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The 15 Absolute Best Hot Air Balloon Ride Locations

Hot-air ballooning is a peaceful way to see a beautiful place. Here are the 15 absolute best hot air balloon ride locations.

Did you know that travel can make you more resilient? Consider heading abroad for your next vacation.

Are you looking for the best hot air balloon ride location? Not to worry! In this guide, we’ll go over where to go for a ride on a hot air balloon.

Want to learn more? Keep reading to find out.

1. Albuquerque, New Mexico

Head to the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. This festival lasts nine days and celebrates everything to do with hot air balloons. This is one of the most photogenic festivals in the United States. Plan and charge your phone and camera.

Head to the festival for one of the four ascension events. Over 500 colorful balloons will rise in the air. If you want to be in one of those hot air balloons, buy a ticket before your trip.

2. Queenstown, New Zealand

When heading to New Zealand, make sure you go on a hot air balloon ride. You can enjoy the view of the landscapes you may have seen in The Lord of the Rings films. This experience will turn into an unforgettable memory.

3. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

You’ll get a fantastic perspective of Tanzania when you go on a hot air balloon ride at Serengeti National Park. Catch a glimpse of giraffes, hippos, and lions wandering around the plains.

You can hop on the ride at four points in the national park. Witness the wildebeest and watch the zebra migrations from a hot air balloon.

4. Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Taking a hot air balloon ride in Kenya will be a great chance to spot wildlife year-round. The vistas in Maasai Mara National Reserve are stunning. Try to go between July and October so you can see the wildebeest migration across the Mara River.

5. Napa Valley, California

If you’re heading to Napa Valley to enjoy the delicious food and wine, don’t forget to take a hot air balloon ride. Launch from either Paradise, Pope Valley, or Yountville. You can see the rolling hills and vineyards.

Watch out for Mount St. Helena in the north and the Mayacamas Mountains in the west. On a clear day, you’ll see San Francisco to the southwest.

6. Sossusvlei, Namibia

See the world’s tallest collection of dunes in the Namib Desert. Take in the orange, rust, and red hues of the dunes against a bright blue sky.

If you are a nature photographer, consider this added excursion during your trip.

7. Château-d’Oex, Switzerland

Enjoy the views of the stunning and medieval villages of Château d’Oex. You’ll also get a glimpse of the Swiss Alps. You can enjoy this trip during the world’s four seasons, unlike other hot air balloon spots.

Visit this spot in late January, as the region hosts the International Hot Air Balloon Week.

8. Atacama Desert, Chile

You’ll get a stunning glimpse of the arches of Valle de la Luna in the Atacama Desert at sunrise. As you drift, you’ll see the landscape shift colors with the rising sun.

The white-capped volcanoes below are not covered in snow but salt. This makes the Atacama Desert one of the driest spots on the earth.

9. Bagan, Myanmar

If you go on a trip to Myanmar to visit the Bagan Archaeological Zone, consider a hot air balloon ride. You could enjoy a magnificent view of the ancient complex from the sky. Drift up through the mists and take a look at the temples and Inle Lake.

10. North Pole

For a unique adventure, go on a hot air balloon ride in the North Pole. Sign up for an Arctic expedition and view the Arctic wildlife. Suspended 30 meters above the icy surface, gain a unique perspective of the Arctic.

11. Luxor, Egypt

Drift over the famous ancient Egyptians tombs and temples. Take a tour over Luxor early in the morning. Enjoy the stunning views of the green banks of the Nile and the stretching desert.

12. Letchworth, New York

Take in the incredible views of rivers and ravines when you go on a hot air balloon ride in Letchworth. You’ll glide over gaping gorges, and forests and waterfalls called the Grand Canyon of the East.

13. Stockholm, Sweden

When you visit Stockholm, consider booking a hot air balloon ride. These hot air balloons can land in town instead of a half-hour away from the city. Get a unique view of the modern and historical blend of Stockholm.

14. Wadi Rum, Jordan

You’ll need over a day to explore the landscapes of Wadi Rum. The most adventurous way to see this landscape is from a hot air balloon. You can spend the night at a Bedouin camp before your ride.

You’ll get a stunning view of the monolithic rock formations and changing dunes. Wadi Rum is one of Jordan’s most unique places.

15. Teotihuacan, Mexico

Enjoy the view of this ancient Mesoamerican city. It’s stunning from every angle, and you can get a unique perspective from the sky.

This UNESCO World Heritage site is massive. Give yourself a day to visit this site. Get a break from the crowds by taking a ride in the sky.

Learn more about hot air balloon site seeing.

Now You Know Where to Get the Best Hot Air Balloon Ride

We hope you found this guide on hot air balloon rides helpful. Now that you know where to go for the best hot air balloon ride, book your trip.

Keep browsing our site for helpful resources, and bookmark it so you can return later.

One Comment

  • Linda Linneman

    I have often wondered what it would be like to do this. It sounds like so much fun. I would also love to visit some of these places mentioned. Thank you so much for sharing