Mexico City by Hot Air Balloon: Volare Tour Review
Overwhelmed by all of the hot air balloon tour companies to choose from? Same.
But seeing the ruins of Teotihuacán from a hot air balloon is an experience like no other and should not be missed!
After seven years of living in Mexico City, I finally made it happen.
To celebrate my 30th birthday in January, I wanted to do something special and unforgettable.
I had a few non-negotiables:
✔ A reputable company with a strong safety record.
✔ A package that included round-trip transport (without breaking the bank!).
✔ The option to choose whether or not we stayed to visit the pyramids after.
After researching my options and asking friends who had done it before, I decided on Volare, and spoiler alert – they did not disappoint!
From the seamless pick-up and drop-off at our Roma Norte apartment to our incredible flight, everything went so smoothly.
If you’re considering a hot air balloon tour but unsure which company to choose, I get it, I had the same dilemma.
Here’s my experience flying with Volare and why I would recommend them.
🎈 Stressed about picking the right hot air balloon tour? I was too—until I found the tour that checked all of my boxes!
Why I Chose Volare?
Safety & Experience
My number one priority was choosing a reputable hot air balloon company with years of experience.
Not all companies have the same strict safety standards. And many cut corners to deliver low prices (under $100 USD per person) at the cost of customer and crew well-being.
Volare has been safely flying hot air balloons over Teotihuacán since 2005, making it one of the oldest and most experienced operators in the business.
They will not fly if the conditions are not optimal.
They are certified by the Federal Civil Aviation Agency -AFAC Mexico- (not all companies are) and have internationally certified balloons and equipment.
Their pilots are AFAC Mexico or FAA USA certified, meaning they have received the highest level of training.
Their equipment is inspected before each use and is regularly repaired or replaced.
Our pilot, Juan, explained that they are required to retire the balloons after three years or a certain number of flight hours, whichever comes first.
And after having flown with them, I can say it absolutely shows.
Juan was awesome. Extremely professional and knowledgeable, he answered all of our questions about how the hot air balloon works and whatever else came to mind.
We felt at ease during the entire flight and really enjoyed chatting with him (he’s fluent in English and Spanish).
Apartment Pick-up & Drop-off
For only about $25 USD extra (compared to their package without transport), Volare will pick you up and drop you off at your centrally-located accommodation.
They don’t make this very clear when booking, but if you are staying in Roma, Condesa, Centro, or along Paseo de la Reforma, they will pick you up as long as there are no major road closures.
You just need to send them a WhatsApp message (in English is fine) with your address, and they will confirm whether or not they can pick you up directly from your accommodation.
Even though we live in Mexico City and have our own car, we wanted to be picked up from our apartment in Roma Norte.
When waking up at 4:30 am, we didn’t want to have to worry about getting to the balloon port on time or getting lost.
This way, we were able to roll out of bed and not have to worry about a thing.
Flexible & Affordable Packages
After having narrowed down our options based on the safety standards mentioned above, we landed on Volare because they offer the best packages at the most affordable rates.
We knew we wanted a package that included transportation from/to our apartment, at least a 30-minute flight, and breakfast.
And for the same price, they will transport you to the pyramids after the flight and breakfast where you will have about 3 hours to explore before they drop you off at your accommodation.
They also offer a package with just the balloon flight and no transportation, but I don’t recommend it.
🌞Looking for a tour that’s reputable, flexible, and includes transportation? Volare has you covered!
How Close to the Pyramids Will You Get?
This is something super important that nobody is talking about – there is no guarantee, no matter the company you fly with, that you will fly directly over the pyramids.
I didn’t know this (and this was my second time riding in a hot air balloon after Cappadocia in Turkey), but the pilots can not control the direction of the balloons (say what!?) – they only have control to make the balloon go up or down.
This means that they have to fly the balloons literally wherever the wind takes them.
Why is this important? Because if the winds are not in favor of the direction of the pyramids, pilots can not “steer” the balloons to fly directly over them.
This was the case with our hot air balloon flight, but I actually didn’t even notice until afterwards because the flight was still spectacular regardless of how close we got to the pyramids!
And it wasn’t just our balloon. Every balloon in flight was taken in the same direction.
No other balloons flew above the two largest pyramids on the morning of our flight.
Even though the winds didn’t fly us directly over the Pyramid of the Sun and Moon, we still flew past them and were able to see them clearly from our balloon. It was awesome!
But we did manage to get super close to the third-largest and even more culturally significant pyramid, the Temple of the Feathered Serpent.
What About Recent Accidents?
There have been two notable hot air balloon accidents in the past few years.
The first one involved a crash with 3 passengers onboard and an unlicensed pilot from a sketch balloon company.
