If you’re dreaming of seeing the ancient pyramids of Teotihuacan in a way that makes their scale come alive, a hot air balloon tour might be just what you’re looking for. This particular experience promises an early morning adventure: floating over the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, catching a sunrise, and then relaxing with breakfast and a celebratory glass of bubbly afterward.
From the reviews and details available, this tour seems like a solid choice for anyone eager to add a bit of magic to their Mexico City visit.
What we love about this tour is the chance to see Teotihuacan from a perspective few get to enjoy—from 2000 feet above the ground—and the included amenities like breakfast and champagne make the experience feel special without going over the top. Plus, the hassle-free hotel pick-up and drop-off are big pluses, removing some of the logistical stress.
Such a great and magical experience! It’s been a bucket list item for us and it finally came true. Thank you! Everything went smooth and perfect! They picked us up at our hotel in the morning. Then we went to the launch site. Got into our balloon and floated for about an hour over Teotihuacan. I thought the trip was going to be much shorter but we were pleasantly surprised. The champagne toast at the end was so classy. Spend 3 hours exploring the ruins and then they took us back to our hotel. Oh and forgot the breakfast with the mariachi. Food was great too! Thank you for such an incredible experience!
The balloon trip itself was fantastic and the highlight of our trip to Mexico City. Our transportation driver was 15 minutes late picking us up in the morning but we arrived in time for the sunrise flight. The pilot and crew with Voltare were friendly and experienced. Many in our group were afraid of heights but everyone felt 100% comfortable. The basket holds 16 people – 4 in each corner with the pilot in the center. We'd heard it can be cold. On the day of our flight the ground temp was 14*C [57*F] and with a long sleeved top and jean jacket over top no one was cold. After the flight we toasted with sparkling wine. We then headed back for breakfast, which everyone found disappointing. We …
This was simply amazing!! Great service, very well organized!! It was definitely a highlight of our trip
On the flip side, a possible snag is the late return and some transportation hiccups reported by travelers, which can be frustrating if you’re on a tight schedule or juggling other plans.
This tour is perfect if you’re after a memorable, visually stunning experience that combines adventure with comfort. It’s especially suitable if you’re comfortable waking up early, want a unique view of Teotihuacan, and enjoy the idea of celebrating with a glass of champagne after the flight. If you’re traveling with family or friends who appreciate a bit of thrill and culture, this tour ticks many boxes.
- Key Points
- Why You’ll Love This Hot Air Balloon Tour
- What the Tour Looks Like: An In-Depth Breakdown
- Early Morning Pickup and Transport
- The Balloon Launch
- Landing and Celebration
- Ground Exploration and Free Time
- The Experience in Perspective: The Good and the Not-So-Good
- Pricing and Value
- Who Should Consider This Tour?
- Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
- FAQ
- More City Tours in Mexico City
- More Tours in Mexico City
- More Tour Reviews in Mexico City
Key Points
- Unmatched aerial view of the Teotihuacan pyramids and surrounding landscape
- Includes breakfast and champagne, making it a luxurious experience
- Hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-off from Mexico City
- Weather-dependent flight, so flexibility is key
- Limited group size (up to 10 travelers), offering a more intimate experience
- Additional costs like pyramid entrance fees and guide not included
Why You’ll Love This Hot Air Balloon Tour
We know that seeing Teotihuacan from the ground is incredible, but from the air, it’s a whole different game. You’ll love the panoramic views of the Sun and Moon pyramids—they look even more impressive from 2,000 feet up—and the feeling of floating peacefully while watching the sunrise unfold over the valley.
It’s one of those moments that sticks with you, especially when paired with the thrill of flying in a hot air balloon.
The best experience in Mexico by far! It was awesome and not to be missed. Everyone was professional and the whole experience worth the money. We took the additional tour of the site after the balloon ride, which was ~ $550 pesos each, but worth it.
Fantastic tour but extremely disappointed that our mini-bus driver told everyone to get off at a location that, for us, was over an hours walk away from our hotel where we had been picked up
It was just unreal and the trip was well organised by the organiser. It a must to do if you are travelling to Mexico. it's worth my euro… 🙂
The tour’s inclusions of champagne toast and a breakfast buffet mean you get to enjoy the experience in style. The reviews highlight how appreciated this touch is, with travelers commenting on how the breakfast was “very nice” and the entire operation “very well organized.” Many mention the professionalism of the crew and the safety they felt during the flight, which is reassuring when you’re up that high.
