Is the Teotihuacán Hot Air Balloon Ride Worth It? A Mexico City Day Trip Guide

If you’re planning a trip to Mexico City and wondering whether a Teotihuacan hot air balloon ride is worth waking up before sunrise… I’m here to tell you: absolutely yes.

This experience combines adventure, history, and one of the most magical sunrises you’ll ever see. Teotihuacan isn’t just any archaeological site, it’s one of the most important ancient cities in the world, home to the massive Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon. And instead of admiring them from the ground (like most visitors do), you get to float above them as the early morning light hits the valley.

When my husband and I planned our trip, this experience was at the very top of my list. Still, I found myself wondering if it would live up to the hype or just feel like another expensive tourist trap. A few nerves definitely kicked in as we woke up long before sunrise and drove out to the launch site, but the moment we lifted off the ground… every doubt disappeared.

We watched the sky slowly turn pink and gold while hundreds of colorful balloons floated around us. As the sun finally broke over the horizon, the ancient Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon appeared below us, glowing in the morning light. It felt surreal — like we were flying above history.

In this guide, I’m breaking down exactly what our Mexico City hot air balloon adventure was like, along with everything you should know before booking your own. From choosing the right tour company and what the full morning includes, to how to get there and what to pack — I’ll share all the tips I wish I had beforehand. By the end, you’ll know for sure whether this experience deserves a spot on your Mexico City itinerary. (Spoiler: it totally does!)

Before we dive into all the info let me first start with what is this experience about?

The Teotihuacan hot air balloon ride is a sunrise experience that lets you admire one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world from the sky. Teotihuacan, also known as the “City of the Gods,” dates back more than 2,000 years and was once one of the largest cities in the Americas. Seeing the Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon from above gives you a completely different appreciation of just how massive and impressive this ancient city really is.

Most balloon rides take place early in the morning when the wind is calm and conditions are safest for flying. That means it’s an early wake-up call, especially if you’re traveling from Mexico City. But trust me, that moment when dozens of colorful balloons start lifting into the sky all around you makes every bit of lost sleep so worth it.

A typical tour lasts about four to six hours in total and includes transportation from Mexico City (if you choose), check-in at the ballooning site, a safety briefing, and then the magical flight itself. After landing, there’s usually a quick celebration with champagne and breakfast before heading to the entrance of Teotihuacan so you can explore the pyramids from the ground too.

What To Consider When Booking Your Teotihuacan Hot Air Balloon Experience

Before booking your Teotihuacan hot air balloon ride, there are a few important things to keep in mind to make sure you have the best experience possible.

The first one is weather. Balloon flights are entirely dependent on wind and visibility. June in Mexico City can be cloudy or rainy, and I was a little nervous about flying during the rainy season. But we got incredibly lucky — perfectly sunny skies and the most gorgeous sunrise. Keep in mind that flights can be delayed or even canceled if conditions aren’t safe, so it’s smart to schedule your balloon ride early in your trip. That way you have room to reschedule if needed.

Next up is pickup option. You can either book a package that includes round-trip transportation from Mexico City or you can drive yourself by renting a car or take a taxi to the launch site. We chose the hotel pickup option because it’s early in the morning and having someone handle the logistics made everything so much easier.

You’ll also need to choose between a shared balloon or a private balloon. Shared balloons are less expensive and still give the same incredible views. This is what we went with and we loved it. Private flights are great if you’re celebrating something special like an anniversary or engagement and want a more intimate experience but more expensive.

Check recent reviews and safety standards before booking. We booked online because it had great ratings and felt reliable. Our pilot and crew were professional, friendly, and clearly knew what they were doing, which instantly made us feel more relaxed once we were onboard. (Just you know, Not at all Sponsored)

Lastly, be prepared for an early start. Most tours begin around 4:30–5:30 AM depending on your pickup location. It sounds brutal, I know — but watching the sun rise over the pyramids is something you’ll never forget. Totally worth the early alarm.

How to Get from Mexico City to Teotihuacan

Teotihuacan is located about 45 minutes to 1.5 hours northeast of Mexico City depending on traffic, so it’s definitely an easy day trip. The big question is: how do you actually get there at 5 AM for a hot air balloon ride?

The easiest option is to book a hot air balloon Mexico City tour that includes hotel pickup and drop-off. That’s what we did, and I can’t recommend it enough. Our driver arrived right on time in the early morning darkness, and we were able to nap a little during the drive instead of stressing about directions or calling a taxi at 4:30 AM. When you’re that sleepy, convenience matters!

If you prefer going on your own, you can also drive yourself by renting a car or take a taxi / Uber directly to the launch site. Just make sure to confirm the exact location with your tour company ahead of time because there are multiple balloon companies operating near Teotihuacan. One thing to know: Ubers can be harder to find on the way back, especially later in the afternoon, so pre-arranging your return is a smart thing to do.

A Full Breakdown of Our Teotihuacan Hot Air Balloon Experience?

Hotel Pickup from Mexico City

Our day started bright and early, or actually, dark and early. Our pickup time was around 4:30 AM, and we stumbled downstairs with our eyes half-open, coffee in hand. The driver was right on time, which instantly made me feel confident about the tour. My husband and I settled into the van and dozed off during the quiet drive out of the city.

