Hot Air Balloon Mexico City Guide: Booking Tips, What to Expect, & My Full Review
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If you’re even considering booking a hot air balloon in Mexico City—do it! No hesitation. This was one of the most magical, emotional, bucket-list-worthy experiences I’ve ever had on a trip and easily one of the best tours to do in Mexico City.
There are a ton of tours to choose from when it comes to flying over the ancient city of Teotihuacán, and I’m breaking it all down in this post—from how to book and what to wear to exactly what the experience was like and why I’d do it again in a heartbeat. Whether you’re already planning your Mexico City itinerary or just looking for something unforgettable to add to your travel list, this guide has you covered.
Why a Hot Air Balloon Ride Near Mexico City Is So Special
There’s something surreal about floating through the sky as the sun rises over ancient pyramids that have stood for thousands of years. Doing a hot air balloon ride in Teotihuacán feels like you’re stepping into a dream—seriously, I got emotional up there. The views, the stillness, the golden light hitting the Pyramid of the Sun… it’s something I’ll never forget.
Teotihuacán is just about an hour from Mexico City, and it’s one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the country. Seeing it from above, with dozens of colorful balloons surrounding you, makes the experience even more jaw-dropping. And while yes, it’s a super early wake-up call (we’re talking 4 AM out the door), it is so worth it.
Whether it’s your first time in the city or you’ve visited before, adding a hot air balloon ride in Mexico City to your itinerary is such a unique way to experience the area’s rich history from a whole new perspective. It’s peaceful, thrilling, and wildly beautiful all at once.
Booking Your Hot Air Balloon Ride in Mexico City
There are tons of hot air balloon tours near Mexico City, but not all are created equal. I personally went with this tour and had the best experience—it ran like a well-oiled machine from start to finish. From the organized pick-up to the smooth landing and everything in between, I genuinely can’t recommend it enough!
A few things to keep in mind when booking your hot air balloon ride in Mexico City:
- Download WhatsApp – The company will message you the day before your tour with your exact pickup time and details. Our driver messaged us the afternoon before and let us know he’d be outside at 4:07 AM. He was right on time.
- Plan for an early morning – Like, you’ll be out the door by 4 AM kind of early. Most tours leave super early so you can catch the sunrise from the sky. Totally worth it, but just make sure you go to bed early the night before.
- You’ll be in a shared van – Pickup is included in most tours and you’ll ride out to Teotihuacán with other travelers. Ours was one of the last pickups so we had a shorter drive (about 40 minutes), but even if you’re picked up first, the ride is chill—perfect time to nap if you can manage it (I couldn’t, I was too excited).
- The company you choose matters – From what I experienced, this tour felt safe, smooth, and super professional. Everything was clearly communicated, the staff was helpful, and I never felt unsure about what was happening next. They even had people waiting for us at the landing site to guide the balloon in gently and help us out—such a smooth landing!
Booking ahead of time is a good idea since these tours do fill up, especially on weekends or during peak seasons. And definitely look at the full itinerary (which I’ll break down in the next section!)—our tour included extras like breakfast at a cave restaurant, a cultural experience, and time to explore the Teotihuacán ruins after the flight.
What to Expect on the Day of Your Hot Air Balloon Ride
Alright, let’s walk through what the actual experience looks like—because trust me, it’s a whole day of magic. From the moment your alarm goes off at 3:30 AM to the moment you’re driving back into Mexico City with a full camera roll and heart, it’s packed with unforgettable moments. The times are rough estimates (I think our tour ran a little behind), so keep that in mind!
4:00 AM-ish — Hotel Pickup
Yes, it’s early. But that sunrise is waiting! Your driver will message you the day before with your exact pickup time (mine was 4:07 on the dot). You’ll hop into a shared van with a small group of other travelers heading out to Teotihuacán, which is about 40 minutes to an hour from the city. Try to catch a nap on the way—unless you’re like me and too hyped to sleep.
5:15 AM — Check-in
Once you arrive, you’ll head into a garage-like space where the check-in happens. It’s quick (maybe 15 minutes) but dress warm—seriously. I was in yoga pants, a long sleeve, and a sweatshirt and was still cold. Some people were in dresses and skirts and looked miserable. Even in April, which is one of the hotter months, those early mornings are chilly.
5:40 AM — Light Snacks + Coffee
After check-in, they’ll guide you upstairs to a little room where you can grab coffee, tea, and some light snacks. Nothing major, but enough to get the job done. Bring a protein bar for after the flight if you tend to get hangry like me.
6:20 AM — Balloon Setup + Photo Ops
You’ll head out to the launch area just as the sky starts glowing. Watching the balloons inflate is an experience in itself. They take some cool photos of you while you’re out there too. Our balloon was one of the biggest they had—it held 18–20 people and still felt super comfortable.
6:45 AM — Time to Fly!
This is the part that gave me chills. As the sun started to rise over the valley, we lifted off. The views of the pyramids, the mountains, and all of the other colorful balloons in the sky were just unreal. I’ve done a balloon ride before in Tampa, but this was on a completely different level.
I thought I’d get anxious being up that high, but it felt peaceful and surprisingly calming. Even my friend who’s terrified of heights said it was one of the best things she’s ever done.
