Rio Grande River Valley Flight
Traveler rating
4.5/5
Based on 172 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Rio Grande River Valley Flight worth booking?
Rio Grande River Valley Flight is a 3.5-hour experience in Albuquerque, United States, from $225 per person. It scores 64 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.5/5 rating across 172 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 64 / 100
- Rating
- 4.5/5 (172)
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- From
- $225 per person
Choosing our launch sights daily makes it a lot more likely your flight is successful. Ballooning is dependent upon the weather and having such a large radius we fly in gives us a much higher likelihood of having a slow soft landing. We offer private flights as well as group flights. We can accommodate almost any requests and we would be happy to do so.
What you get
About this experience
Choosing our launch sights daily makes it a lot more likely your flight is successful. Ballooning is dependent upon the weather and having such a large radius we fly in gives us a much higher likelihood of having a slow soft landing. We offer private flights as well as group flights. We can accommodate almost any requests and we would be happy to do so.
What's included
Included
- Alcoholic beverages
- In-vehicle air conditioning
What you'll see and do
Albuquerque
We fly within a 30 mile radius of Albuquerque, New Mexico. We choose our launch sight to give you safest as well as the most scenic flight.
60 minutes here
Rio Rancho
During days that will have a lot of balloons activity we plan our flights in the Rio Rancho area (north of Albuquerque) in order to show you all of the balloons flying for competitions.
60 minutes here
Tome Hill Park
One of our favorite flights is slightly south of Albuquerque in a farming community called Los Lunas. There we fly over the mighty Rio Grande river and if you’re lucky we might even touch down in the river to do a “splash and dash.” Followed by a beautiful flight over historic Tome hill.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Albuquerque
Meetup is an hour before sunrise. We then take you to the launch sight, introduce you to your pilot, and then take you back to your vehicle. Kindly note that the meeting time is always 1 hour before sunrise based on New Mexico time zone.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Meetup is an hour before sunrise. We then take you to the launch sight, introduce you to your pilot, and then take you back to your vehicle. Kindly note that the meeting time is always 1 hour before sunrise based on New Mexico time zone.
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
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Fly Albuquerque
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- You must be able to get into the basket and stand continuously for an hour.
- Children under 5 are not allowed to ride
- Weight limitations might apply
Photos
Traveler reviews
169 verified traveler reviews for Rio Grande River Valley Flight. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great flight company
Get people. Very nice. Very skilled. Had lots of fun. It was great and other balloons didn’t get to launch the day we went but we did and a few other companies. But the balloon festival balloons didn’t. We launched from the perfect spot and had a great time.
via Tripadvisor
10/10 Recommend!
Great experience. Would 10/10 recommend. The only thing I didn’t like was the doubling of the price during the Balloon Fiesta. You only live once, though.
via Tripadvisor
It was a great...
It was a great experience. Watching the set up was worth waking up early! The scenery was stunning with the sun rise and JF was a great pilot. To the crew and everyone who made it happen! Thank youuuu!!
via Viator
Don’t miss this experience
Everyone on the crew was wonderful. The whole experience was fun and very interesting. It should be on everyone’s bucket list!
via Viator
Rude Phone Support—Hope the Pilots are Better than their Admin Support
Our trip was cancelled the evening before our early morning flight was to take place because a pilot cancelled. Actually, the activity was being cancelled for 3 people in our party of 6. The customer rep at the company (Brittany) tried to deflect the booking issue to make it Viator’s fault, but Viator had documentation that they had, indeed, booked a flight for 6. Also, it’s busy, busy Balloon Festivel week in Albequerque—shouldn’t you have a back-up plan for staffing if a pilot bails? The cancellation was disappointing enough but when the situation was being discussed with her, Brittany actually hung up on the member of our party who was talking to her (who was being very professional with her) and didn’t answer when called back. How rude is that? Plus she was not truthful to us about the booking by Viator (stating they hadn’t been contacted to keep our 6 travelers together) which is inexcusable, and then admitted to the Viator rep who called that Viator had booked the 6 together. She also implied the snafu was our fault because we used a third-party booking agency and said we’d probably gotten overcharged anyway (which we had not) and we should have booked directly with Fly Albequerque, the tour opertor. If that’s the way you feel, why would you let Viator book your excursions? I’m sure the balloon ride would have been nice.
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
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 60
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 64
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Rio Grande River Valley Flight: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Albuquerque.
How much does Rio Grande River Valley Flight cost?
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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 Rio Grande River Valley Flight take?
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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 Rio Grande River Valley Flight worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 64 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.5/5 across 172 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 Rio Grande River Valley Flight?
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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 Rio Grande River Valley Flight suitable for kids and families?
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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 Rio Grande River Valley Flight?
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Around 60 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?
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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 Rio Grande River Valley Flight start and how do I get there?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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.
What is included in Rio Grande River Valley Flight?
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Included: Alcoholic beverages; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Rio Grande River Valley Flight?
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Meetup is an hour before sunrise. We then take you to the launch sight, introduce you to your pilot, and then take you back to your vehicle. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Rio Grande River Valley Flight offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Rio Grande River Valley Flight?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Rio Grande River Valley Flight wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Rio Grande River Valley Flight if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
Ready to lock in your spot?
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