Enchanted New Mexico with the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta & Santa Fe

8 days
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Group Tour
Artists, writers, and poets have long been inspired by the hues of hot pinks, deep purples, and flaming oranges that dance daily across the mystical southwestern sky. But for one week in October, hundreds of hot air balloons take flight and turn the already stunning atmosphere into a kaleidoscope of dizzying color. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta...
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Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Albuquerque: Opening ceremonies; Mass Ascension; International Balloon Museum; Indian Pueblo Cultural Center; Balloon Glow & After-Glow fireworks show at the Balloon Fiesta
    • Santa fe: Travel the Turquoise Trail; trolley tour including Loretto Chapel; farewell dinner featuring authentic Southwestern cuisine; visit to the Georgia O’Keefe Museum
    • See the mass ascension of balloons and stand in awe during the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, the largest ballooning event in the world and one of New Mexico’s most dazzling spectacles
    • On this Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta tour, a local balloonist will educate you on ballooning, so you will be ready for the fiesta

What's this trip about?

    Artists, writers, and poets have long been inspired by the hues of hot pinks, deep purples, and flaming oranges that dance daily across the mystical southwestern sky. But for one week in October, hundreds of hot air balloons take flight and turn the already stunning atmosphere into a kaleidoscope of dizzying color. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta may be the largest balloon event in the world, yet its Mass Ascension, fiery Balloon Glow, evening fireworks, and other beloved rituals aren’t the only highlights on this vibrant New Mexico vacation. Visits to artsy Santa Fe, and the pilgrimage Miracle Stairway are equally uplifting. Want more tamales? More turquoise? More peppers? More pottery? Extend your New Mexico vacation with two extra days in sunbaked Santa Fe and linger a little longer in the cafés, galleries, missions, and museums this is adobe haven is known for.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age range6 years and up
Flights and transport
Start City ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO
End CitySANTA FE

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • 50 Plus

Destinations

Attractions

  • Albuquerque
  • Santa Fe

Activities

  • Culture

View Similar Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: ARRIVE IN ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO

Welcome to Albuquerque! At 6 pm, meet your traveling companions for a welcome drink. You’ll also enjoy a special presentation from a [LF] local Balloonist who shares fascinating stories on the sport of ballooning.

LOCAL FAVORITE CULTURE & TRADITION Enjoy a ...

Day 2: ALBUQUERQUE

Up, Up & Away! Get ready for the world-famous Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta! Experience this morning’s pre-dawn Opening Ceremonies and the unforgettable Mass Balloon Ascension. Then, visit a [LF] traditional New Mexican restaurant for a festive lunch and margaritas....

Day 3: ALBUQUERQUE

Ancient Arts & Modern Sciences This morning, learn about New Mexico’s legendary covert military projects, including the Manhattan Project, with a guided tour of the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History. The museum provides an objective, accessible win...

Day 4: ALBUQUERQUE–SANTA FE

Southwestern Jewels Today, travel along the [LF] Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway to Santa Fe. This scenic drive passes through the foothills of the Sandia Mountains, past wide-open spaces, and dramatic scenery. Arrive in Santa Fe, the oldest seat of government ...

Day 5: SANTA FE

Spend your day your way in Santa Fe

This morning, explore Santa Fe with your choice of included excursions. Return to Santa Fe Plaza for lunch at a celebrated local restaurant. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore the plaza. This evening, join your tour di...

Day 6: SANTA FE

Bones & Blossoms Spend the next two days in Santa Fe exploring on your own. Your stay includes admission to the Georgia O’Keefe Museum. You may choose to visit the New Mexico History Museum or the Palace of the Governors, talk with the locals in the historic San...

Day 7: SANTA FE

Southwest Style Enjoy a free day in Santa Fe. (Breakfast)

FREE TIME TIPS EXPLORE MORE in Santa Fe with the free time to browse the beautiful crafts and jewelry along the sidewalk shops or indulge in authentic Mexican cuisine. Your Tour Director has the best tips for a great day in Santa Fe! Tap your GlobusGO mobile app for more local ideas and directions.

Day 8: SANTA FE

Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. If you choose to fly from the Albuquerque International Sunport Airport, please note it is a 1.5-hour drive from Santa Fe depending on traffic. Schedule your departing flights accordingly. (Breakfast)

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,999
Price per day$500
Last Updated: 3/11/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
03 Oct 2025
10 Oct 2025
$3,999
03 Oct 2025
10 Oct 2025
$3,999
10 Oct 2025
17 Oct 2025
$3,999
10 Oct 2025
17 Oct 2025
$3,999
02 Oct 2026
09 Oct 2026
$4,359
02 Oct 2026
09 Oct 2026
$4,359
09 Oct 2026
16 Oct 2026
$4,359
09 Oct 2026
16 Oct 2026
$4,359

Gratuities for Tour Director and driver are available for pre-purchase.

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Globus.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Globus Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
9,571
Great
1,960
Average
386
Disappointing
102
Terrible
220
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Other Globus Reviews

M

Marilou Spero

Feb 2025

Written on

Our guide

Our guide, Evie, was wonderful. She was knowledgeable, and so very helpful. Also very friendly and respectful. The bus driver was a very experienced driver. He ke...

S

Stacy Kelly

Feb 2025

Written on

I did not care for our tour guide…

I did not care for our tour guide Barbara. On a personal level she was very nice but no one cared about the things she talked about on the bus rides. No history of ...

J

Janet Abell

Feb 2025

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I have enjoyed traveling with Globus…

I have enjoyed traveling with Globus they always hel...

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Logistics

Accommodation

DoubleTree by Hilton Albuquerque

Hospitality is number one at the DoubleTree in Albuquerque, where you're welcomed by the signature DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie, comfortable accommodations, modern amenities, and a superb location. Situated downtown, it's the closest hotel to the Albuquerque Convention Center and is connected by underground concourse. Complimentary shuttle service is available to shopping, dining and entertainment within a three-mile radius. Offering stunning views of the Sandia Mountains, this Albuquerque hotel provides a unique, relaxing setting in the heart of the city.

Albuquerque

United States

201 Marquette Ave NW

Hilton of Santa Fe Historic Plaza

Housed in a landmark 300 year old hacienda, the Hilton captures the magic of the Southwest and its rich cultural heritage in a luxury boutique hotel experience featuring modern amenities in the heart of Santa Fe's historic downtown.

Sante Fe

United States

100 Sandoval Street

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Age Requirements
6 years and up
Optional Activities
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Additional Information
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Trip ID
globus-AFE

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