Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta 2025
6 Days Starting and ending in 2200 Sunport Blvd, Albuquerque, NM 87106, USA
Visiting: Albuquerque International Sunport, Santa Fe, Albuquerque
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ABQF
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
24 - 34
Age range:
12-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Meat
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Private Available:
Request A Private Tour
Tour Overview
Get ready to be swept off your feet as we embark on an exhilarating trip through the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, where the sky becomes a canvas and the balloons paint a breathtaking masterpiece. Every year, thousands of visitors from around the world flock to New Mexico to witness this spectacular event, which has become a cherished tradition for both locals and travelers alike. As the sun begins to rise, the air is filled with anticipation and excitement, as hundreds of vibrant hot air balloons take flight, illuminating the crisp morning sky.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Albuquerque International Airport - Sante Fe, Nm
Location: Albuquerque International Sunport, Santa Fe
Accommodation: Hotel
Get ready to touch down in the “Land of Enchantment”*. New Mexico is abundant in diverse culture, rich history and captivating natural beauty. It’s also home to the largest, most photographed ballooning event on earth, Albuquerque’s International Balloon Fiesta. We’ll experience the magic of hundreds of balloons floating gracefully above the New Mexico landscape during our stay. The festivities begin tonight at a Welcome Meeting with your fellow travelers.
*Please arrive into Albuquerque no later than 1pm in order to make the group transfer to Santa Fe.
Day 2 : Santa Fe
Location: Santa Fe
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast at our hotel, we’ll visit the oldest art museum in the state, the New Mexico Museum of Art. Built in 1917, the structure itself is considered a masterpiece of Pueblo Revival and is home to works by notable artists such as Georgia O’Keefe. Next, you’ll have time for lunch on your own before visiting the Miraculous Staircase at the Loretto Chapel. Three mysteries surround the intriguing spiral staircase, the identity of its builder, the type of wood used and the physics of its construction, seemingly without center support. Dinner tonight is included at a local restaurant. (B,D)
Day 3 : Santa Fe - Albuquerque
Location: Albuquerque
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
You’ll start the day with free time to seek out handmade textiles, turquoise jewelry or other Santa Fe treasures before leaving for our three-night stay in in Albuquerque. Once we arrive, spend time discovering the shops, restaurants and historic charm of Old Town Albuquerque. (B)
Day 4 : Albuquerque
Location: Albuquerque
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today will be Albuquerque’s International Balloon Fiesta! We’ll arrive at Fiesta Park* for the launch of hundreds of colorful balloons into the early morning sky. It’s a spectacular, bucket-list experience you’ll want to photograph and remember. We’ll visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center this afternoon to discover the legacy and culture of the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico. Finally, a stop at the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History features a docent led tour that tells the story of the Atomic Age, including details of the Manhattan Project. (B,D)
*Depending on the final schedule put out by the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, the days at Fiesta Park may be reversed.
Day 5 : Albuquerque
Location: Albuquerque
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, you have free time to explore Albuquerque on your own. Take a ride on the Sandia Peak Tramway or visit Petroglyph National Monument. We’ll cap our day returning to fiesta grounds for “Balloon Glow”, an unforgettable event featuring balloons illuminated from within and released into the moonlit sky. Take plenty of photos and don’t miss Balloon Fiesta’s Main Street, over a third of a mile of concessions, artisans, food vendors and much more. (B)
Day 6 : Depart Albuquerque
Location: Albuquerque International Sunport
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our tour comes to a close this morning as we head home with colorful memories of beautiful New Mexico. Transfer to the airport at any time.
What's Included
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Accommodation
5-Nights Accommodation
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Meals
7 Meals: 5 Breakfasts | 2 Dinners
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Transport
Motorcoach
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Sightseeing Per Itinerary
All Attractions/Admissions As Listed In The Itinerary
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All Gratuities
Gratuities for Tour Director, Driver and Local Guides
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Airport Transfers
Airport Arrival and Departure Transfers
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Tour Director
Professional Tours of Distinction Tour Director
What's Not Included
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Personal Items
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Alcoholic Drinks
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Meal Not Mentioned
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Optional Travel Protection
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Airfare
Mode of Transport
Motorcoach
Accommodation
5-Nights' Accommodation
3/4-Star Hotels | Centrally Located
Check out our Q&As
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Arrival and departure airport transfers are included in this tour.
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes, all admission and entrance fees per the itinerary are included.
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
We can assist you with any pre or post tour accommodations.
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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
Yes, the coach is air-conditioned.
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
We ask that you limit your luggage to one suitcase, one carry-on and one personal item.
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What currencies are required for this tour?
The currency required for this tour is USD.
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What is the maximum group size?
The maximum group size is 34.
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
The hotels are 3/4-star properties and are centrally located.
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What is the tipping policy?
All gratuities are included in the cost of the tour.
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes, all accommodation details will be provided in the trip dossier approximately 3 weeks prior to departure.
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
There is a full-time escort on this tour.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Covid-19 policies are in place. Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You can change your holiday date once booked and a fee would apply.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes. Our accommodation adheres to health and safety regulations in place at time of tour.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes! We do offer singe share options. If we are not able to match you with another traveler of the same sex, you can
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Over 52 years. We have been offering guided tours and travel since 1971
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Sunday - Friday
Oct 05, 2025 - Oct 10, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Oct 07, 2025 - Oct 12, 2025Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Tours of Distinction allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Tours of Distinction allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform tours of distinction, 120 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Tours of Distinction requires a minimum deposit of 250 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of tours of distinction charges.
Up to 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.