Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunset in Albuquerque
Albuquerque, United States

Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunset

Outty Ranking 67 4.8 · 57 traveler reviews3.5 hoursFrom $225

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

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Age 12 and under

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From, per person$225
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Outty Ranking

67/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.8/5

Based on 57 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunset worth booking?

Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunset is a 3.5-hour experience in Albuquerque, United States, from $225 per person. It scores 67 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 57 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
67 / 100
Rating
4.8/5 (57)
Duration
3.5 hours
From
$225 per person

Soar over the Rio Grande Valley in a hot air balloon on a sunset flight from Albuquerque. As the sun goes down over the mesa, marvel at the dramatic oranges and reds that paint the sky, and see the Sandia Mountains loom

What you get

    About this experience

    Soar over the Rio Grande Valley in a hot air balloon on a sunset flight from Albuquerque. As the sun goes down over the mesa, marvel at the dramatic oranges and reds that paint the sky, and see the Sandia Mountains loom over the New Mexico landscape. Your expert pilot shares fascinating commentary about the region that plays host to the world's largest hot air balloon festival each October. Upon landing, enjoy a celebratory toast and light refreshments.

    What's included

    Included

    • Professional guide
    • Snacks
    • Alcoholic beverages
    • Scenic hot air balloon flight

    Not included

    • Hotel pickup and drop-off
    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon

      Sandia Mountains, Rio Grande River, and local wildlife.

      210 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Albuquerque

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Returns to the starting point

    Options you can book

    • 3pm Departure

      Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride - 3pm Meeting time

    • 3:30pm Departure

      Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride - 3:30pm Meeting time

    • 300lbs+ (Extra Space Policy)

      Extra Space Policy: Passengers 300+lbs must purchase an additional space to ensure safety, comfort, and proper weight distribution during flight Premier Ride Operator: Rainbow Ryders, Inc. is the premier and largest hot air balloon business serving the Southwest since 1983. Duration: 1 hour: Your flight will be about 45 minutes - 1 hour (depending on Mother Nature), with the entire experience lasting about 3 hours. Celebratory Toast included Rio Grande Valley views

    • Sunset Experience

      Premier Ride Operator: Rainbow Ryders, Inc. is the premier and largest hot air balloon business serving the Southwest since 1983. Duration: 1 hour: Your flight will be about 45 minutes - 1 hour (depending on Mother Nature), with the entire experience lasting 3 hours. Celebratory Toast included Rio Grande Valley views

    • 2021 Sunset Experience

      Premier Ride Operator: Rainbow Ryders, Inc. is the premier and largest hot air balloon business serving the Southwest since 1983! Duration: 1 hour: Your flight will be about 45 minutes - 1 hour (depending on Mother Nature), with the entire experience lasting 3 hours. Celebratory Toast included Rio Grande Valley views

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Fri, Sat, Sun
    Group size
    Up to 6 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Rainbow Ryders

    Know before you go

    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Minimum age is 5 years
    • Not recommended for participants with knee problems
    • Due to the nature of this tour and the safety of all guests, the tour operator reserves the right to refuse service to passengers who are intoxicated or show signs of intoxication. If, as a result, your tour is canceled, you will not be entitled to a refund.
    • Flights can only be operated with safe winds, clear sky and no rain. In case of unsuitable weather conditions, you will be provided the option to take the tour on an alternative date or be refunded in full.
    • Unable to fly anyone who is pregnant
    • This is a shared basket flight, there will be anywhere from 10-16 total passengers in each basket
    • Passengers 300lbs+ must purchase an additional space to ensure safety, comfort, and proper weight distribution during flight

    Photos

    Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunset in Albuquerque, photo 2Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunset in Albuquerque, photo 3Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunset in Albuquerque, photo 4Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunset in Albuquerque, photo 5Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunset in Albuquerque, photo 6Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunset in Albuquerque, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 57 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    5 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Organization

    2 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Traveler reviews

    57 verified traveler reviews for Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunset. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    53
    4 star
    1
    3 star
    1
    2 star
    1
    1 star
    1
    Sort
    53dahliah · January 2026

    Up, Up and Away!

