The perfect time to witness the largest hot-air balloon event in the world!
- Albuquerque Int’l Balloon Fiesta #1: October 1-6
- Albuquerque Int’l Balloon Fiesta #2: October 7-12
$1,899 per person, double occupancy
$2,549 per person, single occupancy
Book by July 31, 2026 and receive $100 off the tour price!
Please Note: A $100 Deposit per person is required to reserve your space
“This was my first tour with Moostash Joe Tours and I loved it! Our tour director did a fantastic job. And our driver was also very good. I enjoyed the event and meals. Good food, good service. And I always felt like part of a big family. Thank you for a wonderful time!” (Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, 2021) – Sue, Lake Park, IA
“This was an amazing tour. The Balloon Fiesta was mesmerizing and exceeded our expectations. We look forward to more Moostash Joe Tours and recommend to others.” (Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, 2025) – Ted & Lori, Hastings, NE
“This was a wonderful trip! Hotels, food, entertainment was great. Our Tour Director was absolutely outstanding! Made the trip so much fun.” (Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, 2025) – Rondi, Omaha, NE
“We have thoroughly enjoyed our first tour with Moostash Joe Tours. Our Tour Director was the best tour director we’ve ever had over our years of travel.” (Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, 2019) – George & Carol, Fort Oglethorpe, GA
Morning Mass Ascension
- Witness hundreds of prismatic balloons lift off and fill the horizon in this unforgettable mass ascension. An excellent photo opportunity, be sure to experience the drama and serenity of ballooning in this amazing two-hour event!
Evening Balloon Glow
- The Balloon Glow Events are among the most widely anticipated in all of the Fiesta. At twilight, the burners of tethered balloons are ignited, illuminating the area with amazing color.
AfterGlow Fireworks
- Following your evening Glowdeo, the night blooms with the most spectacular firework show in the state!
Visit Historic Old Town, the charm of old Albuquerque, offering over 100 shops, art galleries, restaurants and authentic American Indian crafts.
Take the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway, the world’s longest double reversible bi-cable aerial tramway! Traverse 2.7 miles from the base of the foothills northeast of Albuquerque to the top of the 10,400 – foot Sandia Peak for incredible panoramic views.
Explore the Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum
Free time in Santa Fe, New Mexico at the Santa Fe Plaza including a visit to the miraculous Loretto Chapel and its famed spiral staircase!
And much more!
*Tour Itinerary is subject to change
Book by July 31, 2026 and receive $100 off the tour price!
Tour Price Includes:
- Round trip deluxe motorcoach transportation (with restroom & video)
- 5 nights excellent accommodations
- 10 total meals including Albuquerque’s authentic 66 Diner
- Admissions and fees for tours, attractions, etc. as stated in the itinerary
- Gratuities for all local step-on guides
- Professional Moostash Joe Tour Director
- WIFI on-board
- Luggage handling
- Delicious rolls en route
Tour Price Does Not Include:
- Gratuity for Moostash Joe Tour Director and Driver
- Suggested $5.00-$6.00 per person per day for each (you may want to tip more for outstanding service)
- Meals other than those stated in the itinerary
- Optional Travel Protection
Departs: Norfolk, Fremont, Lincoln, Omaha & York, NE
Cancellation Penalties: (Cancellation must be received by Moostash Joe Tours in writing)
Up until September 1, 2026: Full Refund
On or after September 2, 2026: $500 Penalty
Travel Protection is available for purchase. Please see the FAQ section on our website for complete Travel Protection details.
Discover the Moostash Joe Tours Difference!
