If you’re considering a trip to Mexico City and want to see the iconic Teotihuacan pyramids from a unforgettable angle, a hot air balloon ride combined with transportation and breakfast might be just what you’re looking for. We’ve looked into this tour, which boasts a solid 4.5-star rating from dozens of travelers, and it’s easy to see why it’s popular.
What really appeals is the chance to glide high above the ancient site, avoiding the crowds below and capturing stunning photos. Plus, with options to add guided tours and meals, it offers a convenient way to experience Teotihuacan in one memorable package. The main drawback? Some reviews mention logistical hiccups—particularly around waiting times and early mornings—that are worth keeping in mind.
This tour is best suited for travelers who crave a unique perspective on history, enjoy a bit of adventure, and are okay with a morning start. If you’re a fan of scenic views and culture without too much fuss, this could be a great fit.
Such an amazing experience! They went above and beyond to make sure we had a fantastic day! The road closures in CDMX caused some delays, so they let us have a private balloon. Our guide was amazing and so was breakfast at the local restaurant!
Very good! can be also dangerous! We had a bad landing due to wind and hurt our knees! Luckily no more sincere injuries! Need to have some first aid and baskets not to be overcrowded as we hit to each other while landing!
Beautiful early morning views of the pyramids from the sky. Chilly at 5am, so layer up, because it gets warm by mid morning. Pickup at my hotel was easy and the ride from Polanco was about an hour to the "balloon-port". I was flying solo this trip, so it was just me and the driver in his sedan, and the driver spent the entire day "on call", shuttling me to the balloons, on to the restaurant, to the pyramid parking, and ultimately back to my hotel. He wasn't the guide – that was someone else that I met at the balloon-port who actually guided me through the experience, including the walking tour of the pyramids. Lovely balloon time – about 100 balloons in the air on a Saturday morning, so the…
- Key Points
- The Experience in Detail
- The Main Attraction: The Balloon Ride
- The Logistics and Timing
- Transportation: Convenient or Cumbersome?
- Breakfast and Refreshments
- Guided Tour and Entrance Fees
- The Crowds and Timing
- The Cost and Overall Value
- Authenticity and Authentic Experiences
- Who Should Consider This Tour?
- Final Thoughts
- FAQ
- More Tour Reviews in Mexico City
Key Points
- Unique aerial experience: See the pyramids from high above and get a fresh perspective of the ruins.
- Flexible options: Choose from tours with or without transportation, guided visits, and meals.
Early start: Departures typically begin early in the morning, which means fresh air and fewer crowds—if you’re an early riser.
- Group size: Usually up to 20 travelers, making for a more intimate experience.
Value for money: Priced around $161, including some extras, which feels reasonable considering the views and convenience.
- Variable timing: Expect a total tour duration ranging from about 3 to 6 hours, depending on options and logistics.
The Experience in Detail
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Mexico City.
The Main Attraction: The Balloon Ride
We loved the view from high above Teotihuacan. Flying in a shared hot air balloon, you get a panoramic, bird’s-eye view of the pyramids of the Sun and Moon, along with the surrounding towns. One traveler described it as “magical,” emphasizing how peaceful and breathtaking the experience felt, especially at sunrise when the landscape is bathed in gentle light.
The ride typically includes passenger insurance and takes roughly 30–45 minutes, depending on conditions and group size. The balloons are quite large—think about a dozen or more passengers—so you’ll be sharing with others but still enjoying a sense of quiet awe.
We absolutely love this as it is the best way to sew the Pyramids without spening hours walking, especially for those with mobility challenges. We did learn that the transportation option is probably best as 3 Uber drivers canceled on us as fewer drivers were available that early in the morning. Excellent communication from the tour operators!
Great overall experience and ended up being just as advertised. Seeing the whole process of how the balloons are set up to fly and then deflated afterwards was very interesting. The views over the pyramids is truly something to be seen. I would give 5 stars (even 4.5), but I purchased the 5 AM excursion, but was told afterwards that there was no transport available and that I’d have to do the 6 AM. My intention was to be onsite for sunrise however luck was on my side and there was a lot of fog for the 5 AM and it burned off by the time my group went up! 😂 Overall, it was a fantastic experience and I got some wonderful photos.
