Since the dawn of time, one of man’s biggest dreams has been to be able to fly. Although a hot-air balloon ride can’t substitute the freedom of flying like a bird, it may just be one of the closest experiences to it.
Doing a parachute jump may be too much for some, but a hot-air balloon ride is a great alternative, giving you the opportunity to soar over breathtaking, spectacular landscapes at a nice and relaxed pace. And it’s a whole lot better doing it in some of the most beautiful places in the world.
Serengeti, Tanzania
This is more like a safari in the sky as you watch gazelles, wildebeest, lions, giraffes, zebras and elephants moving through the African savannah. The hot-air balloon ride is an excellent alternative as it offers a unique vantage point to witness amazing wildlife in this 13,000km2 natural park, which boasts the world’s largest migration of wildebeest and zebras.
Cappadocia, Turkey
Located in the historical Anatolia region in Turkey, Cappadocia is a high plateau pierced with spires and pillars known as fairy chimneys, hoodoos and tent rocks. These rock formations are produced by erosion from rain and wind over thousands of years and consist of a weaker column of relatively soft rock covered by a thin layer of hard rock and reach heights between 1.5 and 45m. The dry, arid desert region of Cappadocia is one of the most beautiful places in the world and has highly experienced pilots who can take you very close to the valley’s rocky structures to gaze upon these spectacular chimneys.
Valley of the Kings, Luxor, Egypt
Fly over the Egyptian pyramids and one of the most majestical sights in the world to enjoy the spectacular structure of the Valley of the Kings, the eternal resting places of the pharaohs on the west bank on the Nile.
Bagan, Myanmar
Bagan, the Golden City, was the ancient capital of several Burmese kingdoms, in what today is known as Myanmar, represents in itself an enigmatic panorama with its beautiful temples, pagodas and stupas (typically with a relic chamber inside). From November to March, and providing the wind doesn’t exceed 15mph, hot-air balloon tours provide visitors with the opportunity to fly over one of the most spectacular landscapes in the world.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
The temple complex is the largest religious monument in the world. Images of its temples intertwined among the roots of unstoppable trees bear witness to mother nature’s strength and the passage of time. Originally constructed in the 12th century, it’s a prime example of the high classical Khmer architecture from that time in Cambodia. Weather permitting you can visit this archaeological wonder and enjoy its serenity and splendour with a bird’s eye view of the site in a relatively short period of time, while visiting the complex by foot would take you take at least one full day.
Loire Valley, France
A hot-air balloon ride over the Loire Valley is like a trip back in time through the Garden of France in the centre of the country. This exceptional trip takes in some of the world’s most impressive castles along the Loire River with a rich example of the architecture typical of the Renaissance period and the Age of Enlightenment in Western Europe. The area is also well known for its wineries and vineyards, which produce some of the best white wines in the world.
Teotihuacan, Mexico
What was once the city of the gods for the Aztec culture, now offers visitors a spectacular experience with its magnificent pyramids located just 50km from Mexico City. The hot-air balloon tour takes you to the archaeological remains of the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon and the Avenue of the Dead offering a window into the splendour of Aztec culture.
Albuquerque, United States
If balloons are your thing, you can’t afford to miss out on a visit to Albuquerque, which is known worldwide for its impressive tradition in piloting and designing hot-air balloons. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta takes places each year during the first week in October with over 500 balloons from all around the world painting the city’s sky in thousands of colours.
