Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta & Southwestern Tour
From $1599 (was $1849)
Per person, double occupancy, excludes roundtrip airfare
10 Days
View Dates and PricesThis program is currently sold out but new dates are coming soon! Call 877-332-6185 for more details.
Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Details
This fall tour built around the breathtaking spectacle of the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta has it all. Enjoy Native American culture, historical Western towns, and Roswell's out-of-this-world intrigue. You will never forget this winding journey through the wide vistas and endless skies of the Southwest's magnificent deserts. 2022 marks the Balloon Fiesta's 50th anniversary, and you can look forward to a variety of celebratory special events and exhibits.
The Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta is the world's biggest balloon festival, and the definition of a bucket list experience. Enjoy hundreds of colorful balloons soaring at once, floating over the picturesque Sandia Mountains in the quiet morning. The luminous, rich colors of the desert sunrise light up the sky while highly skilled pilots navigate up toward the heavens. In the evening After Glow event, walk among the balloons as propane burners twinkle and illuminate the aircrafts against the deep blue sky.
The tour runs in two directions, so you can discover the Southwest before or after the festival. Enjoy the great food and rich, complex history of this hidden corner of America. See the expansive sparkling desert of White Sands National Monument, and the quirky attractions of Roswell and Tombstone. Tour the otherworldly Carlsbad Caverns, and learn about Catholic Missions at San Xavier del Bac Mission. New Mexico and Arizona are waiting to be explored!
Tour Includes
Sightseeing- Scottsdale
- Tucson
- Tombstone
- Las Cruces
- Roswell
- White Sands National Monument
- Carlsbad Caverns
- Santa Fe
- Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
- 9 Nights
- Moderate hotels based on twin/double occupancy
- 9 Breakfasts
- A professionally trained local tour director who is knowledgeable of the area and will provide you with a wealth of information. Their friendly service will make your trip a memorable experience.
- To and from your hotel room throughout your land tour for one piece of Checked Baggage per person.
Activity Level
Click here for full details.
Tour Highlights
- Witness the 50th Anniversary of the Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, the largest in the world
- Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ride a Hot Air Balloon (optional and at an additional cost)
- Soak up the history and culture of New Mexico in Albuquerque and Santa Fe
- Tour Roswell with its fascinating exhibits of the alleged UFO crash
- Visit Carlsbad Caverns, the largest caves in the world
- See the expansive and striking White Sands National Monument
- Visit Tombstone and the infamous O.K. Corral
Mandatory Vaccinations Against COVID-19
All guests, including minors, must be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines prior to departure to participate. Guest vaccination requirements are currently for all departures until further notice. For more information visit our Travel Safe page.
*Web prices reflect Instant Rebate pricing. Offers valid for new bookings only and subject to availability. Offer may be cancelled at any time.
Please follow the steps below to price your vacation with YMT Vacations. When you complete all the steps, click “Reserve” next to the date on which you would like to travel.
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| Depart | Base Price | Taxes & Fees | Single Supplement | Triple Reduction | Quad Reduction | Flight Cost | Total Price per person | ||||||
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(Click the map to enlarge)
Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta & Southwestern Tour - Start Albuquerque
Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta & Southwestern Tour - Start Albuquerque
Tours Starts: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Tours Ends: Phoenix, Arizona
Day 1
Albuquerque
Your tour begins with arrival in Albuquerque. Guests who have purchased airline tickets from YMT Vacations will be welcomed in the baggage claim area by a YMT representative who will arrange your transfer to the hotel. If you made other flight arrangements, please make your own way to the hotel.
Courtyard by Marriott Albuquerque Airport or similar
Day 2
Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
Get up early to witness the famed Hot Air Balloon Fiesta’s mass ascension. See hundreds of colorful balloons inflate with giant fans then slowly rise to float into the clear blue sky. Learn the history of this unique Fiesta, and the simple mechanics of hot air ballooning, while witnessing it with your own eyes. As you proceed for some Albuquerque sightseeing, keep an eye peeled for these balloons – as they land in the most unexpected places! We explore historic Old Town - secluded gardens and patios nestled between winding brick paths full of charming shops, galleries and delicious New Mexican cuisine (meals on your own). The Old Town Plaza has been the focal point of the community since 1706. At night we return to the balloon launch site for the “After Glow,” when all the balloons fire their burners at the same time, illuminating the night sky. This event is followed by a spectacular fireworks display that you will surely enjoy to watch. (B)
Courtyard by Marriott Albuquerque Airport or similar
Day 3
Bandelier National Monument & Santa Fe
In the morning we will cross the Santa Fe National Forest and continue to Bandelier National Monument. Bandelier protects Ancestral Pueblo archaeological sites within a wild and beautiful landscape and connects the modern Pueblo people to their past in a monument covering 33,000+ acres and over 70 miles of trail. The day ends in Santa Fe. (B)
