A hot air balloon ride is an experience you won’t forget anytime soon. Something about floating above the ground, surrounded by stunning scenery, is truly magical.
Finding the destination to meet your hot air balloon needs can be tricky. You can’t be sure what the experience will be like until you try it. You also have to be practical. As much fun as it would be to visit many destinations to see different hot air balloon experiences, time and money might not allow for that.
Luckily, we’ve got you covered. We’ve looked into the best destinations worldwide for hot air ballooning so you can make the most out of your experience.
Hot Air Balloon Ride | Cappadocia, Turkey
Cappadocia is a popular destination for hot air ballooning, and it’s not hard to see why. The area is home to some unique landscapes. The rock formations are otherworldly, and the experience of floating above them in a hot air balloon is truly unforgettable.
Some landmarks you might want to keep an eye out for are the Three Graces and Love Valley. Three Graces is a group of three fairy chimneys, and Love Valley is, well, a valley full of phallic-shaped rocks.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque is known for being the home of the world’s largest hot air balloon festival. The festival takes place every October and features over 500 hot air balloons. If you’re looking for a hot air ballooning experience unlike any other, Albuquerque is the place to be.
Within Albuquerque, some scenery you might want to take in while you’re up in the air is the Rio Grande and Petroglyph National Monument. The Rio Grande is one of the longest rivers in North America, and the Petroglyph National Monument is home to over 20,000 ancient petroglyphs.
Luxor, Egypt
Luxor is another popular destination for hot air ballooning, and it’s easy to see why. After all, what could be greater than floating above the pyramids? You’ll be able to see the pyramids in all their glory and get a sense of just how massive they truly are.
In addition to the pyramids, some sights you might see are the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Karnak. The Valley of the Kings is a burial ground for some of Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs, and the Temple of Karnak is an ancient temple complex that is one of the largest religious sites in the world.
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Bryce Canyon is the place for you if you’re looking for an otherworldly hot air ballooning experience. The landscape feels straight out of a sci-fi movie, and it’s truly stunning.
If you go hot air ballooning in Bryce Canyon National Park, you might be able to see the hoodoos and Thor’s Hammer. Hoodoos are towering rock formations that are unique to Bryce Canyon. Thor’s Hammer is a massive rock formation that looks like, you guessed it, a hammer.
Napa Valley, California
Napa Valley is one of the most popular wine regions in the world, and it’s also a great place to go for a hot air balloon ride. The landscape is gorgeous, and you’ll be able to see some of the world’s most famous vineyards from up above.
When you go hot air ballooning in Napa Valley, you should keep an eye out for the Silverado Trail and Calistoga. The Silverado Trail is a scenic route that runs through the heart of Napa Valley, and Calistoga is a small town that is home to some of the region’s best wineries.
Maasai Mara, Kenya
The Maasai Mara is a popular safari destination in Africa, and it’s also a great place for hot air ballooning. The landscape is stunning, and you’ll have the opportunity to see some of the most iconic animals on Earth.
Some sights you might see from up above are the Big Five (elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, and leopard) and the Masai people. The Big Five are five of the most dangerous animals in Africa, and the Masai people are a nomadic tribe that lives in the Maasai Mara.
Hot air ballooning is an amazing experience, and there are many great places to do it. These are just a few of the most popular destinations.
Even if you do take a hot air balloon ride in one of these places, remember that the experience will be unique to you. So go out there and explore the world from a whole new perspective!
