guest Testimonials
Here at Insider Tours, we LOVE OUR GUESTS! We deeply care about your experience at the Balloon Fiesta and take great pride and responsibility in hosting you on this tour. It is our #1 priority to make sure you are having the absolute time of your life at every event! We are the only Balloon Fiesta Guide Crew (that we know of) where the same spirited and enthusiastic Guides host the tour year after year - we are true Insiders for the event, a resource to you the whole way through, 24 hours a day. We receive lovely emails, texts and reviews from our guests each year, and we have shared a few with you here!
M.P., Louisiana
“I’ve been on lots of group tours but none can hold a candle to the stunning organization of this one. They think of absolutely everything; it is so easy to be a guest. I loved paying in monthly installments and the emails they sent with photos, restaurant recommendations, etc. The team is lovely; they are having fun and they want everyone else to. The activities they chose are a good blend and you definitely get the feel of the area. But you get enough free time to fit in whatever is important to you. When I booked the tour I thought it was a bit pricey, now that it’s over I can say I got my money’s worth. I wouldn’t hesitate to go anywhere with this team.“
__________________________
Deborah & Rich J., Virginia
“We went to Mardi Gras with Insider Tours (Feb 2024) and had such a fantastic time there, we decided to do the Balloon Festival (Mar 2025) with them as well. A totally different kind of tour, but equally awesome! Insider does all the organizing and planning; very well-managed and efficient. They not only included the main event, but also scheduled other sides trips of interest. It was the best way to go! Staff are young and high energy. Because we travelled more by bus to and from the festival, we had more opportunity to chat with them, which was nice. Both tours were thrilling, providing us with exciting experiences, breathtaking photos and memories for a lifetime.”
__________________________
Mary and Norman C., West Virginia
“We were very happy with our experience at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. Since this was our first group tour we weren’t sure what to expect. We really appreciated the organizations and attention to detail they provided. Everyone was friendly and the vibe was very celebratory. The balloon festival grounds are huge, and really busy on weekends. It was such a relief to have everything planned so there was no confusion as to where to go, what time etc. Having the Chaser’s Club tent available to sit down, have a drink, or take a break from walking was a huge benefit. Insider Tours staff are wonderful, it is obvious they genuinely care about what they do and the service they provide. They were really good about text message updates and info-and were available to answer questions any time. For anyone considering going to the balloon fiesta, especially for the first time, we highly recommend Festival Insider Tours. They do the planning so you can sit back and enjoy the ride.”
__________________________
Judy and Hugh F. and Ann B., Louisiana
“First of all, this experience was the most organized, inclusive, and professional tour we’ve ever been on. From the beginning, the communication about the tour left no doubt what you were going to experience. The frequent emails contained a wealth of information that prepared you for the trip. Maggie was incredible; always willing to answer questions and accommodate you with anything you needed while always being cheerful and energetic. The weather didn’t cooperate fully for our trip but the other activities that were planned certainly made for a memorable trip. The accommodations, food, transportation, goody bags, guaranteed seating, Museum visits, winery tour and Santa Fe visit were outstanding. We are looking forward to hearing about any future tours that will be offered. Thanks, Maggie, you and your team are AWESOME!”
__________________________
Conn and Tonya C., Texas
“Just wanted to let y'all know how much we loved and enjoyed the tour! I'm not usually a fan of tours, but yours was a unique, well-organized, and fun-filled trip. There wasn't a single part of the trip that we didn't enjoy. We loved the Balloon Fiesta, of course, especially not having to worry about parking, food, or fighting our way through the traffic! The wine tour was beautiful, and even loads of fun for us non-drinkers! Santa Fe was amazing--getting to walk through such an historically significant town and encountering the artisans and craftsmen who were selling their wares...outstanding! Yall's choice in hotels was the best: architecturally beautiful, sparkling clean, and a restaurant that made my tongue happy! The cleaning staff made sure we were welcomed and felt at home, even making sure we had extra coffee in our room! It's the little things that make a trip, and y'all hit it out of the park! Thanks, again, for a lasting and wonderful trip that we'll brag about to all our friends. We highly recommend anyone looking for a fantastic trip to give y'all a shot...they won't be sorry!”
