Albuquerque Balloon Festival, New Mexico 6 Days

  • This fun filled itinerary visits Albuquerque and historic Santa Fe.

The Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta is the largest hot air ballooning event in the world and is said to be the most photographed event on earth! Each October, thousands of visitors from around the world flock to New Mexico for a chance to witness nine (9) days of spectacular hot air ballooning events. Events include the mass ascension of hundreds of balloons, a gas balloon race, balloon glows, balloon competitions, and more!

  • The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a yearly festival that takes place during early October.

  • The 2024 Balloon Fiesta will begin on Saturday, October 5 and end on Sunday, October 13.

 
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DAYS 1-3

  • Albuquerque Balloon Festival.

    • For early risers, check out the Dawn Patrol show. At 6 am daily, a collection of large colorful air balloons float up, up, and away into the sky so that pilots can check on weather conditions. It’s now an annual tradition that draws early morning crowds.

    • After dusk, don’t miss the Balloon Glow. During this event, pilots begin to inflate their hot air balloons, which remain tethered to the ground. The hot air balloon pilots ignite their propane burners so that the balloons light up and glow periodically and will generally be followed by fireworks and laser light shows. 

    • The main event, Mass Ascension begins daily at about 7:00 a.m., when every hot air balloon in the festival launches into the sky while “The Star Spangled Banner” sounds in the background. 

    • The festival takes place at Balloon Fiesta Park located at 4401 Alameda Blvd NE, in the northern part of the city. <map>

      • Parking: These locations are serving as park and ride locations:

        • Cottonwood Mall (10000 Coors Bypass NW)
          Park in the northeast parking lot near Seven Bar Loop and Coors Bypass NW
        • Coronado Center (6600 Menaul Blvd NE)
          Park at the southwest corner near San Pedro Dr. and Uptown Blvd
        • Hoffmantown Church (8888 Harper Road NE)
          Park in the northeast parking lot only
        • Intel - Only on weekends (1600 Rio Rancho Drive SE)
          Park in the southeast lot only.Other Highlights:
    • Everything you need to know for the 2024 Balloon Fiesta.

  • Stroll through the shops of Old Town Plaza.

    • Historic Old Town has been the heart of Albuquerque since the city was founded here in 1706.

    • Old Town’s narrow streets and century-old adobe houses are home to eateries serving enchiladas and tiny artisan shops selling rugs, jewelry and pottery.

  • Visit the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science - an excellent museum and a nice break from the Fiesta.

    • Great for kids !

  • Overnight: Albuquerque (3 nights)

DAY 4

  • Bike trails - Santa Fe is rated One of America's Top Mountain Bike Towns. You will find miles of delightful singletrack in and around town. 

  • Santa Fe's high altitude (7,000 feet above sea level) means the air is thinner. It usually takes about 24-48 hours to adjust. Staying hydrated helps.

  • Overnight: Santa Fe

    • Do consider to add a extra day in this vibrant town.

  • Distance:

    Albuquerque —-> Santa Fe, 1 hr. 10 min.

DAY 5

  • Continue to explore Santa Fe.

    • Return later in the day to Albuquerque.

  • Overnight: Albuquerque airport hotel.

  • Distance:

    Santa Fe —-> Albuquerque, 1 hr 10 min.

DAY 6

  • Depart Albuquerque.

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Average cost:

(EXCLUDING AIRFARE)

$$$ USD per two (2) people

Budget: $2,100

Moderate: $2,800

Luxury: $3,700 +

 

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Climate Guide during Balloon Fiesta:

 

Albuquerque N.M.

source: wikipedia.org

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