Albuquerque, USA
Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta: A Sky Full of Colour
Free · open it in the app and customise every day.
Each October, the New Mexico desert hosts the world's largest hot-air balloon event — the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Over a week, some 500 balloons in every imaginable shape fill the dawn sky in a spectacle that draws photographers from around the globe.
Don't miss
The mass ascensions at first light, the after-dark balloon glows, and a ride up the Sandia Peak Tramway for desert views. Pair it with artsy, adobe Santa Fe nearby.
Good to know
You'll need a US visa. Mornings start cold and finish warm — dress in layers — and get to the field before sunrise for the best of the show.
Day-by-day itinerary
Albuquerque
Sat, 3 OctHistoric Hotel, Old Town
Old Town
3 Oct, 8:30 am
Delhi → Albuquerque
Delhi (DEL) → Albuquerque (ABQ)
2 Oct, 8:45 pm
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
gift shop
4401 Alameda Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113, USA
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
gift shop
4401 Alameda Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113, USA
Old Town
neighborhood
Old Town, Albuquerque, NM 87104, USA
Albuquerque
Sun, 4 OctHistoric Hotel, Old Town
Old Town
3 Oct, 8:30 am
Sandia Peak Tramway
tourist attraction
30 Tramway Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87122, USA
Petroglyph National Monument
national park
Western Trail NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120, USA
Santa Fe
Mon, 5 OctHistoric Hotel, Old Town
Old Town
3 Oct, 8:30 am
Santa Fe Plaza
historical landmark
63 Lincoln Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA
Canyon Road
route
Canyon Rd, Santa Fe, NM, USA
Loretto Chapel Museum
wedding venue
207 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA
Fiesta kit
- Warm layers for pre-dawn (it’s cold, then hot)
- A B1/B2 US visa (apply early)
- A fiesta session ticket
- A camera with spare batteries
- Comfortable shoes for the field
More itineraries to explore
New York, USA
New York City: The Ultimate Urban Trip
Kashmir, India
Kashmir in Spring: A First-Timer’s Guide
Rajasthan, India
Royal Rajasthan: Forts, Palaces & Desert Nights
Goa, India
Goa Two Ways: Buzzing North, Quiet South
Ladakh, India
Ladakh: How to Do the High Passes Right
Coorg, Karnataka