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.
