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Hot-air balloon flights over Teotihuacan

Teotihuacan, Mexico Valley, Mexico

Last updated: 10 November, 2024

Taking a hot-air balloon ride over Teotihuacan offers a breathtaking and unique perspective of the scale and magnificence of this extensive Mesoamerican site that you simply don’t get from the ground (though, of course, also visit on foot if you have the time).

Floating over the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon – and the so-called Avenue of the Dead – all bathed below in the soft light of dawn, is both serene and surreal. With nothing other than the occasional whoosh of the burner to distract you, it’s the perfect vantage point to contemplate the mysteries of this ancient civilisation, and to marvel at its architectural legacy.

Also, see travel blogger Cathys’ more detailed account on her blog post here.

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Teotihuacan

Mexico Valley, Mexico

Bucket List Experience

This ancient city, just north of Mexico City, was once the largest in the Americas, home to over 125,000 people at its peak. It flourished between the 1st and 6th centuries CE, when it became a major cultural and economic centre, influencing various cultures across Mesoamerica.

Despite its status today as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, much about the city’s origins, its inhabitants, and the reasons for its decline remains a mystery. It was seemingly sacked and burned by its own population in AD 550.

All that mystery, along with impressive architecture, makes Teotihuacan a fascinating archaeological and cultural site. The highlights are the two stand-out pyramids, the ‘Pyramid of the Sun’ and the ‘Pyramid of the Moon’, connected by the ‘Avenue of the Dead’ – a central thoroughfare lined with important structures.

Adult price: £90

Good for age: 13+

Duration: 3+ hours

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Logistics

Price from: £95

Minimum age: 5

Age suitable: 10+

When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

Flights booked with local operators usually last 2-3 hours. If you’re coming from Mexico City, it’s better to book a half-day tour from the city, which will include hotel pick-up, early morning transfers and breakfast. Full-day tours will also include a guided walking tour of the archaeological zone too (recommended).

Flights depart at dawn to avoid the heat and offer the best lighting. Take warm clothing – it can be chilly up high at that time even on warm days. Kids aged 5 and over can go, though it’s obviously potentially frightening for kids so apply discretion.

When to do it

The best time to visit Teotihuacan is during the dry months of March to May, when temperatures are mild and pleasant. To avoid the crowds, aim for weekdays, particularly Tuesday through Thursday. Early mornings, when the site opens around am, are ideal for a quieter experience, allowing you to explore the pyramids with fewer visitors. You’ll also enjoy cooler temperatures and optimal lighting for photography.

Avoid weekends and major holidays, as these attract larger crowds. Additionally, July and August can be very hot and humid, making visits less comfortable.

Who to go with: organised tours

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Hot Air Balloon Flights over Teotihuacán from CDMX or We Fly

Mexico City

Viator

Hot air balloon ride over one of the most spectacular places in Mexico, the Teotihuacán Valley. Enjoy one of the most impressive hot air balloon experiences in the world just 45 minutes from Mexico City. Fly in a balloon safely with the most experienced pilots in Teotihuacán. You will be able to enjoy an incomparable panoramic view of the Teotihuacán Valley from a hot air balloon. The members of our team will do everything necessary to make your balloon experience unforgettable. Just worry about taking incredible photos of the panorama of the archaeological zone of Teotihuacán. The hot air balloon ride takes place over the Teotihuacán valley, it is important to mention that not all balloon flights take a trajectory towards the Teotihuacán pyramids, this completely depends on the weather.

Price MX$2,700

Min age 5

Rating 4.95 / 5 [2500 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Hot Air Balloon Flight over Teotihuacan, from Mexico City

Mexico City

Viator

Fly in a hot air balloon over one of the most spectacular places in Mexico, the Teotihuacán Valley, and enjoy one of the most impressive hot air balloon experiences in the world just 45 minutes from Mexico City. Volare is the hot air balloon rides company with more experience in Mexico. Includes - 30 to 50 minutes flight in shared balloon* - Coffee break service - Breakfast - Honor toast and diploma - Round transportation from Mexico City (optional)** Duration of the experience: 5 hours (includes transportation) Notes * The flight duration is subject to weather conditions. ** Included in the options with round trip transportation from Mexico City. If you don’t need the transportation service from Mexico City select the no transportation option.

Price MX$2,700

Min age 5

Rating 4.78 / 5 [2017 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Balloon flight + Breakfast in cave + Pyramids + Pick up CDMX.

Mexico City

Viator

Why book with us?. Agency with 20 years of experience, top leader in hot air balloon flights in Teotihuacán with a minimum flight duration of 45 minutes. We have all the certifications and permits issued by AFAC (Federal Civil Aviation Agency) to carry out balloon flights safely and professionally. New and very colorful hot air balloons that will make you fall in love from the beginning, Pilots with private and commercial licenses, professional equipment that will accompany you throughout your experience. The only agency with a breakfast in a natural cave with pre-Hispanic decoration and a small gallery of museum-type pieces, you will enjoy an exquisite breakfast with options of Mexican dishes to choose from and a delicious pot of coffee. We will visit a cooperative of artisans where you will learn about the culture of the region, maguey plants, obsidian, as well as the work done by local artisans and finally you will have a tasting of artisanal drinks. Finally you will have time to visit the pyramids and explore by your own (1.5 hours)

Price MX$2,799

Min age 5

Rating 4.96 / 5 [1794 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Mexico City Balloon Flight+Breakfast in Cave+Transportation

Mexico City

Viator

Who are we? In EXPLORA MEXICO TEOTIHUACÁN we are committed to our work because we love what we do! We are a young agency with a trajectory of 3 years with thousands of satisfied clients from all over the world, we have thought of all the needs of our clients for this tour, guaranteeing you a unique and incomparable experience. We have been established for 2 years and with 8 years of customer service experience. All our guides are bilingual and are qualified to answer all your questions, we have all the certifications to carry out our activities and our pilots have commercial license to perform their work. We are so proud of the place where we live that we want to share its little corners with you, in this incredible adventure through the clouds to observe the majestic pyramids of the sun and the moon. we are sure you will take some incredible pictures! don't imagine it, come and live it with the best team!

Price MX$2,499

Min age 4

Rating 4.82 / 5 [652 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Balloon Flight over Teotihuacan with Breakfast and Pyramids Tour

Mexico City

Viator

We offer a complete package. Fly in a Hot Air Balloon with a team of experts. Have a delicious breakfast with typical food from the region and learn about the history of Teotihuacan with our local guide. We will accompany you at all times of your tour so that you feel confident. Enjoy an extraordinary panoramic view while you float gently in the air, contemplating the magnificence of the pyramids of the Sun and the Moon, along with the imposing avenue of the dead. This unforgettable adventure will transport you back in time. Book now and get ready to live a magical experience in Teotihuacan!!

Price MX$2,700

Min age 4

Rating 4.95 / 5 [638 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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