There are some experiences that feel almost too magical to be real and this is one of them. Join us in Albuquerque, New Mexico for an unforgettable weekend centered around one of the most iconic events in the world, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. This experience blends adventure, connection, and awe as we explore the desert landscape, immerse ourselves in local culture, and take to the skies in a hot air balloon. From sunrise balloon flights over the Rio Grande Valley to glowing evenings under a sky filled with color, this is a weekend designed to feel expansive, intentional, and completely unforgettable. Here is a quick look at what our itinerary could look like for the long weekend:

Thursday - Oct 1st
Arrive anytime after 4:00pm and settle into our cozy New Mexico Airbnb. This evening is all about easing into the weekend, getting comfortable, and connecting with the group. We will get some sleep after a long travel day in anticipation for our early morning!

Friday - Oct 2nd
We begin the day early with a true bucket list moment, a sunrise hot air balloon ride with Rainbow Ryders. Watch as the balloons come to life during inflation and take in the quiet magic of the morning as the sun rises over the Sandia Mountains. Once in the air, you will float above the Rio Grande Valley, taking in sweeping desert views and experiencing the peaceful stillness that only a balloon flight can offer. After landing, we will celebrate with a traditional toast and a commemorative flight pin.

The rest of the day is filled with exploring Albuquerque. We will enjoy lunch and shopping in Old Town, visit the Hot Air Balloon Museum, and ride the tram for breathtaking mountain views followed by casual mountaintop dining.

Saturday - Oct 3rd
We will head out early for a truly unforgettable morning at the Balloon Fiesta. Watching hundreds of balloons rise into the sky during mass ascension is something that simply cannot be put into words.

Our general admission tickets allow flexibility to attend either a morning or evening session, but we anticipate choosing the morning for a more peaceful experience. You will have time to explore the grounds, enjoy local food, browse artisan vendors, and fully take in the energy of the festival. That evening, we will head out together to enjoy Albuquerque’s local food scene and reflect on the day’s experience. We will close out the day with a sunset hike before returning home to rest.

Sunday - Oct 4th
A slow and easy morning before we say our goodbyes and head home, carrying this once in a lifetime experience with us.

WHAT IS INCLUDED

-Three nights in a beautiful New Mexico Airbnb
-Sunrise or sunset hot air balloon ride with Rainbow Ryders
-General admission ticket to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
-Time to explore Old Town Albuquerque with shopping and local experiences
-A thoughtfully planned and fully supported Her Wilderness experience from start to finish

This is more than just attending a festival. This is your chance to step into the experience. You will witness the inflation of the balloons, feel the anticipation build as they rise, and have the opportunity to be as hands on or as relaxed as you choose. As you lift off, the world quiets and the views open wide, offering a perspective few ever get to experience. Between the mountains, the desert, and the sky filled with color, every moment of this trip is designed to help you slow down, take it all in, and feel fully present.

Yes, we know this part might seem a bit tedious, but it’s important! We kindly ask that everyone who registers for a trip visits the FAQs and Policy page on our website. If you sign up for a trip without reviewing this information, it’s your responsibility. There’s a wealth of valuable information there that could influence your decision. Please make sure to check out all the FAQs and Policies on our website before signing up for a trip with us. Thank you!

We want to ensure that every trip with Her Wilderness is enjoyable and memorable, but we acknowledge that sometimes things don’t go as planned. Mother Nature has a significant impact on our outdoor adventures, so we encourage you to approach each trip with a positive attitude and a "go with the flow" mindset. If this feels unreasonable to you, we kindly ask that you reconsider registering for our events. Weather can be unpredictable, affecting activities like hiking, hunting, and fishing, and our top priority is always your safety. For instance, if your trip is focused on duck hunting but our guide believes a goose hunt is more feasible, we will follow their expert recommendation. If this kind of flexibility is not something you're comfortable with, we encourage you to think twice about joining us. We expect all participants to maintain a positive attitude, regardless of the circumstances. Many of our trips have faced changes, cancellations, or rescheduling, yet the understanding and adaptability of the group have made all the difference that still allows for an incredible experience! We take pride in creating fun experiences, even in challenging situations. Please be aware that our trips may involve sharing accommodations with others, unpredictable weather that could impact planned activities, limited bathroom facilities for larger groups, and the possibility of not harvesting the specific animal you hoped for. These are real scenarios that can arise, and while we’ll do our best to minimize issues, they can happen. We strive to maintain a drama-free and stress-free environment. If any participant brings negativity or drama, they will be asked to leave without a refund and will not be allowed to return. Our goal is to ensure that everyone feels comfortable and valued, so we ask for your cooperation in keeping a cool, calm, and collected attitude throughout the trip. We truly appreciate each of our customers and are committed to providing the best possible experience for all participants. Thank you for understanding, and we look forward to creating unforgettable memories together!  

We’re thrilled to announce a new booking and payment system aimed at enhancing your experience! Starting October 1, 2024, all trip registrations will be processed through WeTravel. Once you register, you’ll receive a confirmation email via the WeTravel platform. Your trip coordinator will then reach out with detailed information about your adventure and schedule two virtual video meetings for all trip attendees. The coordinator will share their email and other contact information with you at their discretion, so please respect their boundaries and contact them only through the provided information. A quick reminder: personal social media profiles are not the best way to reach out to your coordinator. During the virtual meetings, hosted on Google Meet, you’ll discuss important details such as packing lists, travel plans, and more. To ensure smooth communication, please register with a valid email address that you check regularly. If you have any questions or need assistance regarding the trip, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at questions@herwilderness.co. We look forward to making your experience exceptional!