Best Western Inn of Santa Fe or similar
Day 4
UFO Museum & Roswell
This morning we head to Roswell, best known for the Roswell alleged UFO sightings. Guests can enjoy a short visit to the International UFO Museum & Research Center, with its eclectic collection of space objects and dioramas depicting the story of the purported 1947 UFO crash just outside town. (B)
Holiday Inn Express or similar
Day 5
Carlsbad Caverns
This morning we drive south through the Chihuahuan Desert, filled with prickly pears, chollas and agaves, to visit incredible Carlsbad Caverns National Park, with 100 of the largest caves in the world. These limestone caverns were formed 250 million years ago - the stalagmite and stalactites that abound in this subterranean world are truly a wonder to explore. At night we will return to Roswell once more. (B)
Holiday Inn Express or similar
Day 6
White Sands National Monument & Las Cruces
See the unusual and beautiful White Sands National Monument! After an orientation at the Visitors Center, we drive through wave-like dunes of gypsum sand – brilliant snow-white dunes whose color changes with the sun and topography. (B)
La Quinta Las Cruces or similar
Day 7
Tombstone & Tucson
This morning, travel through ranches and towns that claim a colorful history of Apache raids, outlaws and gunfights, stopping in the most famous of them all – Tombstone! Walk the same historic streets as Wyatt Earp and Doc Holiday, which are preserved with their original 1880’s buildings. See the famed OK Corral, the Tombstone Epitaph newspaper office, and Crystal Palace. Then upon arrival in Tucson this afternoon, visit the San Xavier del Bac Mission. Known as “the White Dove of the Desert,” it is considered one of the finest examples of mission architecture in the USA. (B)
La Quinta Inn & Suites Tucson Reid Park or similar
Day 8
Casa Grande National Monument & Phoenix
Today, we depart the “Sunshine City of the Southwest” for Phoenix, the “Valley of the Sun.” En route we will stop to explore the ancient Native American ruins at Casa Grande National Monument, our nation’s first archaeological preserve. This evening, perhaps you’ll want to join your group for a rustic cowboy style dinner (optional and at an additional cost). (B)
Embassy Suites Phoenix-Downtown North or similar
Day 9
Scottsdale Leisure Day
Today is your day to explore the Scottsdale area on your own. This city just outside of Phoenix is known for its spa resorts and golf courses, and has a wonderful Old Town— the perfect place to shop and browse art galleries. As an appropriate ending to your Southwestern Tour with Balloon Fiesta, you also have the opportunity today to take an optional Sunrise Balloon Flight! Enjoy the fresh air as you glide over the beautiful and just awaking flora and fauna at sunrise. This magnificent experience is not to be missed! (B)
Embassy Suites Phoenix-Downtown North or similar
OPTION: SUNRISE HOT AIR
BALLOON RIDE
:
Glide into the air high above the Sonoran Desert and enjoy the magnificent views of nature awakening as the sun rises on this approx. hour-long flight, just $249 p/p.
Please add this option at time of booking.
Day 10
Depart Phoenix for Home
Depart for home with fond memories of newfound friends and plenty of photographs of the varied scenery seen on this tour. (B)
Please note that this is a proposed itinerary; the actual itinerary may vary due to season, special events, or weather. Because our tour arrangements are often made a year or more in advance, YMT Vacations reserves the right to alter the itinerary. Itinerary changes are made to improve your vacation experience, as well as respond to any unforeseen circumstances that mandate alterations. By their nature, all tours vacations involve a certain level of physical activity. While YMT tours have been designed with our guests in mind and are not physically demanding, this tour does include walking and periods of standing during the sightseeing visits. You will also encounter steps and some uneven ground along the way, particularly at older, historical sights.
(Click the map to enlarge)
Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta & Southwestern Tour - Start Phoenix
Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta & Southwestern Tour - Start Phoenix
Tours Starts: Phoenx, Arizona
Tours Ends: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Day 1
Arrive in Phoenix
Your Southwestern tour begins upon your arrival in Arizona's exciting capital. Guests who have purchased airline tickets from YMT Vacations will be welcomed in the baggage claim area by a YMT representative who will arrange your transfer to the hotel. If you made other flight arrangements, please make your own way to the hotel. Perhaps you'll want to join your group for a rustic cowboy style dinner (optional and at an additional cost).
Embassy Suites Phoenix-Downtown North or similar
Day 2
Scottsdale Leisure Day
Today is your day to explore the Scottsdale area on your own. This city just outside of Phoenix is known for its spa resorts and golf courses, and has a wonderful Old Town—the perfect place to shop and browse art galleries. As an appropriate opening to your Southwestern Tour with Balloon Fiesta, you also have the opportunity today to take an optional Sunrise Balloon Flight! Enjoy the fresh air as you glide over the beautiful and just awaking flora and fauna at sunrise. This magnificent experience is not to be missed! (B)
Embassy Suites Phoenix-Downtown North or similar
OPTION: SUNRISE HOT AIR
BALLOON RIDE
:
Glide into the air high above the Sonoran Desert and enjoy the magnificent views of nature awakening as the sun rises on this approx. hour-long flight, just $249p/p.
Please add this option at time of booking.