7:40 AM — Smooth Landing + Champagne Toast
Our landing was so gentle, but be prepared—some landings can be a bit bumpier. They go over a landing position ahead of time, and the team on the ground is ready to assist the second you’re down. After you land, they do a traditional champagne toast and give you a flight certificate as a little keepsake.
You can also purchase the photos and awesome drone video they take of you. We had to get the drone video, it was SO GOOD! I included some of it in this Reel.
8:45 AM — Cultural Experience + Local Tastings
Next up is a visit to a small cultural center where you’ll learn about the history of Teotihuacán, and see how things like maguey, obsidian, and other local materials are used. You’ll also get to do a tasting of a few artisanal liquors made in the region. This part was interesting and didn’t feel overly long, but we were definitely ready for breakfast after this!
9:30 AM — Breakfast at La Cueva Teotihuacán
Next up is La Cueva — a breakfast spot literally inside a natural cave. I know it sounds dramatic, but it was hands down one of the most unique places I’ve ever eaten. Total bucket list vibes.
Depending on the day, your group might eat here before or after the cultural stop. We did the cultural experience first since La Cueva was packed when we were going to go, which was totally fine — but I was definitely glad I brought a protein bar to hold me over. Highly recommend doing the same just in case!
Once we finally sat down, we were starving — and the food did not disappoint. I had the chilaquiles and they were seriously amazing. The sauce had the perfect little kick. You’ll also get fresh bread, traditional coffee, and hibiscus water. It was such a cool atmosphere and the perfect way to refuel after the flight.
10:45 AM — Optional Pyramid Visit
By this point, you’re probably running on caffeine, excitement, and vibes. You’ll have the option to visit the Teotihuacán archaeological site and walk around the pyramids. Just know that entry tickets are not included, and you’ll need to purchase those if you want to go inside. It’s 95 pesos or around $5.
Honestly, after seeing the pyramids from above, we didn’t feel the need to spend too long walking the grounds. We agreed on about 45 minutes, which was perfect for a quick lap, some iconic photo ops, and soaking in the views one last time before heading back.
The Teotihuacán Pyramids
So even though the hot air balloon is the main event, you’re flying over one of the most important ancient cities in the Americas—and it’s seriously fascinating. Teotihuacan was home to at least 25,000 people and dates all the way back to the 1st century A.D. At its peak, it was one of the largest cities in the world.
What makes it so special is the way the whole city was planned out—it was built with cosmic harmony in mind. The main road, the Avenue of the Dead, is perfectly aligned north to south and lined with massive monuments like the Pyramid of the Sun, the Pyramid of the Moon, and the Temple of the Plumed Serpent.
The architecture here influenced tons of other civilizations across Mexico and even parts of Central America. You’ll also see signs of how the people connected with nature and their beliefs—from the wall murals to the way they redirected rivers to fit into the city’s layout.
Fun fact—you used to be able to climb the pyramids, but that’s no longer allowed in an effort to preserve them (which honestly makes total sense). Even from the ground, they’re so impressive.
Is the Hot Air Balloon Ride Worth It?
Okay—so is doing a hot air balloon in Mexico City really worth the early wake-up call, the layers of clothes, and committing an entire day to it?
YES. YES. A THOUSAND TIMES YES! This was hands-down one of the most magical and just awe-inspiring things I’ve ever done while traveling. I mean it—I teared up mid-flight because it felt that special. Floating above the pyramids with the sunrise lighting everything up? It’s something I’ll never forget.
Even my friend, who was super nervous and scared of heights, said it was one of the best experiences of her life. It’s peaceful, it’s surreal, and honestly? It makes you feel like you’re in a dream. The views, the energy, the whole setup—next level.
Tips Before You Go
- Dress warmer than you think you need to. Even if it’s warm during the day, those early mornings are chilly! I was cold in yoga pants, a long sleeve, and a sweatshirt—meanwhile, people in skirts looked miserable. You can wear layers and leave your additional clothes in the van when you go to the stops later in the day!
- Bring a snack or protein bar. You’ll eat breakfast later in the morning, and depending on your group’s schedule, you might get hungry before then.
- Have WhatsApp downloaded. That’s how they’ll coordinate your pickup time the night before. Our driver was exactly on time at 4:07 AM.
- Try to nap on the drive. It’s about 40 minutes to an hour from Mexico City. I was too hyped to sleep, but if you can doze off, go for it. I definitely passed out on the drive back to our hotel.
- Bring cash for tips. You’ll want to tip your guide, driver, and leave a little something at the restaurant. They don’t share tips, so bring enough for each person. You’ll also need cash for your pyramid admission.
- Don’t stress about the landing. I’ve heard some people say it can be a little bumpy (which it can be), ours was super smooth. They prep you on how to position yourself and have a whole crew ready to help you the second you touch down.
Are you ready for this bucket list experience?!
If a hot air balloon in Mexico City is on your bucket list (or even if it’s not yet), I highly recommend adding it to your itinerary. It’s a day that’s going to stick with you forever.
Whether you’re planning a Mexico City trip with friends, your partner, or even solo, I really think this is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences you’ll always remember. I hope this post helped you get a better idea of what to expect, and if you’ve been on the fence about it—I say go for it! You’ll be so glad you did! Book the tour we did here!
Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other Mexico blog posts:
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