Fly Over Teotihuacan Pyramids with these Magical Hot Air Balloon Tours

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Best Teotihuacan Hot Air Balloon Tours

Is a Hot Air Balloon at Teotihuacan Worth It?

Yes! A Teotihuacan hot air balloon tour is worth it. 

Drifting over the pyramids and the magical towns of Teotihuacan and San Martin de las Piramides is an incredible and memorable experience.

Even though doing it on foot is great as well, a hot air balloon flight will give you a better insight into how vast this ancient city really was, not to mention it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience in and on itself.

💰 How Much Does it Cost to Go to a Teotihuacan Hot Air Balloon?

Teotihuacan hot air balloon prices vary, depending on the tour you decide to hire and the amenities included. 

In general terms, plan to spend around US$225 per person.

This includes transportation from Mexico City to Teotihuacan and back, early coffee and snacks, 45-60 minutes in the air, a full breakfast and toast upon landing, a ground visit through the archaeological site, and a cave exploration.

Tour options might include and exclude more or less amenities, which will be reflected in the price.

You can save some money if you book the flight, but I usually recommend the full package as you’ll get to see and do everything in the area in one go.

⏰ How Long is the Hot Air Balloon Ride at Teotihuacan?

A Teotihuacan balloon ride usually lasts for around 45 minutes to 1 hour. It depends on wind conditions.

Afterward, you’ll usually get to toast as you receive a diploma. It can take about an hour to get to get there as well, so plan at least half a day for the adventure.

Moreover, most tours also include breakfast and a few other activities like visiting workshops, liquor tastings, and exploring the archaeological site on foot.

In this case, expect the tour to take anywhere from 7 to 9 hours.

🧥 What Do You Wear on a Hot Air Balloon in Mexico?

It gets cold during a hot air balloon ride over Teotihuacan, so bundle up. 

A sweater, hoodie, or cardigan will not be enough. Long pants and a warm jacket are required if you don’t want to freeze while navigating the sky.

Remember all Teotihuacan balloon rides take place at sunrise, because of the wind and thermal variants. 

Weather is chilly at that hour, even on ground level, with temperatures dipping as you rise in the open-air baskets.

What to Expect on a Teotihuacan Hot Air Balloon Tour

✔️ Weather Conditions

Weather conditions are crucial for a successful hot air balloon flight.

For this reason, all flights are scheduled very early in the morning, when air and thermal conditions are ideal.

Sometimes, the weather won’t permit a safe flight, in which case, tour operators will allow you to reschedule or apply for a full refund.

It is always a good idea to verify this before making a reservation and payment.

✔️ Preparing For Take-Off

Upon arrival at the launch site in the Teotihuacan Valley, you’ll be treated to coffee and a light snack while your designated hot air balloon is inflated.

You’ll most likely feel an amazing mix of anticipation and excitement as launching time gets near. 

In the meantime, the tour crew will let you know what to expect and provide safety instructions.

Remember that they’ve been doing this for years and know what to expect, so make sure to listen and follow instructions carefully!

✔️ Enjoy Captivating Views from Above

A Teotihuacan Pyramids hot air balloon tour is mostly about the spectacular views but it is also about the experience of getting away from the ground and gliding over an ancient city built centuries ago.

Still, even if you’re not interested in ancient civilizations at all, the views you’ll get are worth the ride as well!

From up above, you’ll get a bird’s eye view of the vastness of Teotihuacan and the sprawling archaeological site.

You’ll be able to appreciate the layout of the Mesoamerican city, with the grand Avenue of the Dead extending between the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon, as well as the town of San Juan Teotihuacan and the vast surrounding valley.

Plus, if you add in the views of the dozens of colorful balloons floating in the sky while the sun slowly rises, you’re guaranteed to be for a real treat.

✔️ Teotihuacan Pyramids

A remarkably preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978, the Teotihuacan Pyramids archaeological site is a fantastic attraction near Mexico City, especially for history and culture enthusiasts.

It is also the largest pre-Hispanic city in what is now known as Mexico.

Set in the middle of a vast valley that is backdropped surrounded by the Guadalupe Sierra mountains, it is home to an array of pyramids, temples, and other buildings. 

Highlights include the world-famous Sun and Moon pyramids, as well as the Avenue of the Dead that connects them and the Temple of Quetzalcoatl.

Choosing the Right Hot Air Balloon Tour

👉🏽 Group size

Group size varies, depending on the tour operator and the plan you hire, but they usually range from 8-16 people plus the pilot. Private or semi-private tour options are available for smaller groups or couples at an extra price, so if you prefer this, make sure to enquire (I did it and it’s 100% worth it).

👉🏽 Duration

Hot air balloon rides in Teotihuacan last anywhere from 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on weather and landing stability conditions.

👉🏽 Tour Cost

Teotihuacan balloon tours have varying prices, depending on the operator and the amenities included.