Night One – Drury Inn & Suites, Colorado Springs, CO
Nights Two, Three & Four – Drury Inn & Suites, Albuquerque, NM
Night Five – Hampton Inn & Suites, Dodge City, KS
Day 1 – Welcome / Colorado Springs, CO
Welcome to your Moostash Joe Tour! Meet us at one of our many convenient pick-up points as we head west. Today’s travels take us to Colorado Springs and the Drury Inn & Suites, where we’ll relax enjoy Drury’s great “Kickback” – where food and drinks are available. (D)
Day 2 – Santa Fe Plaza / 66 Diner
Travel this morning to Santa Fe, NM and the Santa Fe Plaza, where you’ll have free time to enjoy lunch and to explore “The Heart of Santa Fe” on your own. Also here, take a few moments to witness the fascinating Loretto Chapel and its miraculous staircase! Later, take the short drive to Albuquerque where you’ll be greeted by a delicious dinner at the authentic 66 Diner. Get some rest tonight because tomorrow morning is our first Fiesta event! (B, D)
Day 3 – Morning Mass Ascension / Evening Balloon Glow
Wake up early this morning for our first Balloon Fiesta event, the Morning Mass Ascension! The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the world’s largest hot-air balloon event and attracts over 500 balloons and hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world. Imagine 54 football fields, all put together – that’s the size of the Balloon Fiesta Park’s 78-acre launch field! During the Morning Mass Ascension, witness hundreds of prismatic balloons lift off and fill the horizon during the clear skies of Albuquerque’s brisk autumn mornings. An excellent photo opportunity, we’ll experience the drama and serenity of ballooning during this amazing two-hour event! After the event we’ll explore the nearby Anderson Abruzzo International Balloon Museum for an in-depth look at the history and science behind ballooning. For lunch, we’ll head to an Albuquerque local favorite spot. After a bit of down time this afternoon, we head back to the Balloon Fiesta for our evening event! The Balloon Glow is among the most widely anticipated events in all of the Fiesta. At twilight, the burners of tethered balloons are ignited, illuminating the area with amazing color! Also, following the Balloon Glow the night blooms with the most spectacular firework show in the state! The perfect way to cap off a day you’re sure to remember for a lifetime! (B, L)
Day 4 – Morning Mass Ascension / Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway
Another great opportunity this morning to capture the perfect photo or just stand in awe of hundreds of balloons taking off at once into the crystal blue Albuquerque sky during the Morning Mass Ascension! After the event we’ll take the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway, the world’s longest double reversible bi-cable aerial tramway! Traverse 2.7 miles from the base of the foothills northeast of Albuquerque to the top of the 10,400 – foot Sandia Peak for amazing panoramic views. For lunch and free time we visit historic Old Town Albuquerque, offering over 100 shops, art galleries, restaurants and authentic American Indian crafts. This evening is free for you to relax and rest from your busy couple of days at Drury’s great “Kickback” – where complimentary food and drinks are available. (B, D)
Day 5 – Dodge City, KS
Today we begin our way back home, traveling through rugged rural New Mexico and the Texas/Oklahoma Panhandle. This evening finds us in the cowboy town of Dodge City, KS where we’ll be overnight and enjoy an evening meal together. (B, D)
Day 6 – Return Home
Spend one last day reminiscing with your newly made friends about your tour to the world’s largest hot-air balloon event, the incredible Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta! Say goodbye as you arrive back at your initial pick-up points later today. (B)
*Due to the tentative Balloon Fiesta schedule, some events may be during a different day or time than stated in our itinerary. Each group will do 3 total events.
Meals Included:
(B) – Breakfast
(L) – Lunch
(D) – Dinner
Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
by Moostash Joe Tours Traveler Rich Krosch
The first day and we were on our way,
with noon at Ole’s Big Game Bar and Grill.
Then it’s on to Colorado Springs, where the Drury Inn sings,
and the kickback where we ate our fill.
The second day to Old Santa Fe,
we saw the Loretto Chapel with Spiral Stairway as nice as it could be.
The back on the bus (Rod was in a rush),
and it’s the Turquoise Trail to Albuquerque!
Nothing could be finer than the Route 66 Diner,
where we enjoyed our evening meal.
Next morning we were up early. I was surly,
missing my sleep seemed a big deal.
The Balloon Fiesta I gotta say was Up! Up! And Away!
It far exceeded my expectations.
The beauty of the thing, and the joy it did bring,
was perfect (except for the restroom accommodations)!
There were other things, if I may say, like the Sandia Peak Tramway,
the museum, Old Town, and the Corn Dance shuffle.
The Evening Glow, and the fireworks show,
but getting through that crowd was certainly a scuffle!
Next day we were on our way home, no more to roam,
we were on our way to Dodge City.
It was really neat to share the same street,
that was used by Matt Dillon and Miss Kitty!
It was fun to roam, but today Rod drives us home,
to the place and the people we love.
As new friends depart, they have touched each other’s heart,
as we give thanks to the Lord up above.