Get ready to be swept off your feet as we embark on an exhilarating trip through the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, where the sky becomes a canvas and the balloons paint a breathtaking masterpiece. Every year, thousands of visitors from around the world flock to New Mexico to witness this spectacular event, which has become a cherished tradition for both locals and travelers alike. As the sun begins to rise, the air is filled with anticipation and excitement, as hundreds of vibrant hot air balloons take flight, illuminating the crisp morning sky.
Why You’ll Enjoy This Trip
♦ Spectacular hot air balloons in a unique festive atmosphere.
♦ Be mesmerized by the the Balloon Glow where the burners are ignited illuminating the balloons from within.
♦ Get up close to the balloons and interact with the pilots and crew members.
♦ Partake in the Special Shapes Rodeo.
♦ Capture incredible photography of the balloons against the New Mexico landscape or the early morning sunrise.
♦ From traditional music and dance performances to local crafts and cuisine, immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of this enchanted land.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Santa Fe, New Mexico
Get ready to touch down in the “Land of Enchantment”*. New Mexico is abundant in diverse culture, rich history and captivating natural beauty. It’s also home to the largest, most photographed ballooning event on earth, Albuquerque’s International Balloon Fiesta. We’ll experience the magic of hundreds of balloons floating gracefully above the New Mexico landscape during our stay. The festivities begin tonight at a Welcome Meeting with your fellow travelers.
*Please arrive into Albuquerque no later than 1pm in order to make the group transfer to Santa Fe.
Day 2 - Santa Fe
After breakfast at our hotel, we’ll visit the oldest art museum in the state, the New Mexico Museum of Art. Built in 1917, the structure itself is considered a masterpiece of Pueblo Revival and is home to works by notable artists such as Georgia O’Keefe. Next, you’ll have time for lunch on your own before visiting the Miraculous Staircase at the Loretto Chapel. Three mysteries surround the intriguing spiral staircase, the identity of its builder, the type of wood used and the physics of its construction, seemingly without center support. Dinner tonight is included at a local restaurant.
Day 3 - Santa Fe - Albuquerque
You’ll start the day with free time to seek out handmade textiles, turquoise jewelry or other Santa Fe treasures before leaving for our three-night stay in in Albuquerque. Once we arrive, spend time discovering the shops, restaurants and historic charm of Old Town Albuquerque.
Day 4 - Albuquerque
Today will be Albuquerque’s International Balloon Fiesta! We’ll arrive at Fiesta Park* for the launch of hundreds of colorful balloons into the early morning sky. It’s a spectacular, bucket-list experience you’ll want to photograph and remember. We’ll visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center this afternoon to discover the legacy and culture of the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico. Finally, a stop at the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History features a docent led tour that tells the story of the Atomic Age, including details of the Manhattan Project.
*Depending on the final schedule put out by the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, the days at Fiesta Park may be reversed.
Day 5 - Albuquerque
This morning, you have free time to explore Albuquerque on your own. Take a ride on the Sandia Peak Tramway or visit Petroglyph National Monument. We’ll cap our day returning to fiesta grounds for “Balloon Glow”, an unforgettable event featuring balloons illuminated from within and released into the moonlit sky. Take plenty of photos and don’t miss Balloon Fiesta’s Main Street, over a third of a mile of concessions, artisans, food vendors and much more.
Day 6 - Depart Albuquerque
Our tour comes to a close this morning as we head home with colorful memories of beautiful New Mexico. Transfer to the airport at any time.