Day 3
Tucson
Today, we depart the “Valley of the Sun” for Tucson, the “Sunshine City of the Southwest.” En route we will stop to explore the ancient Native American ruins at Casa Grande National Monument, our nation’s first archaeological preserve. Then, upon arrival in Tucson, we will visit the San Xavier del Bac Mission. Known as the "White Dove of the Desert,” it is considered one of the finest examples of mission architecture in the USA. (B)
La Quinta Inn & Suites Tucson Reid Park or similar
Day 4
Tombstone & Las Cruces
Continuing east this morning, we will cross into New Mexico in the afternoon. In the morning, travel through ranches and towns that claim a colorful history of Apache raids, outlaws and gunfights, stopping in the most famous of them all—Tombstone! Walk the same historic streets as Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday, preserved with their original 1880s buildings. See the famed O.K. Corral, the Tombstone Epitaph newspaper office, and Crystal Palace. The day ends in Las Cruces, New Mexico. (B)
La Quinta Las Cruces or similar
Day 5
White Sands National Monument & Roswell
This morning a first highlight of the New Mexico landscape awaits: The unusual and beautiful White Sands National Monument! After an orientation at the Visitors Center, we drive through wave-like dunes of gypsum sand— brilliant snow-white dunes whose color changes with the sun and topography. (B)
Holiday Inn Express or similar
Day 6
Carlsbad Caverns
Today we drive south through the Chihuahuan Desert, which is filled with prickly pears, chollas and agaves, on our way to visit the incredible Carlsbad Caverns National Park, home to 100 of the largest caves in the world. These limestone caverns were formed 250 million years ago— the stalagmite and stalactites that abound in this subterranean world are truly a wonder to explore. (B)
Holiday Inn Express or similar
Day 7
UFO Museum & Santa Fe
This morning as a nod to Roswell’s pop culture fame, best known for the Roswell alleged UFO sightings, we will pay a short visit to the International UFO Museum & Research Center, with its eclectic collection of space objects and dioramas depicting the story of the purported 1947 UFO crash just outside town. Then we travel along the Santa Fe Trail National Scenic Byway, then through the wide-open spaces and big skies to southwestern New Mexico. We will arrive in Santa Fe early afternoon, just in time for a leisurely lunch on your own in the beautiful historic center or some self-guided walking through the city’s charming southwestern art galleries and shops. (B)
Best Western Inn of Santa Fe or similar
Day 8
Bandelier National Monument & Albuquerque
In the morning we will cross the Santa Fe National Forest and continue to Bandelier National Monument. Bandelier protects Ancestral Pueblo archaeological sites within a wild and beautiful landscape and connects the modern Pueblo people to their past in a monument covering more than 33,000 acres and over 70 miles of trail. The day ends in Albuquerque. (B)
Courtyard by Marriott Albuquerque Airport or similar
Day 9
Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
Get up early to witness the famed hot air balloon Fiesta’s Mass Ascension. See hundreds of colorful balloons slowly rise to float into the clear blue New Mexico sky. Learn the history of this unique fiesta, and the simple mechanics of hot air ballooning while witnessing it with your own eyes. After the morning's activities, you'll have time on your own to explore historic Old Town— secluded gardens and patios nestled between winding brick paths full of charming shops, galleries and delicious New Mexican cuisine you can enjoy on your own. The Old Town Plaza has been the focal point of the community since 1706. In the evening we return to the balloon launch site for the “Afterglow,” when all the balloons fire their burners at the same time, illuminating the night sky. This event is followed by a spectacular fireworks display that you will surely enjoy to watch. (B)
Courtyard by Marriott Albuquerque Airport or similar
Day 10
Depart for Home (B)
Please note that this is a proposed itinerary; the actual itinerary may vary due to season, special events, or weather. Because our tour arrangements are often made a year or more in advance, YMT Vacations reserves the right to alter the itinerary. Itinerary changes are made to improve your vacation experience, as well as respond to any unforeseen circumstances that mandate alterations. By their nature, all tours vacations involve a certain level of physical activity. While YMT tours have been designed with our guests in mind and are not physically demanding, this tour does include walking and periods of standing during the sightseeing visits. You will also encounter steps and some uneven ground along the way, particularly at older, historical sights.
YMT Vacations itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently.
Watch a short video about this tour!
FAQ
Don't see what you are looking for? Check out our general FAQ page here.
You have the ability to move your booking to another date or destination. We'll waive all land or cruise penalties and transfer you to the new vacation (airlines impose different change policies and penalties). See our Peace of Mind Program for more details.
A worry-free experience for our guests is very important to us. With guest's help and the implementation of a few changes and new protocols such as increased sanitization, responsible social distancing, and enhanced tour director training, you can continue to enjoy peace-of-mind while traveling. For more information on our new safety protocols, please see our Travel Safe Program.
Guests do not need a passport or visa for this tour. Starting October 1, 2021, guests are required to have a REAL ID-compliant identification which includes REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, US passports, US passport cards, US military IDs, and federally recognized tribal-issues photo IDs.
A full list can be found here:
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification
Before this date, any government-issued ID, including any state driver's license and any federal ID, will suffice.
You will need U.S. dollars.
No, guests will not need to bring adapters or converters as the U.S. use standard 110V plugs.
