Hot air balloon ride in New Mexico

Albuquerque, ballooning capital

Albuquerque is the most famous city in the world for hot air balloon flights. Every morning, colorful balloons rise above the Rio Grande Valley. The flight often begins at sunrise, when the air is still cool and the winds are light. The pilot flies the balloon at different altitudes, which allows you to see the Sandia Mountains from a spectacular angle. The hot air balloon ride in Albuquerque is an emblematic activity, especially during the annual festival that attracts pilots from around the world.

Taos and the northern mountains

Farther north, the village of Taos offers a completely different setting. Here, flights take place above the Rio Grande Gorge, an impressive canyon that contrasts with the surrounding plateaus. The discovery hot air balloon flight in this region is more intimate: fewer people, more silence, and an open view of snow-capped peaks in winter. It’s an ideal experience for those seeking the calm and raw beauty of New Mexico.

Las Cruces and the southern deserts

In the south of the state, around Las Cruces, hot air balloon flights fly over desert landscapes and the Organ Mountains. The contrast between the golden morning light and the ocher tones of the ground is striking. The experience is often enjoyed in a small group, in a relaxed atmosphere. Some flights include a snack after landing, a tradition inherited from the first aeronauts.

A simple and unforgettable activity

A hot air balloon ride in New Mexico requires no experience. Takeoff is gentle, the flight is quiet, and landing takes place slowly in a clear area. Whether it’s a hot air balloon ride in Albuquerque, a flight over the canyons of Taos, or an escape in the southern desert, each experience reveals a different face of this fascinating state.