Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta | 2025

Itinerary

Day 1:  Arrive Albuquerque, NM - Afterglow

The "Land of Enchantment" welcomes you as you arrive in beautiful Albuquerque today. (*arrive by 1:30 pm MST) Meet your Western Leisure tour director and transfer to your hotel. After some time to settle in, join the group and drive to Balloon Fiesta Park to begin your Balloon Fiesta experience. Enjoy dinner at the Chasers Club with direct access onto Fiesta Field for the Special Shape Glowdeo™, and AfterGlow™ Fireworks Show.  The Special Shape Glowdeo starts when all the balloons fire their burners and light up at the same time. It is perhaps the most spectacular single moment in all of Balloon Fiesta. The Special Shape Glowdeo is followed by New Mexico’s most spectacular fireworks display. Together they are Balloon Fiesta’s most popular events. (D) 

Day 2:  Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and Sandia Peak

This morning visit the Turquoise Museum where you will enter the museum through a mock mine tunnel. Then we’ll experience a fascinating introduction to the way of life enjoyed by America’s first “apartment dwellers,” the Pueblo tribes of the Southwest at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Next see the downtown area as well as the University of New Mexico before stopping in Albuquerque’s Old Town. While in Old Town, enjoy shopping and lunch on your own. Next visit New Mexico’s famous Sandia Peak, home to the tram that will whisk you 10,680 feet into the air for an unsurpassed view from the summit. On a clear day, you can easily see the wonderful New Mexico landscape in a 100-mile circle at your feet. This evening join the group for dinner. (B) 

Day 3: Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta and Acoma Pueblo Sky City

Today you will learn why Albuquerque is called the Balloon Capitol of the World. Depart for an early morning transfer to the Fiesta Field to witness the Dawn Patrol and have breakfast at the Chasers Club. Next travel to Acoma Pueblo for an included lunch and touring. Enjoy a guided tour of the Sky City Cultural Center followed by a visit to Haak’u Museum to view the exhibits. Return to the hotel with the evening free. (B, L) 

Day 4:  Santa Fe, NM

Today we’re off to Santa Fe. The Turquoise Trail, named for the exquisite mineral that was once mined here, leads you to your first stop of the day, the real-life ghost town of Madrid. After time to explore this relic of the past, continue on to the first state capitol in the United States, "The Royal City of the Holy Faith of Saint Francis," better known as Santa Fe. Your tour will be a combination of driving and walking to the many famous sights including the historic Santa Fe Plaza with a view of the Palace of the Governors, the Loretto Chapel and the oldest church in New Mexico and more.  There will be free time to explore the many wonderful shops, art galleries and restaurants for lunch on own. Take a chance to stroll through the Indian Market, where native arts and crafts are available directly from the artists who created them. Tonight, enjoy dinner on your own in this foodie culture city! (B) 

Day 5: Home

After breakfast, transfer to the Albuquerque Airport for your departure home. (B)  

Please Note - * This tour requires average physical activity. Participants should be in good health, able to climb stairs and walk reasonable distances, possibly over uneven ground or unpaved trails. This tour has early mornings that can be chilly. Come prepared for cold mornings and nights. This tour covers areas of higher altitudes including overnight locations above 6,000 ft. and touring above 10,000 ft.