The second and most recent crash was with Sky Balloons due to what appeared to be lack of equipment maintenance. All 12 passengers were fine, but it’s enough to make you worry, right?
These sort of accidents can be avoided when you fly with a reputable company like Volare or Flying Pictures that take safety seriously.
I chose to fly with Volare because their pilots receive the highest level of training and their balloons and equipment are internationally certified and go through a safety check after each flight.
Don’t let these news headlines scare you away if this is something you’ve been dreaming of doing.
You likely get behind the wheel of a car everyday and the chances of you crashing on the highway are much greater than crashing in a hot air balloon!
Tour Itinerary & My Experience
Early Morning Pick-Up – 5:20 AM
As soon as I booked my tour with Volare, I messaged them on WhatsApp to see if they could pick us up from our apartment in Roma Norte instead of one of the general meeting spots mentioned when checking out.
They responded saying that it wouldn’t be a problem and they would be at our doorstep at 5:10 am, give or take 5-15 minutes.
The Mercedes Van pulled up at our doorstep at 5:20 am.
We were able to wait and keep an eye out from inside our apartment, but if you can’t clearly see the street from your accommodation, I’d recommend waiting outside of your building at the time they told you, just to be safe, so there aren’t any mix-ups or delays.
Luckily, we were the last stop on their route. I imagine that some of the others in our van had a pick-up time before 5 am – rough!
The ride was comfortable and easy. It took us about an hour to get from our apartment to Volare headquarters in Teotihuacán.
Check-In – 6:30-7:30 aM
The check-in process went very quickly.
They need an official form of ID (driver’s license or passport) and a couple of signatures, and that’s it.
We spent the majority of this time waiting outside underneath the heaters, sipping tea and coffee, as we watched the balloons inflate and even saw a few gliding over us while it was still dark out.
It was so cool to see the balloons glow in the dark with every burst of flames as they soared above our heads.
Waiting and watching the inflating balloons and the few already in the air was just as magical as the flight itself.
In hindsight, I wish we were encouraged to walk around and get up close to the balloons as they were inflating, but it seemed like they wanted to keep people at a distance for safety reasons, I suppose.
Hot Air Balloon Flight – 7:30-8:15 aM
It was daylight by the time we climbed into our hot air balloon basket.
There were 12 of us plus our captain in the basket, but it didn’t feel cramped.
Our bilingual Pilot, Juan, gave us a quick safety briefing, and before we knew it, we were sailing!
As we ascended into the sky, the sun started to peek out from behind the mountains surrounding the valley.
This wasn’t my first hot air balloon ride, but still, the silence while floating high in the sky and how smoothly the hot air balloon flew was just as magical as my first flight.
Seeing the magnitude of the Teotihuacán Pyramids from above and watching other hot air balloons float silently by all around us was breathtaking.
It was 45 minutes of pure magic floating through the air until we landed smoothly in a field about 5 miles (8km) from our starting point.
Landing & Champagne Toast
The landing was surprisingly smooth. And only moments after landing the balloon with ease, Juan was pouring us champagne for the traditional post-flight toast.
Once we finished our champagne, we climbed out of the basket and into the van for a ride back to headquarters.
Breakfast – 8:30-9:30 aM
Back at headquarters, we got our flight certificates and enjoyed a limited breakfast buffet outdoors with a live mariachi band.
They had Mexican breakfast staples like scrambled eggs, refried beans, and chilaquiles.
It’s not the best breakfast you’ll have in Mexico City by any means, but it was much appreciated after an action-packed morning.
Drop-Off – 11:30 AM
Since we’ve been to Teotihuacán numerous times, we decided to go straight home after breakfast.
The ride back was a little bit longer than in the morning, thanks to traffic. We were the third or fourth stop, and we were home by 11:30 am.
If you decide to stay and see the pyramids, I would expect you’d make it back to your accommodation between 3-4 pm.
Expect the return trip to take around an hour and a half, but it could be longer depending on the day and traffic (Fridays are usually the most traffic-heavy).
Optional Visit to Teotihuacán
If you choose the option to stay and explore Teotihuacán on foot, you’ll have roughly three hours to do so.
Your tour with Volare does not include entry tickets or a guided tour of Teotihuacán, neither of which are expensive, and both can be purchased at the entrance to the archaeological site.
The entrance fee is around $100 MXN ($5 USD), and a guide will cost around $1,000 MXN ($50 USD), which you can split between various people.
I highly recommend getting a guide or at least watching a YouTube video on the history of this impressive ancient civilization to get the most out of your visit.
You’ll be some of the first to enter the park for the day and will beat most of the crowds, so take advantage of your early start and explore Teotihuacán on foot.
🌄 Want the same magical experience that we had? Save your spot!
