do this again for sure. Our pilot was very good at landing.
Sunrise hot air balloon ride with family
Dana h,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great balloon ride. Anthony our pilot was professional, knowledgeable, and friendly. I went with my 80 year old dad and 10 year old son. The crew let my sone set up and takedown and pack up the balloon which was a highlight for him. Mimosas and snacks after the beautiful sunrise flight was the perfect ending to the morning. Highly recommend this experience.
Outstanding Experience
Lawrence F,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fun, comfortable and exciting surprise for my wife’s 70th. ! Part of the fun was the number of hot air balloons launched together with ours. Citywide about 30+ in air same time made it more interesting and ability to get photo’s. Surprised how many people flew that day. Great experienced pilot.
Great family experience!
A9542NDhollyd,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time and also really enjoyed our pilot, Stephen. He and his son were very informative, as well as fun while also making us feel safe. Highly recommend!
There are NO WORDS!
Veronica W,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a bucket list item and it did not disappoint! We had a great team with Troy being our pilot! Amazing time
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
From US$189.00
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