You can also read our reviews of more city tours in Mexico City
What the Tour Looks Like: An In-Depth Breakdown
Early Morning Pickup and Transport
The day starts early, around 4:15 to 5:15 am, with hotel pick-up in Mexico City. This timing is necessary because the balloon launch depends on favorable conditions at sunrise. The drive to Teotihuacan takes about an hour, giving you a chance to relax or catch some sleep if you’re a morning person.
A note from travelers is that most enjoy a smooth pickup and transfer, but a few mention delays or traffic-related issues. One reviewer pointed out that their driver was 15 minutes late, which isn’t ideal but isn’t uncommon for early morning transfers. The comfort of the transportation, being shared and air-conditioned, generally adds to the overall positive experience.
The Balloon Launch
Once at the site, the group prepares for the flight. The actual hot air balloon ride lasts between 45 minutes to an hour, depending on weather conditions. This is a good length of time for appreciating the scenery, without feeling overly long or rushed.
The balloon ride was an amazing experience that I loved sharing with our family. My husband and I took his mom and our two youngest children (ages 9 and 12). The ride occurs right before sunrise so it is a little cold. You may want a hoodie – if you forget one, they sell them there. Once in the balloon, it will get hot if you are near the pilot’s area. Also, remember your identifications. This should have been common sense to me, but I had left my children’s identifications at the Airbnb. I was able to pull up their school website to id them and they let them fly. Everyone was very accommodating and helpful – there were a total of 8 passengers in our balloon. I am terrified of heights, a…
Organization was optimal, the experience of flying over the ruins was amazing and the breakfast was very nice too!
Let me start by saying I don’t typically leave reviews, but this warranted an exception. First, the amenities on this tour were far better than I expected (i.e. prompt pick-up/drop-off service, comfortable transportation, nice drivers, coffee/snacks upon arrival, great lunch, mariachi band, etc.). More importantly, the balloon tour itself was a once in a lifetime experience, which you can probably gather from the pictures I took (one of which has somewhat gone viral). I can’t recommend this excursion enough for those traveling to Mexico City. Definitely the highlight of the trip.
Flying at dawn, you’ll witness the sky light up with the sun cresting over the horizon. The views are breathtaking—the pyramids look even more majestic as the mist lifts and the landscape unfolds beneath you. Multiple reviews describe it as “incredibly beautiful” and “magical,” with many noting how close they felt to the pyramids from above.
Landing and Celebration
After landing, you receive your certificate of flight—a nice keepsake—and toast with sparkling wine or bubbly. The included buffet breakfast follows, giving you a chance to hydrate, refuel, and chat with your fellow travelers. Some reviews mention the breakfast as “fabulous” and a “nice touch” to the day.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Mexico City
Ground Exploration and Free Time
By around 9:30 am, you’re dropped off near the pyramids. At this point, you have several hours to explore Teotihuacan independently. Keep in mind that the entrance fee (70 pesos) is not included in the tour price, so budget accordingly. Tour operators mention that there’s no guide included, so if you want more context about the site, you’ll need to arrange that yourself or explore on your own.
A few reviewers shared their experiences of wandering the site—some found it less organized, with no guided introduction or clear directions, which can be a downside if you’re new to Teotihuacan. Others appreciated having the freedom to explore at their own pace.
Excellent experience. Transportation from Mexico City to Teotihuacan. Then a hot air balloon ride over the pyramids. The balloon ride was fun itself, but seeing the ruins from above was amazing. I highly recommend it. Then you get a ride to the ruins to see them on foot which was great as well. We booked late so we did not get up in a balloon immediately, we had to wait for a bit. But that was not a big problem, it mean we had the sky to ourselves.
I was picked up 5.10h at the hotel. I booked the tour in English but the driver only spoke Spanish. On the drive to the pyramids we had to take a toll road. Unfortunately the driver did not have enough money with him so he had to ask a customer to lend him money for the toll road. Arrived at the scene there were many people gathering. A real introduction of what to do did not take part. So I just went to the line where others were queing. I got the information that I was on the second turn already the day before. What I did not know was that there was only one balloon going for the second turn. So no Sunrise no other balloons in the sky which gave a real nice picture. The balloon ride itself…
Incredible!!! Service, experience, food, entertainment! Wow! So glad we took the time to do this experience.
