Albuquerque Aerial Sports Travel Guide

Albuquerque Aerial Sports Travel Guide

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Aerial Sports Destinations Near Albuquerque

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Aerial view of downtown Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque, New Mexico (Photodisc/Getty)
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Albuquerque Aerial Sports Travel Tips

By Steve Metzger
  • Known as the "Ballooning Capital of the World," Albuquerque is host to the annual International Balloon Fiesta, which is the largest of its kind around the globe and takes place in October at the city's 77-acre Balloon Fiesta Park. Fliers love the famous "Albuquerque box" wind pattern-winds blowing one direction near the ground and the opposite direction overhead, allowing for back-and-forth flights-as well as thinner air at the mile-high altitude.
  • The Albuquerque International Balloon Museum offers inside looks at the history, science, and sport of hot-air and gas ballooning. Learn about the first hot-air balloon ride in 1783 and the ways lighter-than-air crafts have been used in war and in various private and government science projects. It's open Tuesdays through Sundays at 9201 Balloon Museum Drive, NE.
  • Because the Albuquerque area is so ideal for ballooning, many locals have taken up the sport, and lots of fliers have moved to the city specifically to take advantage of the area's conditions. Many of these folks are licensed to offer private rides, and the Albuquerque area has a disproportionate number of hot air balloon companies.
  • Rainbow Riders, Inc. is the only company authorized to offer public rides starting from Balloon Fiesta Park, and it does so year-round. The outfit also includes van shuttle from your hotel. Enjoy expansive views of the Sandia and Jemez Mountain Ranges, the Rio Grande Valley, and the sprawling high desert while sipping champagne at 2,000 feet.

Albuquerque Travel Guide

Albuquerque is the gateway to northern New Mexico, the portal through which most domestic and international visitors pass before traveling on to Santa Fe and Taos. But it's worth stopping in Albuquerque for a day or two in order to get a feel for the history of this area. Read More

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4 Questions | 4 Answers
  • I'm trying to do something very adventurous for my boyfriends birthday. He lives in Albuquerque and I'm trying to stay in the area. He really wants to go bungee jumping. Is there any good bungee jumping in or close to Albuquerque, NM? Thanks!
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  • My plans are to attend the balloon fiesta Oct. 3 thru 6 and will be staying at Kirkland AFB. I'll be traveling with my 87 year old limited mobility mother and would like to know if there are places at or near the site to accommodate the handicapped, or possibly an alternate means of transportation. (wheelchair but can do some walking)
    Read 1 answer or Answer this question
  • i will be staying in steamboat springs, Colorado and have family in Albuquerque New Mexico where is the best place for family to travel half way
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Hotels

from: $151

Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa

1300 Tuyuna Trail
Bernalillo, NM 87004 Map

Distance: 19.3 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: 3 class stars

expert favorite hotel
Good For Aerial Sports
Expert Rated & Recommended
5.0
from: $129

Casas De Suenos Old Town Inn

310 Rio Grande Boulevard SW
Albuquerque, NM 87104 Map

Distance: 1.4 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: 3 class stars

expert favorite hotel
Good For Aerial Sports
Expert Rated & Recommended
5.0
from: $75

Best Western Rio Grande Inn

1015 Rio Grande Blvd NW
Albuquerque, NM 87104 Map

Distance: 1.8 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: 3 class stars

expert favorite hotel
Good For Aerial Sports
Expert Rated & Recommended
5.0
All Albuquerque Hotels »
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Attractions

Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum

Good For Aerial Sports
9201 Balloon Museum Dr. NE
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87103-1293

Distance: 7.9 mi. (from destination center)
Expert Rated & Recommended
5_0

New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science

1801 Mountain Rd. NW
Albuquerque, New Mexico

Distance: 1.2 mi. (from destination center)

Description:

A trip through this museum will take you through 12 billion years of natural history, from the... Read More

Expert Rated & Recommended
5_0

Old Town

Northeast of Central Ave. and Rio Grande Blvd. NW
Albuquerque, New Mexico

Distance: 1.4 mi. (from destination center)

Description:

A maze of cobbled courtyard walkways leads to hidden patios and gardens, where many of Old... Read More

Expert Rated & Recommended
5_0
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Airports

Major Airports near Albuquerque

Distance (mi.)
Albuquerque International Airport 3.7 map
El Paso International Airport 227.7 map
Colorado Springs Municipal Airport 279.4 map

Other Smaller Airports near Albuquerque

Distance (mi.)
Santa Fe Airport 50.0 map
Farmington Municipal Airport 145.4 map
Durango La Plata Airport 155.5 map

Flight Deals to Albuquerque

Originating From
Milwaukee (MKE) to Albuquerque (ABQ) $211
San Francisco (SFO) to Albuquerque (ABQ) $225
Philadelphia (PHL) to Albuquerque (ABQ) $238
Baltimore (BWI) to Albuquerque (ABQ) $243
Sacramento (SAC) to Albuquerque (ABQ) $261

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