# The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

- URL: https://www.sportsleisure.com/vacations/albuquerque-international-balloon-fiesta-1

## Overview

Featuring reserved upgraded seating in the Chasers Lounge and Gondola Club

## Details

- 3 balloon events: Balloon Glow, Special Shapes and Mass Ascension
- Upgraded seating in the Chasers Lounge & Gondola Club
- Ride the Sandia Peak Aerial Tram
- Rio Grande Arts and Crafts Festival
- 9 meals: 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
- Roundtrip airfare to/from Albuquerque
- Door to door airport transportation
- 3950/4500 Gold Passport Points

## Video

- Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ey87eVQpstM

## Features

- Activity Meter: 2 - Moderate
- Gold Passport Points: 4,000 (double), 4,500 (single)
- Transportation
- Door-to-Door Service
- No Baggage Fees
- Hotels
- Memorable Meals
- Fully Escorted Tour

## Categories

- USA

## Departures

### October 7, 2026 – October 11, 2026 (5 Days)

- Availability: Limited Space Available
- Price (double occupancy): $3,940 per person
- Price (single occupancy): $4,495
- Meals: 9 included — 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners

## Daily Itinerary

### Day 1

Arrive in Albuquerque and enjoy lunch a hosted dinner before checking into your hotel, **Marriott Albuquerque – 4 nights (D)**

### Day 2

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta with over 550 balloons is the largest ballooning event and the most photographed event on earth. We have upgraded your experience this morning to the Chasers Club Lounge, which offers private seating on the field. Lunch is hosted at a famous Mexican restaurant before traveling on the famous Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway for stunning views of greater Albuquerque. **(B,L)**

### Day 3

This morning, we are watching the balloons from another private venue on the other side of the balloon field, the Gondola Club. Today is Special Shapes Day! This is a very popular ascension with approximately 100 special shaped balloons. You might see Darth Vader and Yoda, a flying cow, maybe Smokey Bear just to name a few. After the balloon ascension lunch will be hosted at a Route 66 favorite restaurant. Finish the day with a visit to Old Town to browse the shops. **(B,L)**

### Day 4

Today we view the Mass Ascension of balloons from the Gondola Club. Then it's over to the Rio Grande Arts & Crafts Festival. 200 fine artists and craftspeople from throughout the U.S. come together each year for two weekends. Take a break from shopping and enjoy ongoing live entertainment, a food court, and specialty food booths.

Tonight, we re-group for the Fiesta's "Glowdeo," a static display of balloons. Dinner will be held in the private Gondola Club with live entertainment and an open bar. Following dinner is the spectacular afterglow fireworks show! (Weather permitting - high winds could possibly cancel any event) **(B,D)**

### Day 5

Take a docent tour of the Abruzzo Balloon Museum and learn about hot air and gas balloons from the first flight in 1783 to the present before your departure for home. **(FB,L)**

### Daily Itinerary Meal Legend

| Code | Meaning |
| --- | --- |
| CB | Continental Breakfast |
| B | Generally a limited buffet or menu |
| FB | Full buffet or choice of menu |
| BR | Brunch, often buffet-style |
| L | Lunch, often several menu options |
| HT or AT | High or Afternoon Tea |
| D | Dinner, often several menu options |

## Photos

- [Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta](https://www.sportsleisure.com/sites/default/files/images/a4gpaalbuquerqueinternationalballoonfiesta3.jpg)
- [Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta](https://www.sportsleisure.com/sites/default/files/images/a4gpaalbuquerqueinternationalballoonfiesta2.jpg)

## Photo Attributions

### Slideshow Photo Attributions

- a4gpa — [Mass Ascension](https://www.flickr.com/photos/a4gpa/4002852413/in/album-72157623016427194/) — [CC BY-SA 2.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/)
- a4gpa — [Mass Ascension](https://www.flickr.com/photos/a4gpa/4040251871/in/album-72157623016427194/) — [CC BY-SA 2.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/)

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