Oh man what an experience. Our driver Roberto picked us up early in the morning and drove us to the sight. We met our guide Rueben, he briefed us about the balloon ride and gave us some info about the historical sight! We had coffee, and some pastry and got into our balloon shortly after that. The views were spectacular, truly unforgettable. When we landed our driver Roberto picked us up promptly and drove us into town for breakfast. The restaurant was very cute and the food was so good! We relaxed there and then Rueben showed up to take us around the pyramids! He is such a knowledgeable guide, with great English. He took us all over the sight for maybe, 3hrs! Afterwards we went back to …
As one reviewer noted, “the views over the pyramids is something to be seen,” and many appreciated the chance to take spectacular photos without the land-based crowds.
The Logistics and Timing
The tour starts early, often around 5:30 or 6 am, to catch the sunrise and make the most of the cooler morning air. However, this timing isn’t without some caveats.
Several reviews mention waiting around at the launch site—sometimes for up to two hours—waiting for the balloons to be ready or for their turn to take off. This can be a bit frustrating, especially if you’re eager to maximize your time at the site.
For example, one traveler explained that arriving at 6 am meant missing the chance to fly with the larger group of balloons that took off earlier. They said, “I wish I had selected the 5:30 pickup and gone with the initial balloons,” which highlights how timing impacts the experience.
was great, pick up was a bit difficult and was late, but still arrived on time for to have breakfast and enjoy a balloon ride, the driver allowed us to pick out a restaurant for lunch nearby as well. 10/10 experience overall
This was such a well organized tour to take. Our driver arrived to our hotel when expected and did a great job of getting us to Teotihuacan and the launch site. He escorted us through all the paperwork, which was very helpful, and showed us where to get some coffee and pastries prior to takeoff. The entire process from getting the balloons inflated, watching them takeoff, and getting us loaded in was seamless, smooth, and wonderful! The views from above Teotihuacan are AMAZING! This is definitely worth doing!
All of it.. Perfect organised trip driver was superb and everything like clockwork. A perfect outing all round.
Transportation: Convenient or Cumbersome?
Most options include round-trip transportation from central Mexico City hotels, such as Condesa, Reforma, Roma Norte, Polanco, and Centro Historico. The vehicles are air-conditioned and comfortable, making the early drive to Teotihuacan manageable.
However, reviews suggest that transportation is a mixed bag. Some travelers experienced punctual pickups and smooth rides, while others faced delays or cancellations, especially on busy days or holidays like Christmas. One reviewer noted that Uber cancellations made their experience more stressful, so opting for the tour’s transport might be the safer choice for peace of mind.
Breakfast and Refreshments
A breakfast option is included when you select transportation, with some choosing to dine at a local restaurant and others opting for a cave restaurant upgrade at an additional cost. Many found the breakfast to be a nice touch after the early morning flight, especially with coffee and light snacks provided beforehand.
Post-flight, some tours include a toast with sparkling wine, which adds a celebratory touch—though it’s optional for those who prefer not to drink alcohol. The reviews consistently mention the satisfaction of starting the day with a good meal and coffee, fueling you for a quick exploration of the pyramids.
Really good experience. My only complain is that was too much people in the basket and I could not enjoy the most of the flight and/or the view.
Although this wasn't our first option as it was $100 more expensive, we had a great time! Our driver came on time and met us at the pickup point. We were able to get some fruits and coffee upon arrival and waited until around 7 am for our turn to get into the hot air balloon. I wish we were able to get on earlier as we missed the sunrise but the view was still amazing!
The most amazing experience …. The hot air balloon ride was magical and our driver was just brilliant. Felt very well looked after, he even took pics for us and sent them over …. Would definitely recommend
Guided Tour and Entrance Fees
If you opt for the guided tour of the archaeological site, you get a more in-depth experience—an hour or so exploring the pyramids with a guide. Entrance fees are around MX$120 per person and are included in the guided option.
One reviewer praised the guided experience, saying, “It’s the best way to see the pyramids without spending hours walking,” especially for those with mobility challenges. Conversely, some felt that the timing was tight, giving only about 45 minutes to explore the site before heading back to the hotel.
The Crowds and Timing
Many travelers love visiting early to beat the crowds, but even then, there’s a chance of encountering busy conditions. One review pointed out that the wait times at the site could cut into the sightseeing window, making the overall experience feel rushed.
The Cost and Overall Value
At around $161.71 per person, the price includes the balloon ride, transportation, breakfast, and insurance. For what you get—a high-flying view of the pyramids, a hassle-free trip from your hotel, and some local breakfast—it’s a solid deal.
Definitely recommend this experience and tour company. The process was smooth and the tour guide was very responsive and helpful with my questions before the event. Our driver Ignacio was very professional and made sure we were always in the right place once we were at the launching site. The balloon ride itself exceeded expectations. Some members of our group were a little nervous before, but during the ride they said how much they were enjoying it and how comfortable they felt.