When we arrived at the launch site, the staff checked us in, gave us wristbands, and led us to a waiting area where we could warm up and watch the balloon crew prepare everything. Slowly the horizon started to lighten, and when those massive balloons began to inflate with flame… that’s when the excitement really hit.

Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Teotihuacan

Once our group climbed into the basket, our pilot gave us a quick safety briefing, and before we knew it, we were leaving the ground. The feeling of lifting off the earth so smoothly is something I’ll never forget. There was no sudden drop or rollercoaster feeling, just a gentle rise into the sky.

As we floated higher, the view opened up and the sun began to peek over the mountains. Even though June is considered rainy season and the forecast had been iffy, the weather was absolutely perfect for us — bright, clear skies and golden morning light. That moment when the Pyramid of the Sun came into full view beneath us? Pure magic.

Our pilot pointed out the Pyramid of the Moon, the Avenue of the Dead, and other ruins that looked tiny from above but still so grand. It was quiet, peaceful, and incredibly surreal to think about how ancient this city is. Being in a shared balloon didn’t bother us at all — we were too busy taking photos and soaking in the views to notice anything else.

Balloon Landing & Champagne Toast

All balloons land differently because they go wherever the wind takes them, but our landing was surprisingly smooth. Once we touched down, the ground team was already there waiting for us. They helped us climb out and then celebrated with a quick but fun champagne toast, a classic hot air balloon tradition that made the whole experience feel extra special.

Breakfast at the Cave Restaurant

After the flight, we were taken to a nearby cave restaurant for breakfast — and this ended up being one of the most unique parts of the day! We sat inside a large open cave space with cozy lighting and rustic stone walls. The food was simple but delicious, and honestly, just having breakfast underground after floating over pyramids felt like the coolest kind of travel day.

Visit to Local Artisan Cooperative

After breakfast, our group stopped at a local artisan cooperative, which turned out to be super interesting. We learned about the history and culture of the region, including the importance of maguey plants (used for traditional textiles and beverages) and obsidian, the black volcanic stone Teotihuacan is famous for.

Local artisans demonstrated how they carve obsidian and extract natural fibers from the maguey plant. Then came the tasting. Artisanal spirits like mezcal infused with flavors such as worm and even scorpion! It was definitely a “now this is Mexico” moment – fun, memorable, and something we probably wouldn’t have discovered on our own.

Exploring the Teotihuacan Pyramids

Finally, our driver dropped us off at the entrance to the Teotihuacan archaeological site. This is where you’ll explore the pyramids from the ground and appreciate their size up close. We spent a couple of hours walking along the Avenue of the Dead, taking photos, and imagining what life might have been like here thousands of years ago.

You can no longer climb the Pyramid of the Sun (due to preservation rules), but walking around the base and staring up at it still gives you goosebumps. After exploring, our driver picked us up again and took us back to Mexico City — and the nap I took afterward was glorious.

This full morning was active, adventurous, and honestly one of the best experiences we’ve ever had together while traveling.

What to Bring on the Teotihuacan Hot Air Balloon Tour

Since your day starts super early and temperatures can change quickly, packing smart will make your morning a lot more comfortable. I definitely learned a few things from our experience!

Start with layers. Early morning can feel chilly, especially before the sun comes up, but once you’re in the air and the sunlight hits, it warms up fast. I wore a light jacket that I could easily take off mid-flight. Comfortable shoes are also a must since you’ll walk around the pyramids afterward — save the cute sandals for later in the day.

Don’t forget your camera or phone with a good amount of battery and storage. The views are unreal, and you’ll want photos and videos from both the balloon and the archaeological site. A small crossbody bag or backpack works well to keep your hands free.

If you’re sensitive to sunlight, sunglasses are a lifesaver once the sun rises over the valley. And even though it’s early, sunscreen is still important — especially later during the pyramid visit when shade is limited. A hat can also help, just make sure it fits securely because it can get windy up in the sky.

Water is provided later, but I like having a small bottle in my bag just in case. And finally, bring cash or a credit card for souvenirs at the artisan shop or snacks near the pyramids.

FAQs: Teotihuacan Hot Air Balloon Ride

How early do I need to wake up?

Most tours pick up around 4:30–5:30 AM, depending on your hotel location. It’s early, but the sunrise and views make it worth it.

Can I do this with a shared balloon or do I need a private one?

Shared balloons are perfectly fine and less expensive (I still consider this experience a splurge). Private flights are great if you want a special, intimate experience but more expensive.

What should I wear or bring?

Layered clothing, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and a camera are essentials. A small bag for personal items is helpful too.

Final Thoughts: Is the Hot Air Balloon at Teotihuacan Worth It?

If you’re still wondering whether a hot air balloon ride in Teotihuacan is really worth the early wake-up, let me put it this way: After experiencing it myself, I can confidently say that a hot air balloon ride in Teotihuacan is absolutely worth it.

Floating over the ancient pyramids as the sun rises, surrounded by colorful balloons in the sky, is one of the most magical travel experiences I’ve ever had. Add in the champagne toast, breakfast in a cave, and a visit to a local artisan cooperative, and you have a full morning packed with adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

If you’re debating whether to book a Mexico City hot air balloon tour, here’s my advice: do it. The combination of history, breathtaking views, and unique experiences makes it a once-in-a-lifetime activity that should not be missed. You’ll leave with incredible photos, amazing stories, and a memory that will stay with you long after your trip.

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