Mexico City Hot Air Balloon Experience Guide
Seeing the Teotihuacan Pyramids from above in a hot air balloon ride is the ultimate bucket list experience in Mexico! Here’s everything you need to know to book a hot air balloon tour from Mexico City during your next vacation.
And if you enjoy this post, check out my guide to Las Grutas de Tolantongo from CDMX!
What to Expect
For a sunrise hot air balloon tour, aka vuelo en globo, we had an early wake up call around 4:30am picked up from our accommodations. At this time of day, it was quite cold so, after a roughly one-hour scenic drive through the mountains to the launch point located in pre-Aztec central Mexico, it was nice to warm up with some hot tea or coffee before heading to the balloons.
Arrival & Takeoff
Upon arrival, we got to see all the hot air balloons in rows being blown up, checked, and prepared for launch. This is the perfect time to take some pictures! And there’s assistance available to climb into the gondola (the basket where passengers stand under the balloon) if you need it.
Don’t be shy to ask for help taking photos and be sure to check out my guide to amazing solo travel photography!
In the Air
Flying over the Teotihuacan pyramids and ruins is guaranteed breathtaking views. And as someone who is afraid of falling from heights, I felt quite safe with no stomach butterflies or anything like that!
Because of the motion of a hot air balloon ride, it’s a different experience and perspective than other amazing panoramic views I’ve experienced hiking the Lanikai Pillboxes on Oahu and on Montaña Redonda in Miches, Dominican Republic.
For more destinations with pretty views check out my Las Vegas city guide and Banff, Alberta mountain itinerary!
Landing
The landing was surprisingly gentle and it was pretty cool to see the ground crew guiding the balloon into the right spot then breaking everything down to transport.
This part of the tour concludes with a sparkling wine toast, which is a safe landing celebratory tradition started by the first folks to fly air balloons in this part of Mexico. This makes it a particularly fitting activity for couples and possibly a romantic hot air balloon proposal, even if you don’t book a private option.
That said, I found this to be a great solo travel activity since I was able to meet plenty of people, also great to go with friends. From here, we were transported to the Teotihuacan parking area to meet our guide through the pyramids.
Considering making this trip by yourself? Here’s are my top tips for solo traveling for women!
Teotihuacan Pyramids Archaeological History Tour
I absolutely recommend booking this experience with a guide so that you can fully appreciate everything you’re taking in and get the little known fun facts that only experts on this location could tell you. Our tour guide was passionate, knowledgable, and narrated in both English and Spanish.
I think this is a great activity for history buffs looking for an immersive Mexico City day trip option. You will definitely get your steps in but I was also surprised by how accessible the site was with ramps available in most places–it can get bumpy, though.
There are vendors selling handicrafts onsite at the entrance, exits, and throughout the park. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and be sure to bring pesos to tip your guide!
If exploring more Mexican historical sites is on your bucket list, check out my guide to visiting the Tulum Mayan Ruins.
Best Time for this Activity
The climate around Teotihuacan is steady throughout the year with lows ranging from 40 to 60 degrees Farenheit and highs ranging from 70 to 80 degrees Farenheit. So you can find these experiences launching in any month of the year.
Those low temperatures are no joke, though, so make sure you scroll down for my tips on what to wear and bring with you!
Booking a Teotihuacan Hot Air Balloon Tour from Mexico City
I enjoyed my hot air balloon flight over Mexico City pyramids experience because it included the archaeological tour so we could see the pyramids from both the ground and sky. It also included a local breakfast, artisanal spirits tasting, souvenir shopping, and roundtrip transportation so it’s the best bang for your buck, if you want a stress free option.
From Mexico City: Hot Air Balloon Adventure in Teotihuacan
From tours with bike rides, ATVs, to dining in a natural cave, I’ve included some of the best hot air balloon packages from Mexico City–ranging from two to eight hours depending on your schedule!
What to Wear for a Mexican Hot Air Balloon Ride
These rides start out chilly (though the fueling flame of the air balloon will provide some heat) but you will certainly warm up during the pyramids walking tour so I highly recommend dressing in layers. It gets hot in the afternoon!
If you’re only doing the hot air balloon portion, you might want to dress up for photos but if you’re doing the full experience, comfort is key for all the walking so wear comfortable shoes that you’ve already broken in. Also bring a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses because there’s literally no shade in the archaeological zone.
For this experience I wore leggings, sneakers, a t-shirt and oversized denim jacket with a neck kerchief and dad hat plus a small bum bag, for my phone and a few other essentials, including pesos for tips!
Last but not least, bring or buy a water bottle to stay hydrated! And here’s what to wear in Mexico City, in case you’re planning and packing for a longer trip to Mexico City.
Top Tips for Planning a Hot Air Balloon Experience in Mexico
- Rest up the night before.
- Dress comfortably and in layers.
- Don’t sleep on the ride out to Teotihuacan–it’s beautiful!
- Bring pesos to buy souvenirs and remember to tip your guide.
- Don’t be afraid to try new things. If my scary behind could do this, so can you!
- Take lots of pictures then just take it all in. This might be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Is it worth it?
In my opinion, absolutely! I found this experience to be a great combination of active and educational with unbeatable views. Soaring through the air as the sun came up was so peaceful and a unique opportunity to appreciate natural beauty from a different vantage point. As always, consider your budget, safety precautions, and timing when making your own decision.
Complete your Mexico City travel planning with my Mexico City restaurants guide!
Frequently Asked Questions
Experiences typically range from $150 to $400 US depending on whether you’re doing a private or group option, as well as add-on experiences. These tickets often include entry into the Teotihuacan archaeological zone, transportation, and a meal.
The balloon ride itself lasts about 45 minutes to one hour from takeoff to landing and usually coincides with the sunrise.
These hot air balloons reach between 500 and 1000 feet in the air at relatively slow speeds up to 10 miles per hour.
Balloon flight translates to vuelo en globo or volar en globo for “fly in a balloon.”
More Favorite Excursions
If you have any questions about my Mexico City hot air balloon experience, please leave a comment below. And sharing is caring so be sure to pin this guide for later and follow me over on Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