We chose the transportation option, so we were picked up at 5am. The driver took us on a smooth ride to where we needed to be. We were given coffee and light snacks once we got there. There were photo opportunities that some took an advantage of. We got up in the air at the right time and had a great time in the balloon! We felt safe and warm from the heat from the flame. It was our first time on a hot air balloon and we enjoyed our time! Afterwards, we were driven to another place where we received our meal. Overall, we had a delightful experience, and everyone we encountered was extremely nice! Highly recommend this experience!
The balloon ride itself was incredible! What a gorgeous and peaceful way to get a birds eye view of Teotihuacan and understand how large it is. Our pilot Constantino was extremely competent, enthusiastic and reassuring. The driver was right on time to pick us up from our hotel in the morning, and the van was very comfortable. It was an amazing experience for the whole family. My main complaint about this experience is that it was not the most efficient use of our time. We waited approximately 20 minutes once we arrived at the site from which the balloon departed before we went to the balloon. Then we had to wait 30 minutes once we landed for the crew to load the balloon onto the truck …
But it’s worth noting that extra costs like entrance tickets to the site (if you don’t choose the guided tour option) and photographs (which can be pricey at MX$2,500) can add up.
Authenticity and Authentic Experiences
What sets this tour apart is the way it combines adventure with culture. Several reviews mention the guides and friendly drivers, making the experience feel well-organized and personal. One traveler even appreciated the opportunity to learn about local agave plants and see crafts made from silver, adding a cultural layer to the trip.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This experience suits travelers who want a breathtaking view of Teotihuacan from the sky without the hassle of navigating by themselves. It’s great for those who are comfortable with early mornings and understand that some waiting is part of the process.
It’s also a good pick for people who prefer a guided experience—either in the air or on the land—or those who want a convenient, all-in-one package that combines adventure, culture, and a decent meal.
While not ideal for very tight schedules or travelers wary of waiting around, it’s a memorable and visually stunning way to see one of Mexico’s most famous archaeological sites. If you're looking for an exclusive, crowd-free perspective and don't mind the early start, this tour is worth considering.
Final Thoughts
This balloon tour offers a unique vantage point on the Teotihuacan pyramids—something special for anyone interested in history, photography, or just a bit of adventure. The package includes transportation, breakfast, and insurance, making it convenient and fairly priced for the experience.
Keep in mind the logistical complaints—mainly the early start and wait times—if you’re planning your day around it.
In the end, it’s a memorable way to see the site from above, especially if you love aerial views and are prepared for the early hours. Travelers seeking a relaxed visit with plenty of time to explore might prefer a land-based tour, but for those wanting a bit of thrill and a different perspective, this balloon ride stands out.
Teotihuacan Balloon ride + Transportation + Breakfast + Pyramids
"Such an amazing experience! They went above and beyond to make sure we had a fantastic day! The road closures in CDMX caused some delays, so they l..."
FAQ
Is the tour suitable for children?
This tour is not recommended for children under 6 years old, mainly due to the early start and the nature of hot air balloon rides.
What is included in the price?
The price generally covers the hot air balloon ride, passenger insurance, round-trip transportation from select Mexico City hotels, and breakfast if you choose the transportation option. Guided tours and entrance fees to the archaeological site are optional and can be added.
How long does the total tour last?
The entire experience lasts roughly 3 to 6 hours, depending on options and logistics. The balloon flight itself is about 30-45 minutes, but waiting times and additional activities extend the day.
What should I bring?
Dress warmly for the morning, as it can be chilly before the flight. Sun protection, sunglasses, and a camera are recommended. Bring cash for souvenirs or tips, especially if you plan to purchase photos or participate in additional activities.
Are there any concerns about waiting or delays?
Yes, some reviews mention waiting times of up to two hours at the launch site and tight timing for exploring the pyramids. Planning for early arrival and being flexible can help mitigate this issue.
Can I upgrade my experience?
Yes, you can add guided tours to the archaeological site, transportation, and meals, which many travelers find makes the experience more complete and hassle-free.
What if the weather is bad?
This activity depends on good weather. If canceled, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. It’s best to keep an eye on the forecast and communicate with the tour provider if you have concerns.
If you’re after an extraordinary view of Teotihuacan in a relaxed, well-organized setting, this balloon tour could very well be the highlight of your trip. Just remember to gear up for an early start and some waiting—and you’ll be rewarded with unforgettable sights from above.