Plan to spend anywhere between US$170 to US$225 per person. Private tours where only your group gets to share a balloon are US$300.00 or more.

Package inclusions depend on the operator´s menu and your choices, but a welcome coffee and light snack usually come in the deal.

The actual balloon flight and a post-landing toast and breakfast are included as well.

Some carriers might include the entrance fee to the Teotihuacan archaeological site, while others may not (80 Mexican Pesos).

Moreover, most, if not all, tour flights include transport to and from Mexico City.

Practical Tips for Your Hot Air Balloon Tour

📌 Ideal time for tours. The ideal time for a hot air balloon Teotihuacan experience is at sunrise when wind and thermal variants are best.

This means having a very early start in the morning, as Mexico City pick-ups start at about 4:30 am. It’s definitely an early rise, but so worth the effort!

📌 Dress comfortably to enjoy your Teotihuacan balloon tour fully, make sure you dress comfortably. The air above is quite chilly, so you’ll need long pants and a jacket to keep warm.

Sneakers or walking shoes are highly recommended, as you’ll be doing some exploring in the archaeological site as well as the adjacent town of San Juan Teotihuacan.

📌 Bring snacks. Most tours include complimentary coffee and fruit or toast upon arrival, with a full post-flight breakfast at a nearby restaurant thrown in. Nevertheless, it is always a good idea to carry a snack, just in case.

📌 Make it a point to carry some cash with you, as you are bound to come across vendors selling everything from snacks to cool souvenirs you’ll find on-site.

A few of them might take debit and credit cards, but most of them take cash only.

Moreover, you may also want to tip your guide (it’s not expected but always appreciated).

📌 Children 5 years and up can ride a hot air balloon in Teotihuacan. They must be held in your lap.

📌 Capture every moment, from the time your hot air balloon is being inflated until the end of your Teotihuacan experience. 

📌 Some operators have wheelchair-accessible facilities while others don’t, so be sure to check the website and confirm before making a purchase.

📌 Enjoy every part of the tour. Even though the flight itself is the highlight, I loved seeing how the balloons were inflated – they’re absolutely massive!

How to Get from Mexico City to Teotihuacan

Most tour operators will provide transportation options from Mexico City to Teotihuacan and back, with designated pick-up spots and return points.

Some, if not most, tours can pick you up at major hotels if you’re staying in a central location, while others have a designated pick-up spot.

If you prefer to arrive at the take-off point on your own, you can take an Uber, rent a car, or ride the bus, but I don’t really recommend it, especially considering hot air balloon rides start very early in the morning (plus, as I said, most tours include transportation anyway).

If you want to get to Teotihuacan by bus, you have to get to Terminal Central de Autobuses del Norte. From there, buses leave Teotihuacan every 30 minutes or so.

They make stops at Teotihuacan village (San Juan Teotihuacan) as well as doors 1 and 2 to the archeological site.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Hot Air Balloons Safe?

Balloon flights are very safe. 

Hot air balloons have no moving parts or mechanical parts that could fail. Mishaps rarely occur, although they can and do happen, but are pretty rare.

Like any other extreme activity, you have to weigh the risks and be responsible when hiring a tour to make sure they are reputable and take the necessary safety measures.

Who Should Not Ride in a Hot Air Balloon?

Teotihuacan balloon tours are not recommended for people with back problems, heart or other serious health conditions.

Pregnant women and children under 5 years old should not fly either.

Can You Do Teotihuacan in Half a Day?

Yes, you can do Teotihuacan in half a day. 

Getting to and from Mexico City will take three hours or less, depending on the traffic and which part of the city you’re staying in.

The hot air balloon ride in Teotihuacan usually takes an hour, and you’ll need another two hours to eat breakfast and explore the pyramids on ground level.

When is the Best Time to Visit Teotihuacan?

The best time to visit Mexico City for a hot air balloon Teotihuacan experience is at sunrise, but it is a year-round experience. 

As for the Teotihuacan archaeological site, it is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm.

It is best to arrive early if you wish to avoid crowds. 

Since all hot-air balloon tours take place at sunrise, you’ll usually get served coffee and a snack before the flight and be back on the ground around 8 AM (most tours will then take you to a nearby restaurant for breakfast).

Where is Teotihuacan Located?

Teotihuacan is located 25 miles (40 km) northeast of Mexico City.

Conclusion: Best Teotihuacan Hot Air Balloon Tours

A hot air balloon tour in Teotihuacan is a thrilling and enchanting experience and well worth the early wake-up call. 

It’s one of the most magical things to do in Mexico City and definitely worth it! 

From the ride there to seeing your balloon being inflated (tip: you can actually walk inside the balloon!) to being 450 feet up in the air while you admire one of the most important cities in ancient Mexico, taking a Teotihuacan hot air balloon tour is a must on your Mexico City bucket list!