Hot air balloon rides in Mexico City are a fun way to see the sights from a new perspective. You can join a shared tour or have a basket to yourself and enjoy a truly romantic sunrise from up above.

Imagine soaring high over ancient pyramids and then toasting your flying mission with a glass of fizz and breakfast back down on earth. The early start is worth it!

What are the most popular hot air balloon rides in Mexico City?

There are plenty of different Mexico City hot air balloon flights to choose from. We’ve listed the main contenders to help you decide which one to include on your itinerary.

Shared hot air balloon ride from Mexico City

These are the most popular hot air balloon rides in Mexico City as the shared experience keeps costs down. Each operator has a strict basket capacity so even though you’ll be flying with others, it won’t feel crowded.

Most tours include round-trip hotel transfers, and some offer breakfast after the flight as an optional extra.

Private hot air balloon flight in Mexico City

Private Mexico City hot air balloon trips are perfect for couples, honeymooners, and anyone wanting a romantic, and exclusive experience.

You will have room to move about in the basket and enjoy personal attention from the balloon crew. Some pilots might even let you have a go using the burner!

Hot air balloon ride in Mexico City with an archaeological site visit

If you want to linger longer on your hot air balloon excursion from Mexico City, go for one of the full-day tours.

As well as the balloon flight, these trips include a visit to the Teotihuacán archaeological site. You can enjoy a guided tour or explore independently on foot. Some operators also offer a bike ride around the pre-Hispanic burial sites in San Martín de las Pirámides.

Static hot air balloon lift in Mexico City

If you want to experience the thrill of flight but prefer to stay tethered firmly to the ground, then this is the tour for you. You will spend up to 30 minutes in the air, where you can take 360-degree photos of the surrounding landscape.

Some trips offer breakfast, bread making, and wine.

How much do hot air balloon rides in Mexico City cost?

Most tours include hotel pick-ups and drop-offs as standard, although a few collect participants from a central meeting place instead.

Shared hot air balloon rides in Mexico City start at $119 per person for a 5-hour trip. Many of these tours include breakfast after the flight.

Private hot air balloon trips cost from $194 to $322 per person, based on two passengers. Transfers, breakfast, entrance to the archaeological site, and sparkling wine can all be included. Note that while some tours as a whole are private, the flight itself may be shared, so do look at the details carefully.

The longer hot air balloon rides that include a visit to the Teotihuacán archaeological site range from $127 - $300. The more expensive options provide breakfast and entry to the ruins.

For the static Mexico City hot air balloon flight expect to pay $38 per person. Breakfast and transfers are not included in the price.

What to expect on a hot air balloon ride from Mexico City?

Most hot air balloon rides in Mexico City follow a similar tour schedule, so this is what you are likely to experience during your adventure.

Pick-up

You’ll be collected from your hotel or designated meeting point and driven 30 miles out to the Teotihuacán Valley in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle. Prepare for an early start – tours begin between 4.30 – 5.40 AM according to the time of year!

Stop for a moment to take photos of the balloons being inflated, glowing orange against the dark pre-dawn sky.

Launching

After a safety briefing, it’s time to scramble into the basket and take to the skies for your Mexico City hot air balloon flight. The launch is often so smooth that you won’t even notice that the balloon has left the ground.

The flight

Enjoy gliding over the archeological site of Teotihuacán and gaze down on the Sun and Moon Pyramids from above – they’re some of the largest in Latin America. You’ll also see the Avenue of the Dead, plus the towns of San Juan and San Martín de las Pirámides during the flight.

Back to earth

Landing is often not at the same location as take-off, but the ground crew will be waiting to collect you after the ride. You will be shown how to brace in case it’s a bit bumpy.

Onward exploration

Then it’s time for a sumptuous breakfast and further exploration of the archaeological site on foot, depending on which hot air balloon tour you have chosen. You’ll be able to climb pyramids, admire ancient murals, and walk around the ruins.

At the end of the adventure, you will return to your original departure point.

How long does a hot air balloon ride last?

Hot air balloon trips from Mexico City last anything from an hour to a day, depending on whether other activities are included. Most flights take place over the Teotihuacán Valley, so transfer time from the city is always factored in.

The longer trips often incorporate a guided walking tour of the pyramids so you can see them from all angles.

Your actual time up in the air will be between 45 minutes and an hour. This is long enough to feel the thrill of flying and take some awesome photos.

Where do hot air balloon rides leave from?

Most hot air balloon rides in Mexico City include pick-ups from the lobby of selected hotels. Check with your provider before booking to see if your accommodation is on the list.

Some tours ask you to make your own way to a central meeting point before being transferred to the balloon launching site. Common departure locations include outside the Sheraton Mexico City Maria Isabel Hotel and beside the Ángel de la Independencia.

When is the best time for a hot air balloon ride in Mexico City?

Hot air balloon rides in Mexico City take place early in the morning to make the most of the light winds and favorable atmospheric conditions. This also means you will get to see the sunrise!

Trips run throughout the year. Passenger numbers are limited for safety, so you don’t need to worry about trying to avoid the crowds. You are more likely to be in a basket with fewer other participants outside the peak season which falls between December and April.

Which other outdoor activities can be done in Mexico City?

Bike tours
Hiking excursions
Boat rides
Quad biking adventures
Paragliding

Travel tips

Hot air balloon rides in Mexico City start very early in the morning so wear warm clothing as it will be chilly.
Children must be at least five years old to be able to fly on most hot air balloon excursions.
Flights are of course weather dependent, so try to book one at the beginning of your vacation, so you can reschedule if necessary.
Keep your camera on a strap so you don’t risk accidentally dropping it over the edge!
Entrance to the archaeological site on longer tours is sometimes at your own expense so bring some cash.

Hot Air Balloon in Mexico City over Teotihuacán Pyramids