Hot air balloon rides offer a unique way to experience breathtaking views of stunning landscapes and cities from a bird's eye perspective. Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or just looking for a romantic adventure, hot air balloon rides are the perfect way to enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience. From the deserts of Africa to the stunning vineyards of California, we've compiled a list of the top 15 destinations for hot air balloon rides. In this guide, we will cover everything from the best time to visit, prices, and what makes each location unique.
1. Serengeti National Park
📍 Tanzania
Experience the ultimate safari adventure from a hot air balloon ride above the stunning plains of Serengeti National Park. With vast herds of wildlife such as elephants, lions, and wildebeests, this location offers a unique view of nature's majesty.
What you get: Views of the vast plains of Serengeti, home to diverse wildlife such as lions, elephants, and giraffes.
Best time to visit: During the dry season from June to September
Average cost: $599 per person approx.
2. Cappadocia
📍 Turkey
Cappadocia offers a truly unforgettable hot air balloon ride experience. Floating above the stunning rock formations at sunrise is a must-do for any traveler visiting Turkey.
What you get: Views of the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, including the famous ‘fairy chimneys.’
Best time to visit: April to June and September to October
Average cost: $230 per person approx.
3. Bagan
📍 Myanmar
The ancient city of Bagan, with its thousands of pagodas and temples, is a sight to behold from a hot air balloon ride.
What You Get: Views of the stunning sunrise over the temples and pagodas of Bagan.
Best time to visit: October to April
Average cost: $350 per person approx.
4. Napa Valley, California
📍 USA
The vineyards of Napa Valley are a sight to behold from a hot air balloon ride, offering stunning views of the rolling hills and valleys.
What You Get: Views of the rolling hills and vineyards of Napa Valley.
Best time to visit: During the harvest season from August to October
Average cost: $200 - $270 per person approx.
5. Dubai
📍 UAE
Soar above Dubai's mesmerizing skyline, as a hot air balloon ride takes you on a breathtaking journey through the city's golden sands and iconic landmarks.
What You Get: Soar above iconic landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah.
Best time to visit: November to April
Average cost: $250 per person approx.
6. Yangshuo
📍 China
Located in the stunning karst landscape of Guilin, Yangshuo is a location that offers breathtaking views of towering limestone mountains from a hot air balloon ride.
What You Get: Views of the unique karst peaks and rice paddies of Yangshuo, along with the Li River.
Best time to visit: April to October
Average cost: Starts at $100 per person
7. Masai Mara National Reserve
📍 Kenya
Masai Mara National Reserve is home to the great wildebeest migration and is a stunning location to experience from a hot air balloon ride. With panoramic views of the vast savannah and wildlife, this location offers a truly unforgettable experience.
What You Get: Views of the diverse wildlife of Masai Mara, including lions, elephants, and zebras.
Best time to visit: July to October
Average cost: $450 per person approx.
8. Luxor
📍 Egypt
Experience the ancient city of Luxor and its iconic temples and tombs from a hot air balloon ride. Soar above the stunning River Nile and take in the breathtaking views of this historic location.
What You Get: Views of the Nile River, the Valley of the Kings, and the ancient temples of Luxor.
Best time to visit: September to April
Average cost: $75 - $150 per person approx.
9. Sedona
📍 Arizona, USA
Sedona's stunning red rock formations are a sight to behold from a hot air balloon ride.
What You Get: Take in the stunning views of the mountains and valleys at sunrise or sunset for an unforgettable experience.
Best time to visit: September to November
Average cost: $250 per person approx.
10. Yarra Valley
📍 Australia
Yarra Valley is known for its vineyards and wineries, making it a popular destination for hot air balloon rides.
What You Get: Views of the stunning vineyards and rolling hills of Yarra Valley, along with a champagne breakfast after the ride.
Best time to visit: April to October
Average cost: Starting from $400 USD per person
11. Albuquerque
📍 New Mexico, USA
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the largest hot air balloon festival in the world and offers a unique experience for hot air balloon enthusiasts. Witness the stunning spectacle of hundreds of colorful balloons floating in the sky.
What You Get: An opportunity to witness hundreds of hot air balloons taking off at once, creating a beautiful sight in the sky.
Best time to visit: During the festival in October
Average cost: $70 - $250 per person approx.
12. Loire Valley
📍 France
Loire Valley is known for its beautiful chateaux and rolling hills, making it a perfect destination for hot air balloon rides.
What You Get: Views of the picturesque landscape of the Loire Valley, including the stunning chateaux and vineyards.
Best time to visit: May to September
Average cost: Starting from $200 per person approx.
13. Queenstown
📍 New Zealand
Experience the stunning mountain ranges and lakes of Queenstown from a hot air balloon ride. Take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes and enjoy a truly unforgettable experience.
What You Get: Views of the Remarkables mountain range, Lake Wakatipu, and the surrounding countryside.
Best time to visit: June to August
Average cost: $400 per person approx.
14. Teotihuacan
📍 Mexico
Experience the ancient city of Teotihuacan from a hot air balloon ride and take in the stunning views all around.
What You Get: Views of the ancient pyramids of Teotihuacan, along with the surrounding countryside.
Best time to visit: November to March
Average cost: $150 per person approx.
15. Jaipur
📍 India
Jaipur, the ‘Pink City’, is a stunning location to experience from atop a hot air balloon ride. Marvel at the stunning architecture of the city's palaces and forts from above.
What You Get: VViews of the palaces, forts, and temples of Jaipur, including the famous Amber Fort.
Best time to visit: September to November
Average cost: $100 - $200 per person approx.