    This was an amazing experience! If I had one super power, I would want to fly like a bird, and this comes very close! Our pilot Troy is a fourth generation balloonist who, with a co-pilot, has crossed both the Atlantic and the Pacific in a hot air balloon. You could not be in better hands! He is friendly and extremely knowledgeable.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing such a fantastic review! We’re thrilled you had an unforgettable experience and felt the thrill of flying like a bird. Troy and the team will be so happy to hear your kind words — we’re glad you felt safe and in expert hands. We hope to welcome you back for another incredible flight soon!

    via Tripadvisor

    Greg_J · January 2026

    First time, first rate experience

    Must-do activity when visiting Albuquerque. Especially if you miss the International Balloon Festival every October. The crew was informed and engaging. Champagne toast at the end. Wish the flight was longer. Amazing time!

    Response from the operator: Thank you for the wonderful review! We’re so glad you had an amazing time and enjoyed the engaging crew and champagne toast. It’s truly a must-do experience in Albuquerque, and we appreciate you flying with us!

    via Viator

    Sonia_P · November 2025

    A must do in Albuquerque!

    Excellent experience flying this company. From setup, takeoff, flight, & landing amazing experience all around! Highly recommend them!

    Response from the operator: Thank you for the wonderful review! We’re so glad you had an excellent experience from start to finish. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we’d love to welcome you back for another flight soon!

    via Viator

    Pamela S · October 2025

    Everyone should do this!

    We thoroughly enjoyed the ride and Captain Morgan. Very knowledgeable. If anything, we got there at the expected time arrival and had to wait until launch time. However, it was the day before the balloon festival started and there were a lot of people riding. Everyone real nice

    Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re so glad you had a wonderful flight with Captain Morgan and enjoyed your time with us. We appreciate your patience during the busy pre-festival morning—those days can get extra lively with all the excitement in the air! We’re happy our team helped make it an enjoyable experience, and we hope to fly with you again soon.

    via Tripadvisor

    knyegaard · September 2025

    If you use their website, be prepared for frustrations. Dont tell their CSR they have a problem. They are "perfect"

    I am sure their flights are wonderful if you can figure out to book it. The website has serious problems and whoever designed it doers not understand modern website navigation (i.e. mobile access). I spent an hour trying before giving up in frustration I called their CSR which is the only thing worse than their website. I told her that I have given up on the website and would like to book a flight. Rather than saying "I'm sorry for your trouble, let me help you", she said "there is nothing wrong with our website," Result? I hung up and decided to find something else to do that day (my wife and my anniversary).

    Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re very sorry to hear about your frustrating experience and appreciate you bringing the website and mobile access issues to our attention. We’ll be looking into this further to ensure it’s addressed. Our team regularly assists guests over the phone with reservations throughout the day, and we always strive to provide friendly and helpful service. We truly apologize that this wasn’t your experience. If you’re still interested in booking a flight, we’d love the opportunity to make it right and help you schedule your anniversary adventure. Please feel free to give us a call — we’d be happy to assist personally.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    3.5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Fri, Sat, Sun
    Price range
    $225 to $450
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    20
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Why this scores 67

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)82
    Review evidence (18% weight)58
    Booking momentum (14% weight)51
    Value for money (12% weight)35
    Listing quality (10% weight)73
    Local standing (8% weight)67
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunset: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Albuquerque.

    How much does Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunset cost?

    +

    Prices start at $225 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Albuquerque usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunset take?

    +

    Plan for about 3.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Albuquerque is not rushed.

    Is Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunset worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 67 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 57 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Albuquerque, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunset?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunset suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunset?

    +

    Around 20 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Albuquerque can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Albuquerque and add a light layer if any part of the 3.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunset start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Albuquerque within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Albuquerque?

    +

    Albuquerque is balloon country: sunrise flights over the Rio Grande valley, plus Sandia Peak tram rides, Old Town and Route 66 tours, petroglyph hikes and Breaking Bad location runs. Weather-cancellation policy is the thing to read before booking a flight. On Outty we rank every Albuquerque experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include 8pm ORIGINAL Ghost Tour of Old Town Albuquerque - since 2001!, Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise, ABQ Trolley Co. | Best of ABQ City Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Albuquerque?

    +

    October for Balloon Fiesta, otherwise April to June and September to November. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Albuquerque?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

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