Worlds Largest Hot-Air Balloon Festival

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the world’s largest hot-air balloon festival and one of the most photographed events on earth. Each October, more than 500 balloons rise over the New Mexico desert, filling the sky with color and wonder. The Fiesta is a true bucket-list experience that combines art, adventure, and pure joy.

Overall Trip Highlights

• 2 Days of VIP Access to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta – Skip the crowds with exclusive entry and prime viewing areas.

• Two Fiesta Sessions Included – Experience both a pre-dawn Morning Glow and a dazzling Evening Glow event.

• Hundreds of Hot Air Balloons in Flight – Watch the world’s largest gathering of colorful balloons fill the New Mexico sky.

• Day Trip to explore Santa Fe

• Welcome Dinner & Group Bonding – Meet your travel companions with a festive kickoff meal.

• Private Transportation – Stress-free transfers to all Fiesta events and group activities.

• Explore Old Town Albuquerque – Stroll historic adobe streets, artisan shops, and cultural landmarks.

• Southwest Scenery & Sandia Views – Take in sweeping desert and mountain vistas.

Day One: Arrival Day

Welcome to Albuquerque, New Mexico! For flight information please see “flight information” tab below.

Highlights

• Welcome Dinner at the Hotel, where we will get acquainted and go briefly over the trip

Day Two: Let’s Explore Santa Fe!

We are off to Santa Fe for the day! Nestled in the breathtaking high desert of New Mexico, Santa Fe is a city unlike any other. With its rich history, vibrant art scene, and stunning natural landscapes, Santa Fe is a destination that should be on every traveler’s bucket list. Immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant culture and explore the countless art galleries, museums, and historic sites that make Santa Fe so unique. Take a stroll through the colorful streets of the city’s historic downtown, where you’ll find incredible architecture and some of the best shopping and dining in the Southwest. 

Highlights

• Scenic drive through New Mexico’s high desert with sweeping mountain views along the way

• Guided exploration of historic Santa Fe Plaza – adobe architecture, centuries-old churches, and colorful streets

• Dive into the city’s world-famous art scene at galleries, artisan markets, and museums

• Unique shopping – from Native American jewelry to Southwest textiles and one-of-a-kind art pieces

• Savor Santa Fe flavors enjoy local dining 

• Cultural immersion in a city where Spanish, Native American, and Anglo traditions blend seamlessly

• Leisure time to wander – stroll at your own pace through winding alleys, boutiques, and courtyards

• Breathtaking backdrop of Sangre de Cristo Mountains framing the city’s skyline

Day Three: Morning Glow: VIP Section of Balloon Fiesta – Experience Balloon Fiesta in Style & Sandia Tram 

EARLY MORNING: 3 AM wake up call

We start the day early with a 3 AM wake-up call to head to the Balloon Fiesta grounds. From our VIP section, you’ll experience the Dawn Patrol followed by the Mass Ascension, when hundreds of balloons rise into the morning sky as the National Anthem plays. It’s one of the most recognized events of the Fiesta and a true bucket-list moment.

Afterward, we return to the hotel for downtime. This is a great opportunity to rest, enjoy the property, or book an optional hot air balloon ride (not included in the itinerary). We’ll have several hours of relaxation before the afternoon outing.

Later in the day, we head to the Sandia Peak Tramway, one of the longest aerial trams in the world. The ride takes you up the side of the Sandia Mountains, offering sweeping views of the Rio Grande Valley and surrounding desert. At the top, you’ll have time to take in the scenery, explore the area, or grab a bite at the mountaintop restaurant before returning to the city.

Highlights

• VIP Morning Glow & Mass Ascension – Front-row access as Dawn Patrol lifts off in the dark, followed by hundreds of balloons filling the sky with color while the National Anthem plays.

• Once-in-a-lifetime photo ops – Capture the most iconic shots of the Balloon Fiesta from the comfort of the VIP section.

• Optional hot air balloon ride – Free time mid-day for those who wish to add their own flight experience (extra cost).

• Relax & recharge – Return to the hotel for a well-deserved break after the early morning magic.

• Ride the Sandia Peak Tramway – Soar 2.7 miles up the dramatic Sandia Mountains on one of the world’s longest aerial tramways.

• Breathtaking views – Panoramic vistas of the Rio Grande Valley, rugged canyons, and endless desert horizons.

• Dinner Together

Day Four: Old Town New Mexico & VIP Evening Glow and Firework Show!

We begin the morning with breakfast before heading out to explore Albuquerque’s highlights. Stroll through historic Old Town, see the adobe architecture, browse unique shops, and enjoy the blend of Native American, Hispanic, and Western cultures that make the city so distinctive. There will be time for light sightseeing, shopping, and a relaxed lunch before returning to the hotel to freshen up.

In the evening, we transfer to the Balloon Fiesta grounds for our VIP Evening Glow experience. As night falls, tethered balloons ignite their burners in unison, creating a spectacular field of glowing color. The atmosphere is festive and vibrant, and the evening concludes with a fireworks finale—the perfect way to end an unforgettable day in New Mexico.

Day Five: Departure Day

Easy morning at the hotel after we had so much fun watching the firework show. Breakfast together. Departure times will vary. Multiple shuttles to airport.

Note: This itinerary serves as a general guide to what we will be doing, seeing, and eating, with the final version provided approximately two weeks prior. The published itinerary is an example and may be adjusted to include accommodations, tours, or restaurants of comparable quality to ensure the best experience.

All Inclusive – Cya there!