Top Mexico City Hot Air Balloon Rides

There are lots of options for enjoying a hot-air balloon in Mexico City. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best experiences available right now:

• Hot-Air Balloon Flight Over Teotihuacan, from Mexico City
• Balloon Flight with Pick Up in CDMX and Breakfast in a Natural Cave
• Hot-Air Balloon Flights over Teotihuacán from CDMX or We Fly
• Balloon Flight in Teotihuacán and Pick Up CDMX and Breakfast in Cave
• Balloon Flight in Teotihuacan with Breakfast in Natural Cave

Yes, hot-air balloon rides in Mexico City are absolutely worth it. However, keep in mind that most rides aren’t over Mexico City proper, but rather nearby Teotihuacán Valley, home to the ruins of a mysterious Mesoamerican civilization. Touring by hot-air balloon means you’ll get an aerial view of the towering pyramids and stone temples these ancient peoples once called home.

It depends on your provider, but basic hot-air balloon packages from Mexico City include transfers and the flight itself, in the company of a pilot. Other packages can include optional add-ons such as breakfast or lunch, a guided walking tour of Teotihuacán after landing, or celebratory drinks. Check the inclusions carefully before booking to avoid disappointment.

Yes, most hot-air balloon packages include round-trip transportation to and from Mexico City, which is convenient given that the departure point for the majority of flights is about an hour away from the capital. However, there are some hot-air balloon experiences that require you to make your own way to the meeting point. Check the listing carefully before booking.

Mexico City hot-air balloon rides vary in price, but most start at around US$130. Expect to pay more for tours that include add-ons such as breakfast, hotel pick-up, or walking tours of the Teotihuacán archaeological site.

The prices of hot-air balloon rides in Mexico City vary depending on duration and inclusions. If you’re looking for high-quality experiences on the lower end of the price range, these are the best tours to book now: 

• Balloon Flight with Optional Teotihuacan Entry and Guadalupe Shrine
• Fly Safely on a Hot-Air Balloon over the Teotihuacan Valley
• Teotihuacan’s Best Balloon Flight: Pyramids and Brewery Tours
• Hot-Air Balloon Flight with Breakfast Cave and Pyramids Tour
• Balloon Flight with Pyramids Tour and Transportation from Mexico City

The best time of year to book Mexico City hot-air balloon rides is in the cooler fall months—around September to November—when you won’t have to contend with hot thermal air that can make ballooning more challenging. Some say that the months of April and October offer the best flying conditions, though. Regardless, most tours depart before sunrise, so you can see the sun coming up over the Teotihuacán pyramids whenever you visit.

Hot-air balloon packages in Teotihuacán vary, lasting 3–10 hours in general. However, the actual balloon ride itself typically lasts around an hour or less, with the rest of the time taken up on round-trip transportation, pre-flight briefings, and optional extras, such as tastings or tours.

Most flights aim to depart at or before sunrise, so that you can see the sun come up over the Teotihuacán pyramids. That means the balloon needs to take off very early in the morning, especially in the winter months. Factor in travel time and prep, and you should expect hotel pickups to begin between 4am and 5am.

Choosing the right clothes can make your Mexico City hot-air balloon ride more comfortable. As you’ll be flying through breezy, cool air—often before sunrise—warm layers are necessary. If you plan to visit the archaeological site afterward, ensure you have light, loose clothing underneath, as the day can heat up quickly. Sunglasses and sensible shoes are also ideal, while dresses, skirts, and high heels are not recommended.

Yes, hot-air balloon flights over Teotihuacán are safe, as long as you book through a reputable and well-reviewed operator. Each flight should come complete with a pre-flight safety briefing, and you’re encouraged to ask any questions before take off to set your mind at ease. As to restrictions, pregnant people, those with recent surgeries or health concerns, and very young children are generally not allowed to fly. Check the precise age, height, or weight limits with your provider before booking.

There is no best operator; rather, there are many top-rated experiences, independent of the operator. If you want to book the “best“ experience, look for the one with the most positive reviews and ratings. However, “best“ is subjective—the best tour for you is always going to be the one that most closely fits with your itinerary and preferences.

It’s true that hot-air balloon flights are heavily weather dependent and in a place where rainy season is a real threat, cancellations can happen for safety reasons. If your flight is canceled, it’s likely that your operator will give you the chance to rebook for a time that suits you. However, if you need to cancel or rearrange, you’ll need to do it at least 24 hours in advance to get your money back, though every operator is different—carefully check the cancellation policy before booking.