Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Tips
I have just returned from the international Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta and had such an incredible time. This event has been on my bucket list for years and riding in a hot air balloon has as well. I’m prepared to give you a LOT of advice that I wish I was able to read before going in. I hope you find it helpful if you’re interested in attending one day.
For nine days in October, the Albuquerque skies are colorfully painted as more than 500 balloons lift off from Balloon Fiesta Park. Plan now to attend the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® Powered by ExxonMobil and be part of the world’s largest hot-air balloon festival. Walk among the moving picture show of hot air balloons lifting gently through the crisp, fall air. It’ll feel like you’re in a dream. Now, before you pack your bags let’s discuss my top recommendations and tips.
Rent a car
Do not rely on Uber to get around as all of the major attractions are spread out and it will end up being far more costly to get an Uber if you plan on staying multiple days. The price of a Hertz standard rental car (Hyundai) was $286 for 3 days (with the AAA discount). There were 3 people in my party so split 3 ways it was just $95.33 each. Soo cheap! There is a free shuttle that takes you from ABQ airport to a slew of rental car shops.
Prepare for Ever-Changing Weather
When visiting Albuquerque for the Balloon Fiesta, or another purpose, the weather here is constantly changing. Be sure to wear layers. It’s chilly in the morning, hot in the afternoons, and freezing in the evenings. Mix in a little rain and you have the perfect excuse to layer it up. I’ll show you my different wardrobe options as proof. Literally within a matter of hours, you’re going from long sleeve, light shirt/jacket, to strapless dress, to evening full pea coat. It’s nuts! Bring lots of different options because ‘Ya never know what you’re gonna get.’
Prepare for High Elevations
One of the main attractions of Albuquerque is the beautiful Sandia Mountains. The Sandia Mountains are a mountain range located in Bernalillo and Sandoval counties, immediately to the east of the city of Albuquerque in New Mexico in the southwestern United States. The mountains are just due south of the southern terminus of the Rocky Mountains, and are part of the Sandia–Manzano Mountains.
Rising from the hustle and bustle of Albuquerque, you ascend one of America’s most stunning urban peaks. Reaching the 10,378-foot crest of the Sandia Mountains, an 11,000 square mile panoramic view awaits you on the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway. I highly recommend this journey to the top!
Go Shopping at Old Town
Don’t waste your money at the airport buying last minute resort items. You can buy a variety of great, local products in Old Town Albuquerque. From chilis, spices, candles, keychains, t-shirts, hand made jewelry and turquoise from the natives, beer jerky, balloon paraphernalia, they have it all. Surpringly, the prices here are very affordable. I’m talking $10.99 for a t-shirt or 2 for $20.00. You can buy nice postcards for about $0.25 and some other items at reasonable costs. Plus, it’s fun to walk around and enjoy the restaurants here. Take in all the scents of spicy chiles and the bright sights.
Nestled between the Sandia mountains (Spanish for watermelon) and three volcanoes (the Three Sisters) is a rift carved by the Rio Grande River that is home to a historic farming community, turned outpost, and then officially a village in 1706 that predates the forming of the United States by four generations. This village – which has flown the flags of three nations (Spain, Mexico, U.S.A.), was center-stage for the brutal merger of two civilizations, and has become one of the most unique and culturally significant melting pots in the history of the United States – is known as Old Town Albuquerque, NM.
Historic Old Town has been the heart of Albuquerque since the city was founded here in 1706. Today, Old Town is the city’s cultural center, with numerous museums and more than 100 shops, galleries and restaurants.
Fun Fact
Wake up early for the Balloon Fiesta Mass Ascension!
When my friends and I got to the airport, we went straight to the Visitor’s Center and inquired about the do’s and don’ts of the Balloon Fiesta. The gentleman working the booth said if we were to get there after 4:30a, we’d be too late. Even though the event started at 7:00a. He was NOT LYING folks! Get there early – long before sunrise! You’ll be rewarded with good parking and awesome viewing.
We ended up giving up this day, but on Sunday (the Farewell Mass Ascension) woke up at 3:00a. Parked hella Early and slept in the car until 6:00a. Proceeded to walk to the fiesta park from the parking lot right on Alameda Dr and made it there pretty early. This is not a game guys. If you want to be there for the mass ascension you really need to get up at 3:00a. You can always take a nap later. Trust me, you do not want to miss this experience. You can purchase your tickets at www.balloonfiesta.com and pay $10.00 per “Session.” The Mass Ascension counts as a Session. As does the Glowdeo (which can be seen at night). Those are the only two sessions I was interested in attending, but they also have a bunch of other activities great for all ages.
Ride in a Hot Air Balloon
One of the quintessential experiences while visiting the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta is to ride in a hot air balloon! I highly recommend you set that up before you arrive. There’s a limited number of passengers per balloons, and several people who visit here.
I recommend flying the day after the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. That way, you can enjoy your trip without feeling like you’re missing out on viewing from below (which is a great vantage point for photos). It was also cheaper to fly the next day. The day of the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, the cost was $425 per person. I couldn’t justify spending half of my mortage payment on a 1-hour balloon ride around town. But the next day, for around $200 per person, we booked with Apex Balloons. We rode with Jon Radowski who had 18+ years under his belt. Highly recommend them! Such a beautiful ride and I felt safe the entire time. Views are incredible, and the end does come with a Champagne breakfast to toast! A little #champagneandpropane baby!
Enjoy a Sante Fe day trip
About 50 minutes from ABQ lies Santa Fe, the perfect day trip. You drive on what’s called Turquoise Trail Scenic Highway. It takes you straight to Santa Fe which is a great place to check out lots of arts & crafts and support the locals selling their homemade jewelry and crafts. Especially the beautiful turquoise!
Missions, museums and Meow Wolf. All are players in the story of ‘the city different,’ a place that makes its own rules without forgetting its long and storied past. Walking through its adobe neighborhoods, or around the busy plaza that remains its core, there’s no denying that Santa Fe has a timeless, earthy soul. Indeed, its artistic inclinations are a principal attraction – there are more quality museums and galleries here than you could see in just one visit.
At over 7000ft above sea level, Santa Fe is also the nation’s highest state capital. Sitting at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo range, it makes a fantastic base for hiking, mountain biking and skiing. After adventure, you can indulge in chile-smothered local cuisine, buy turquoise and silver directly from Native American jewelers in the Plaza, visit remarkable churches, or simply wander centuries-old, cottonwood-shaded lanes.
Don’t forget to stop by the Loretto Chapel and see the Miraculous Stairway, where it is speculated that St. Joseph constructed it himself as a carpenter. I also recommend eating chocolate truffles and having coffee at the Kakawa Coffee Shop. So good! Plenty to do and see here for a day trip.
Support the Alpaca Farm Community
Located in Sandia Peak, New Mexico, not too far from Albuquerque, is the Hollywick Farms. Hollywick Farms was founded in 2007 by Kathy and Bill Herman after a year of research into the growing alpaca industry in the United States. Kathy had been introduced to alpacas through several customers of her wholesale and retail dog and cat food business in Albuquerque. They initially purchased 5 alpacas from 2 local New Mexico alpaca farms, one in Santa Fe and one in Albuquerque. Through carefully selected breedings and some additional purchases, the herd now stands at 24 Huacaya alpacas.
This working alpaca farm is FREE to visit. The owners are incredibly welcoming and will tell you all about the Alpacas. They are open daily from 11a-4p. There is a shop where you can purchase items with alpaca wool but there’s no obligation to purchase whatsoever. It was great hearing about the alpacas lives and seeing the baby that was just born a few days ago from our visit! I highly recommend.
Heading to Albuquerque?