__________________________
Larry & Ann L., Indiana
“Never having been part of a tour group, we weren’t sure what to expect. Having said that, Festival Insider Tours quickly made our trepidations dissolve. They were extremely professional always promptly responding to both emails and phone calls. Our tour guide, Maggie was always ready to help us with any request. Would we use them again? ABSOLUTELY!”
__________________________
Al & Susan S., North Carolina
“A big thank you to Maggie, Lindsey, & Steve for a memorable Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta tour. Your attention to detail made our New Mexico trip informative & fun.
We are looking forward to hearing all about future excursions offered by your Festival Insider Tours.”
__________________________
M. S., Tennessee
“You are a first time lone traveler and want to go on this tour but can you do it? That was me and then I talked to Maggie, Account Manager and guide. She explained details of the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta tour and other events in the tour to me and with her encouragement, I decided to give it a try. It was absolutely an amazing experience and just the right fit for me! Weeks before the event, Maggie was great in communicating through emails - providing detailed information of our upcoming events so we would be well prepared. Now on to the good stuff… our first day, we boarded our bus early! When we arrived to the “Fiesta,” we were given some instructions and turned loose. You could go it alone or with new friends you make on the tour! Being independent, the first day I had some donuts in the private area that was reserved for us and then off by myself to the fields. Picture yourself being right next to a hot air balloon as it is preparing to take off! Your foot may almost touch the balloon & then as the fire begins to rise, so does the giant balloon. Everyone cheers and you may watch it until it disappears in the morning sky, as other balloons are constantly rising, too - 500 plus balloons. At night, the sky is lit up with balloons and the magnificent drone and fireworks shows are also exceptional. When it’s over, it’s an easy walk to the bus and you are safe, happy, and thankful to have been a part of this adventure! The other trips to a winery, museums, and Santa Fe are interesting and fun… but to me, it was all about the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta! I wasn’t entirely pleased with the hotel staff and services but it was acceptable. If you want to see such a beautiful sight that you have to pinch yourself to make sure you are witnessing such a beautiful sight, call Festival Insider Tours. You will love the experience and the tour guides and tour! “
__________________________
Gail K., Ohio
Dear Festival Insider Tours Team,
Thanks so much for such a memorable tour. We so appreciate your passion for what you do to make your guests feel welcome, safe, and informed. We’ll think of you every time we use our blankets and look at our photos.
From the minute we started to receive emails about the tour, we knew we were in for lasting memories. All the emails prior to our arrival in Albuquerque pumped us up for the Balloon Fest and the visits to The Indian Pueblo Museum, the winery, and Sante Fe. We also appreciated the information on local attractions and restaurants—listings, websites, etc.
Once we got to Albuquerque, your timely texts let us know about the Balloon Fest activities and the loading and unloading times on the top-notch bus. You’re acutely aware of our safety as we got on and off on potentially dangerous slants.
While we were all disappointed the balloons couldn’t launch—certainly not your fault—we thought our visit to the Indian Pueblo Museum exceeded our expectations.
The exhibits were certainly interesting, and the activities in the courtyard were spectacular. The vendors displaying their intriguing artistry shared stories we’ll never forget, some of which brought us to tears. And the young dancers in their colorful costumes also impressed us.
Our only suggestion for the future is to allow more time there for taking in the attractions and having a better lunch than a less-than-tasty hot dog.
The visit to the winery was too much fun. First, the winery rooms and grounds are gorgeous. Lunch was lovely, and that room! Wow! And how fortunate to have the owner proudly but humbly share his story. We thought the tour was a little long, but most seemed enthralled. (We’re guessing we were eager for lunch, since we started with the tasting, and the wine hit hard.). Steve, we loved our opportunity to chat with you at our table during the tasting.
And a special thanks to Trey and Tim Tom for helping arrange a gluten-free lunch for me. Also, after I expressed some concerns about my dietary issues, they made a point of sharing the menus in the Chasers Tent.
We knew the museums and shopping in Sante Fe would be interesting and fun, but what a special surprise to attend the Pow Wow to celebrate Indigenous Day with such honorable Native Americans. As you know, we felt especially grateful since the Israeli Hostages had been released earlier than morning.
A special note about our serendipitous meeting with your team in your hotel lobby. Thanks for allowing us to join you, especially when you were trying to chill after such long days.
We appreciated the opportunity to chat about the trip and our hotel experience, but even more, we got to learn more about you, and you got to know more about us.
So, kudos to your entire team for your planning, corralling all us cats, and creating an interesting itinerary.