The Experience in Perspective: The Good and the Not-So-Good
The majority of reviews speak highly of the stunning vistas and professional crew. Several travelers called the ride “the highlight” of their trip, emphasizing how close they felt to the pyramids from above and how peaceful the whole experience was. The inclusion of breakfast and champagne adds a touch of luxury, making it feel like a special occasion rather than just an activity.
However, some issues crop up occasionally. The late return due to traffic or group delays can be annoying, especially if you’re pressed for time later in the day. One reviewer noted being dropped off far from their hotel after an hour-long walk, which is a reminder to double-check the logistics and perhaps prepare for some walking.
The weather plays a big role; flights depend on favorable conditions, so flexibility is essential. Think of this as part of the adventure—if it’s cloudy or windy, the flight might be delayed or canceled, but the company seems experienced and cautious about safety.
Pricing and Value
At $249 per person, this tour isn’t cheap, but the value largely depends on how much you enjoy aerial views, early mornings, and a touch of luxury. The experience of floating over ancient ruins at sunrise is pretty unique and often described as worth the price. Plus, the included amenities—breakfast, champagne, and transport—make it a comprehensive package that minimizes planning stress.
The whole ride was incredible. We went right over the pyramids and were so close it felt like we could nearly touch them. The free gopro video was a very unexpected surprise!
Their operations were incredibly smooth, down to every detail. Balloon operator and crew were very professional and we felt very safe. Breakfast was a nice touch. Fabulous experience, will suggest to others.10/10!!
Amazing balloon ride, but had to wait 3 hours for a balloon. The first balloons were "booked up" – so why make us get up at 4.30am!? Didn't get off the ground until nearly 9am
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This experience is ideal for travelers who love visual spectaculars, adventure, and cultural sites. If you’re visiting Mexico City and want a memorable, Instagram-worthy moment, this is right up your alley. It’s also suitable for those comfortable with early mornings and open to a small group setting.
If you’re traveling with small children or prefer guided tours with detailed explanations, you might find the lack of a guide at the site a drawback. Conversely, if you’re a solo traveler or a couple looking for a romantic or awe-inspiring adventure, it fits the bill nicely.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
The Full-Day Teotihuacan Hot Air Balloon Tour offers a beautifully curated experience that combines adventure with comfort. The aerial view of the pyramids, especially at sunrise, makes it stand out from typical ground tours. The included breakfast and champagne make it feel special, and the limited group size adds a personal touch.
While the logistical hiccups—such as late pickups, traffic delays, and no guided tour at the site—can detract from the experience, they seem to be manageable and not frequent enough to overshadow the highlights. You’re paying for the chance to see one of Mexico’s most iconic sites from a perspective few get to enjoy, and that’s a pretty compelling reason to consider booking.
This tour will suit travelers who prioritize photography, unique experiences, and a touch of luxury over detailed guided explanations. If you’re okay with an early start and some weather dependency, it’s likely to be a memorable highlight of your trip.
Full-Day Teotihuacan Hot Air Balloon Tour from Mexico City Including Transport
"Such a great and magical experience! It’s been a bucket list item for us and it finally came true. Thank you! Everything went smooth and perfect!..."
FAQ
Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, transportation from your Mexico City hotel to Teotihuacan and back is included, making the logistics hassle-free.
What’s the departure time?
Pick-up is scheduled between 4:15 and 5:15 am, depending on your hotel location and availability. The actual flight starts around sunrise, typically between 5:00 and 8:00 am.
How long is the balloon ride?
The shared flight lasts approximately 45 minutes to an hour, weather permitting.
Are there any age restrictions?
The minimum age is 6 years old, but very young children might not see out of the basket due to height restrictions.
Do I need to pay for entrance to the pyramids?
Yes, the entrance fee (70 pesos per person) is not included—be prepared for that additional expense if you want to explore the site afterward.
Is a guide included at Teotihuacan?
No, there’s no guide included, so you’re on your own to explore or find additional guides if you want more context.
What happens if the weather cancels the flight?
Weather can affect ballooning conditions. If it’s canceled, the company will likely reschedule or provide a refund, but check their policy for specifics.
If you’re after a memorable, visually stunning way to see Teotihuacan and don’t mind early mornings and small group experiences, this hot air balloon tour could be just the ticket. It’s a mix of adventure, culture, and comfort that many travelers find well worth the price.
