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DELUXE | Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
Join us on an adventure to the best that the Land of Enchantment has to offer. Start in Southern New Mexico and head North to Albuquerque for the 50th Annual Balloon Fiesta!
Join us on an adventure to the best that the Land of Enchantment has to offer. Start in Southern New Mexico and head North to Albuquerque for the 50th Annual Balloon Fiesta!
Discover the Best of The Land of Enchantment
On this tour, you will visit Southern New Mexico before heading North to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
Every October, the New Mexico skies are painted with hundreds of balloons lifting off from Albuquerque's Balloon Fiesta Park. Nothing rivals the power of mass ascension on a crisp early morning as these graceful giants leave the ground to take their place in the cerulean desert sky. Includes Santa Fe.
Itinerary Overview
Day One
Accommodation | Hotel Encanto - Las Cruces, NM
Highlights | Wilcox BBQ, Old Mesilla in Las Cruces
Meals | Dinner at Double Eagle Restaurant
Day Two
Accommodation | Inn of the Mountain Gods - Ruidoso, NM (Casino Property)
Highlights | White Sands National Park, Noisy Waters Wine Tasting
Meals | Breakfast in Las Cruces
Day Three
Accommodation | Hilton Garden Inn - Rio Rancho, NM
Highlights | Old Town Albuquerque Walking Tour
Meals | Breakfast in Ruidoso, Welcome Dinner at Hotel in Albuquerque
Day Four
Accommodation | Hilton Garden Inn - Rio Rancho, NM
Highlights | Chaser's Club at Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, Sandia Tram Tour, Additional Time at Sandia Casino
Meals | Breakfast at Chaser's Club, Dinner at Sandia Casino
Day Five
Accommodation | Hilton Garden Inn - Rio Rancho, NM
Highlights | Chimayo, NM, Santa Fe, NM, Chaser's Club for the Balloon Fiesta Evening Balloon Glow
Meals | Breakfast at Hotel, Dinner in Chaser's Club at Balloon Fiesta Park
Day Six
Return Home
Highlights | Acoma Sky City
Included:
Motorcoach Transportation
Expert Guide
5 Nights Accommodations
4 Dinners
Breakfast Each Morning
Exclusive Chaser's Club at Balloon Fiesta Field - 1 for Mass Ascension & 1 for Evening Balloon Glow
Understanding Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta with Free Spirit Vacations
The largest event for the State of New Mexico is also the most photographed event in the world. The Free Spirit Vacations Team has put together a glossary of the most common terms you will hear on your trip. You will not only know what others are referring to, but you will sound like a local when other people ask you!
What is the Typical Weather & What Do I Wear?
Generally, temperatures in the morning are around 20-40°F, warming up to about 50-70°F by noon. We suggest you dress in layers. Remember to wear comfortable walking shoes. You will be at a high altitude and are at risk for sunburn so be sure to wear your sunscreen. Bring appropriate eye protection (sunglasses) and wear hats & gloves, as the mornings can be very cold.
Day One
Sunday, October 2
Travel by motorcoach from Phoenix, AZ to Las Cruces, NM. Stop in WIlcox along the way for lunch on own. Once in Las Cruces, we will check into Hotel Encanto. A welcome dinner is included this evening at the historic Double Eagle Restaurant. Located in the Heart of Historic Old Mesilla. The historic, elegant home was built in 1849. The adobe building is filled with turnof-the century art, antiques, crystal chandeliers and two ghosts!
Day Two
Monday, October 3
Breakfast is included this morning at the hotel. Then depart for Ruidoso, New Mexico, located high in the Rocky Mountains of southeastern New Mexico. En route we will visit White Sands National Park. Enjoy a wine tasting included at Noisy Waters Winery followed by some time on your own in Ruidoso. Check into the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort, Spa and Casino. This evening is on your own to flirt with lady luck!
Day Three
Tuesday, October 4
Breakfast is included this morning at the hotel. Depart Ruidoso and head for Albuquerque. Upon arrival in Albuquerque we will visit Historic Old Town with a guided walking tour. After lunch on own on this day we will continue to Rio Rancho and check into the Hilton Garden Inn. Dinner Included at the hotel this Evening.
Day Four
Wednesday, October 5
It's an early morning today as you enter Balloon Fiesta Field and make your way to the exclusive Chaser's Club. Including a full buffet breakfast. View the Mass Ascension where almost 800 balloons ascend into the morning air. After the launch, we will continue to enjoy the views of balloon surrounding us and time on the field. We will return to the hotel for a break and have a boxed lunch prior to an afternoon trip up the Sandia Tram for spectacular views. Following this excursion, we will make our way to Sandia Casino for Dinner and time on the casino floor.
Day Five
Thursday, October 6
Breakfast is included this morning at the hotel. Today we will head North to spend the morning in the historic 'Town of Healing' - Chimayo, NM. Followed by travelling the scenic Turquoise Trail to Santa Fe. Famous for its unique mix of Spanish and Indian cultures, the rows of streets of Santa Fe are lined with buildings of distinctive design, adobe houses and interesting shops. Our visit to this historic city a walking tour of the Historic Square. For the evening. we will return Chasers Club for Dinner, the Special Shapes Glow and After-Glow Fireworks.
Day Six
Friday, October 7
Breakfast is included this morning at the hotel. On our way home we will stop at the Native Acoma Sky City for a tour and lunch stop. Return to Phoenix this evening.
FB=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
74 / 44°F
Activity Level 3
This travel experience is perfect for those who want to see everything their destination has to offer. With the ability to navigate hills and uneven ground (1-2 hours with little difficulty), as well as climb into various modes of transportation, you'll be able to explore every corner of your destination without missing a thing. Plus, with some longer days balanced with free time to recharge or set out on your own adventure, you'll have the perfect harmony of flexibility and exploration.
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 Cown Line is attached to the top of each balloon to assist with inflation. When a pilot inflate 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 | Contact Details |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | |
| Friendship Village | Friendship Village 2645 East Southern Ave, Tempe AZ | |
| Pebble Creek | Pebble Creek 3645 Clubhouse Drive, Goodyear AZ | |
| Sun Lakes Cottonwood | Sun Lakes Cottonwood 25630 Brentwood Drive, Sun Lakes AZ |
| From Price | Book Now | Call Back | Telephone | Favorites | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 02 2022 | $1,950.00 |  | |||
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