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Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta 2025
Experience why New Mexico is called the Land of Enchantment as we travel to Albuquerque, take in some local culture, and witness the largest Hot Air Balloon Festival in the World!
Experience why New Mexico is called the Land of Enchantment as we travel to Albuquerque, take in some local culture, and witness the largest Hot Air Balloon Festival in the World!
EXPERIENCE THE MOST PHOTOGRAPHED EVENT IN THE WORLD!
Each October, the New Mexico skies are painted with hundreds of hot air balloons, of all colors and shapes. This annual event attracts balloons, and spectators, from around the world. You will see, up close, the special shapes balloons inflate and take to the sky and enjoy the magnificence of an evening glow. Find out for yourself why the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the most photographed event in the world!
THE HOTEL DOES NOT HAVE AN ELEVATOR
Highlights
Balloon Fiesta Park Special Shapes Rodeo
Balloon Fiesta Park Mass Ascension
Old Town Albuquerque
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
Santa Fe
Single Supplement Price $1,995.00
Day One
We’ll travel via motorcoach from Phoenix to Rio Rancho, New Mexico, where we will check in to the Quality Inn Rio Rancho. Enjoy dinner at Applebee’s Restaurant on own (a gift card will be provided).
Please note: The hotel does not have an elevator.
Day Two
We’ll be up early for breakfast at the hotel (included) before heading to Balloon Fiesta Park to watch the Special Shapes Rodeo where you’ll enjoy a VIP Tent sponsored by Quality Inn and Rio Rancho. You’ll see gigantic pigs, penguins, spaceships, cows and more, take to the sky! Watching these special shaped hot air balloons fill the air is one of the most unique sights you will witness. After the Rodeo, we’ll head to Old Town Albuquerque for an included lunch and a visit to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Learn about Pueblo culture from ancient times to the present and shop for authentic Native American art directly from the artists. We will return to Balloon Fiesta Park for the evening Special Shapes Glowdeo and AfterGlow Fireworks. A box dinner is included in the VIP Tent, sponsored by Quality Inn and Rio Rancho. Witness the balloons inflate, hear the burners, and see the pilots and crew in action. We’ll return to Quality Inn Rio Rancho for the night.
FB, L, DDay Three
After breakfast (included) we will head back to Balloon Fiesta Park for the morning ascension. After the morning festivities at the Balloon Fiesta Park, we’ll head to Santa Fe to enjoy lunch on your own and time for wandering through shops and galleries. This evening, enjoy a three-course dinner at Sandia Resort and Casino. We’ll return to Quality Inn Rio Rancho for the night.
FB, DDay Four
We’ll enjoy a final included breakfast at the hotel before heading back to Phoenix, looking at the photos we’ve taken and talking about the fun we’ve had!
FBFB=Full Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
Suggested Packing
-Casual Clothing that can be mixed and layered
-Comfortable walking shoes
-Hat and Sunscreen
-Cash and Credit Cards (Only those needed)
-Medicine and spare prescriptions
-Extra glasses and/or contacts
-Book, Word Search and/or Crossword Puzzle
-Binoculars
-Seat Cushions and/or Blanket (If attending a parade or show)
-Ear plugs and sleep mask
-Mini-Sewing Kit
-Toiletries and Tissues
-Chargers for devices (Cell phones, Tablets, etc.)
-Extra Memory Cards (Digital Cameras) or Extra Film
Average Temperature
Albuquerque
October | 72 / 44°F
Activity Level 2
This is perfect for those who want a balanced approach to travel. It’s comfortable for walking at least 30-45 minutes over a variety of terrains, and perfect for those who want to explore a new city on foot. With a few hills or flights of stairs, this product level is perfect for those who like to take in everything their destination has to offer.
Glossary of Terms
Mass Ascension
- A Mass Ascension is when all 500+ balloons launch from Balloon Fiesta Park. This will take approximately 2 hours each morning.
Balloon Fiesta Park
- Balloon Fiesta takes place at Balloon Fiesta Park, which is located north of Alameda Boulevard, one mile west of I-25. The grassed area on the field is more than 80 acres.
Chase Crew
- Chase crews help the pilot inflate and deflate his/her balloon for each flight.
Zebras
- Zebras are Balloon Fiesta's launch directors. They help launch the balloons every morning. The reason they are called Zebras is that they wear black and white striped shirts. As the balloons are so large, the pilot cannot see what is going on above him/her, so the Zebras check the airspace above them as he/she is prepared to launch to make sure it is clear and safe to ascend.
Dawn Patrol
- Dawn Patrol is a group of selected balloons that launch prior to sunrise on the days of Mass Ascensions.
Special Shape Balloon
- These balloons come in all shapes and sizes! From Animals to the Wells Fargo Stage Coach and so much more!
Balloon Glow
- This is a static display of the balloons after sunset and takes place at Balloon Fiesta Park. The Glowdeo is the static display of the Shape balloons and occurs on Thursday and Friday nights. For evening events, bring a flashlight.
Basics Of A Hot Air Balloon
Hot Air Balloon Fuel
- Hot air balloon use propane as their fuel. This propane runs through the burners that creates the flame you see inside the envelope. Although the propane is the same as on your grill, but the burners have a lot more power.
Gondola
-Made out of wicker, welded aluminum, and cables. The gondola is the vessel passengers ride in.
Balloon Envelope
-The envelope is made of lightweight fabric, on top and fire resistant Nomex at the base. There are vents in each balloon to help with the steering and
Crown Line
- When you are on the field, keep an eye out for ropes (lines). The Crown Line is attached to the top of each balloon to assist with inflation. When a pilot inflates the balloon, they need control of the envelope. The crown line has a crew member holding on at the end of the rope to assist in this effort.
Pilot
- All pilots are FAA certified and have to go through special training to fly a hot air balloon.
How does a Pilot Navigate the balloon?
- Although there is no steering on the balloon, the pilot studies the weather patterns each morning. Once in the air the pilot will find different wind directions and speeds at different altitudes to assist in navigating to the desired landing site.
New Mexico's Most Important Question
Red or Green - Each restaurant will ask this exact question. What is it referring to? If you want Red or Green Chile topping your meal! (No, not Texas Chili). New Mexico is not only famous for the Balloon Fiesta, but for their growing of the Chile Pepper. The young chile pepper is the green chile and ranges from Mild to Flaming. Red Chile is the more mature version of this pepper and has the same heat range as green. My suggestion to you, always ask which is hotter (this answer changes at each restaurant and each day). Then go from there! Not sure if you even want any? Ask for it on the side!
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Bell Recreation Center | Bell Recreation Center 16820 North 99th Ave. (Corner of 99th and Hutton) |
| Burger King Superstition | Burger King Superstition 6820 East Superstition Springs Blvd, Mesa |
| Fords Travel SunCity West | Fords Travel Sun City West 13593 West Camino Del Sol, Sun City West |
| Sun Lakes Cottonwood | Sun Lakes Cottonwood 25630 Brentwood Drive, Sun Lakes AZ |
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