The day a duck, a sheep and a rooster took to the air in 1783!
On the 19th of September 1783, a paper maker named Etienne Montgolfier launched the first successful hot air balloon flight with passengers on board in Versailles, France. The new invention was called ‘Aerostat Reveillon’ and the passengers were a sheep, a duck and a rooster. The balloon stayed in the air for a grand total of 15 minutes before crashing back to the ground. No animals were harmed in the process.
American diplomat Benjamin Franklin was in attendance, witnessing the Montgolfier brothers' exciting new invention, while Thomas Jefferson, then Minister to France, observed a later flight from Paris.
Hot Air Balloon Culture has certainly come a long way from its humble beginnings in Versailles! The hot air balloons of today are made of high tech materials and can ascend high into the atmosphere. Hot air balloon pilots are skilled airmen and can navigate the skies with ease.
What is the famous Albuquerque Box?
Autumn is one of the most enjoyable times of the year in New Mexico: brisk mornings give way to warm afternoons, with mild temperatures throughout the day and typically still winds. This ideal weather combined with Albuquerque’s diverse altitudes and geography make it the ultimate location for balloon flying this time of year. The lower altitude of the river valley to the West, higher altitude of the mountain range to the East, and the prevailing winds aloft create the legendary “Albuquerque Box” in which gentle winds blow in a box pattern, ideally leading balloons right back to where they started. This natural phenomenon makes Albuquerque home to some of the best ballooning in the world!
Tell me about our Day Trip to Santa Fe!
The State's Official Nickname is New Mexico: Land of Enchantment. "Land of Enchantment" describes New Mexico's scenic beauty and its rich history. This legend was placed on New Mexico license plates in 1941, and became the official state nickname in 1999.
After seeing the splendor of the Balloon Fiesta, you will see this beauty come alive again in the majestic city of Santa Fe, the state's capital. Santa Fe is the oldest capital city in the U.S. and its capitol building, known as the Roundhouse, is the only round capitol building in the country.
Santa Fe has inspired countless artists and poets, and is considered to be a spiritual center, with many having found solace or an awakening here, or having come here to seek spiritual or physical healing. It is said that Santa Fe holds 3 energy vortexes, and there are many spiritual and religious sites in the city. As well, there are natural mineral and hot springs in the area, and many luxurious retreats and spas located throughout Santa Fe.
Santa Fe sits in the Sangre de Cristo foothills. It is renowned for its Pueblo-style architecture and as a creative arts hotbed. Founded as a Spanish colony in 1610, it has at its heart the traditional Plaza, a bustling center that is as electric as it is picturesque. The Palace of the Governors, flanking one side of the Plaza, now houses the state's history museum and is the oldest public building in the country. On the Plaza side of the Palace of the Governors, you will find Native American artisans offering beautiful silver and stone jewelry for purchase. The surrounding historic district’s crooked streets wind past adobe landmarks, museums and historical sites, art galleries and artisan shops, as well as restaurants and adorable cafes.
Santa Fe is a wonderful city to explore - it is a true "walking city" where so much to see and do is all within walking distance of Santa Fe Plaza, where our buses will be dropping our group off for the day. Between the enchanting architecture and history of the city, to the shops, galleries, restaurants, churches and museums, there is plenty to fill your day in Santa Fe! Upon drop-off, Insider Guides will point out the location of both the New Mexico History Museum and the New Mexico Museum of Art, a ticket to one museum is included in your Balloon Fiesta Package.
One of the highlights of visiting Santa Fe is experiencing the city's authentic New Mexican cuisine. Indulge in traditional dishes such as green chile stew, stacked enchiladas, and sopapillas. Most restaurants source their ingredients locally, ensuring fresh and flavorful meals.
How many people and balloons attend the ABQ Balloon Fiesta Each Year?
2026 will be the 54th annual Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta event! More than 600 hot air balloons will be registered to fly this year, with over 100 of those being special shape balloons, and 16 countries represented. Balloon Fiesta attendance varies from year to year, but has consistently been between 800,000 – 900,000 guests, with about 75% of the attendees coming from outside the state of New Mexico. That’s a whole lot of happy hot air balloon enthusiasts! The Fiesta’s annual economic impact on the city is great, with over $200 million spent each year over the 9-day event. This includes dollars spent within Balloon Fiesta Park, and throughout the city.