Downsides of My Experience
While my hot air balloon ride with Volare was an incredibly special experience that could not have gone any smoother, there were a few things I would change if I could.
They mostly come down to the weather and time of year so I get that they’re not exactly things you can control.
Instead of standing under the heaters close to the office, it would have been nice to walk around as they inflated the balloons to see them up close. While there was one inflating right in front of the waiting area, I would have liked to be even closer.
Maybe this is just a case of asking or just going for it, but everyone seemed to stay put in the waiting area. If I were to do it again, I’d try and walk around some!
It also would have been nice to be in the air a little bit earlier. By 7:30 am, it was already daylight, and I think it could have been cool to be flying for sunrise, but then maybe we wouldn’t have seen the pyramids as well.
We went in January when the sun rises a little later. So if you go in the summer, the sunrise is earlier, and it’ll probably be light by the time you arrive at the office to check in.
Lastly, it would have been great to get even closer to the Pyramid of the Sun and Moon, but the wind wasn’t in our favor that day – and that’s something that is totally out of everyone’s control.
How Does Volare Compare to Other Companies?
After narrowing it down to companies with the most experience and best safety standards, I was left between Volare and Flying Pictures.
Both are great companies with almost the same amount of time in the business, but there were a couple of factors that led me to choose Volare over Flying Pictures.
The first, and biggest deal-breaker, was the transportation cost.
For whatever reason, the cost of round-trip transport with Flying Pictures was over twice as much as Volare.
It didn’t make sense for me to pay that much more for transport when everything else about the tours was almost exactly the same.
It also didn’t seem like they had an option to forgo the pyramid visit after the flight, or at least it wasn’t clear.
I’ve heard from plenty of people who have flown with Flying Pictures and had a fabulous time, but it just wasn’t as good a fit for us as Volare.
👉Book the tour with the highest safety standards and best value!
Is the Hot Air Balloon Ride Worth It?
Without a doubt, YES!
If you want to see Teotihuacán during your trip to Mexico City (or even if you’ve already visited before, like us) you have to do the hot air balloon ride.
And since you can no longer climb the pyramids, experiencing Teotihuacán from above gives you the perspective you won’t get by just walking around.
I think it’s in the Top 3 as far as must-do tours in Mexico City.
It’s such a unique experience and one you definitely shouldn’t miss out on!
Cost & What’s Included in the Volare Hot Air Balloon Tour
It cost us about $3,400 MXN ($165 USD) per person.
This included:
- Round-trip transportation from our apartment in Roma Norte
- Coffee/tea & fruit before the flight
- A 45-minute hot air balloon ride
- A post-flight champagne toast & flight certificate
- Breakfast back at headquarters
- Optional 3-hour visit to the pyramids (guide and entry fee not included)
We opted not to stay and visit the pyramids since we’ve gone countless times before, but you can stay and explore for the same price (minus the entry fee to the archaeological site).
This package checked all of my boxes: reputable and safe company, round-trip transport, and the option to skip the pyramids.
At first, I was between Volare and another company I also heard great things about, Flying Pictures. They offer a similar price and experience until you add on the round-trip transportation, which costs twice as much as Volare.
How to Book Your Hot Air Balloon Ride
How Far in Advance to Book
You likely can book the week of (like we did), but this is a very popular excursion, so if you have certain dates in mind, the sooner you book, the better.
Where to Book
I booked on Viator instead of going directly through Volare’s website.
The tour was actually cheaper on Viator than going direct. Booking through Viator gave me free cancellation, and I earned just over $15 USD back to use on any other Viator tour in the future!
Scheduling Your Pick-up
Probably the most important step, and where most mix-ups happen – getting picked up.
In order to schedule a pick-up from an Airbnb (and not one of the hotels on their list), you need to send Volare a message on WhatsApp after your booking is confirmed.
Give them your address, and they will confirm your pick-up location and time. That’s what I di, and they picked us up at our apartment in Roma Norte no problem.
If you’re staying in a central location like Roma, Condesa, or Centro, they should be able to pick you up.
But if, for whatever reason, they can’t, then they will give you the address for the nearest pickup point, which will likely be along Reforma.
After you’re booking is confirmed, the next most important step is not to miss your pick-up!
Be outside at your pick-up location on time (if not a few minutes early).
If they have trouble locating you, they will call you via WhatsApp, so you might want to consider getting a data plan for Mexico or buying a cheap Mexican SIM card at an OXXO convenience store if your phone provider doesn’t cover you in Mexico.
🔥 Hot air balloons fill fast — I booked on Viator to save and cancel for free if needed.
When is the Best Time of Year Go?
Luckily, flying in a hot air balloon over Teotihuacán is always in season!
Tours are offered year-round (even in the rainy season) because they are early in the morning while the winds are calmest and before any afternoon rain showers.
Winter will be much colder, but you’ll warm up as soon as the sun peeks out from behind the mountains.
So if you want to go on a hot air balloon tour when you’re in Mexico City, go for it! It’s incredible year round.
5 Teotihuacán & Hot Air Balloon Tips
1. Dress Comfortably & in Layers
Although it might look cute in pictures, wearing a short dress might not be ideal when you’re climbing in and out of the balloon basket. Plus, it’ll be too cold for a dress in the early morning anyway.
Dress in layers, like a puffer jacket/vest, sweater, and maybe even a hat or scarf if you’re going in the winter.
Early mornings are the coldest time of day. This is when you’ll be outside waiting to climb into your hot air balloon. But by midday when you’re out exploring Teotihuacán on foot, the sun will be in full force and it’ll be hot.
The temperature change is drastic. It’s usually a difference of 20-30 degrees Fahrenheit between dawn and midday depending on the season you visit.
Under your jacket, wear short sleeves or a lightweight long-sleeve (for the sun) to stay cool while exploring the pyramids. You should also bring a sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
If you’re going during the warmer months, then long pants and a jacket will be enough.
I wore a wool sweater with a puffer vest and jeans when we went in January and I was warm enough. I brought a hat, but didn’t end up needing it.
2. Bring a snack
You’ll likely be up since 4 am and won’t get back to your accommodation until after lunchtime if you stay to explore the pyramids.
They will serve you breakfast after your flight at around 8:30 am, but if you think you’ll get hungry before or after that, bring a snack just in case.
3. Pack Sun Protection
For those staying to visit Teotihuacán, you absolutely need some form of sun protection. Whether it’s a hat, sun shirt, sunglasses, and/or sunscreen, the sun is super strong and there isn’t any shade.
4. Bring Cash for Tips
Tips aren’t expected, but are certainly appreciated. To say thank you to our pilot for an unforgettable flight and the bonus GoPro footage he gave us for free, we gave him a tip before parting ways. $50-100 MXN per person is enough.
5. Get a Mexican SIM or eSIM
If you want to make sure you can contact the tour company at all times, even when you’re away from Wifi, get a data plan or a Mexican SIM. It’ll be an extra precaution in case they need help finding you for pick-up or drop-off.
FAQs
Do they speak English?
Yes, there was always someone at Volare (with the exception of the drivers) who spoke English. From the customer service on WhatsApp, to the check-in at their office, to the hot air balloon pilot, there was always someone who spoke English.
Can you go during the rainy season?
Yes! The rainy season usually doesn’t interfere with the hot air balloon flights because the flights are early in the morning, and the rains happen in the afternoon. Occasionally, flights will be canceled due to predicted bad weather, but it’s not common.
Should I go if I’m afraid of heights or Get Motion Sickness?
Yes! Flying in a hot air balloon is surprisingly smooth. There is very little risk of experiencing motion sickness (I would know; I get seasick and carsick). Many people who are usually afraid of heights (Jorge included) say that they were totally fine in the hot air balloon. I say go for it – it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
How many people are in a basket?
If taking a shared flight, there are usually 12-16 people per basket. If you are a group of 4 or more, it’s worth reserving a private flight because it will probably cost you about the same.
Can I take my drone or camera?
Yes, cameras are allowed onboard. I took my mirrorless camera and there was no issue. Drones on the other hand could be a serious hazard so don’t expect to be able to fly one.
Do they weigh you?
No, we never saw anyone getting weighed at the check-in and we were never asked about our weight. When you check out online, you will be asked to include your weight. If you weigh over 110kg (242 lbs) they might charge you an extra fee, and the maximum weight is 150kg.
Final Thoughts
Floating over the ancient city of Teotihuacán at sunrise, surrounded by dozens of colorful balloons, is an experience unlike any other.
If you’re on the fence about it, I can tell you, it’s so worth it! It’s a bucket-list experience that will make your trip to Mexico City one for the books.
After researching all the options and taking the tour myself, I can confidently say that Volare offers the best balance of safety, affordability, and overall experience.
From their seamless transportation to their expert pilots and top-tier safety standards, everything about our flight was smooth, well-organized, and truly magical.
My mother in-law saw what an amazing time we had that she already asked us to plan a birthday surprise for her husband and I will without a doubt go again with Volare!
If this adventure is on your bucket list, I highly recommend booking in advance—this is one of the most popular excursions from Mexico City, and spots fill up!
Have more questions? Feel free to ask me in my free Mexico City Things to Do Facebook group!
🎈 Ready to take flight? Book your hot air balloon ride with Volare today and experience Teotihuacán from the sky!
