RIO GRANDE BALLOONS

Here is a hot air balloon company that rivals the more famous and touristy Albuquerque companies. This small company run by a group of enthusiasts offers flights that will take your breath away. Meet Sol, the aviator who looks a bit like a character from a Miyazaki animation film, with his Salvador Dalí mustache and long, thin braids floating in the wind. He will surely be the one to take you to the skies, with a big smile and full of charm, never getting tired of his work, despite the 5 o'clock wake-up calls... Indeed, you will be asked to meet them in the parking lot of the Rio Grande Gorge bridge, east of Taos, around 5:30 am. There, the winds are calmer and ensure a safe ascent. In addition, you will probably have the chance to see the sun rise at the same time as you, literally, to the sky. The team accompanying Sol will lead you to a flat, open field where you will see them prepare the balloon, which turns out to be more gigantic than you could have imagined. Colorful and majestic, it inflates little by little with the help of powerful fans until Sol gives you a wink indicating that you should jump into the basket. One, two, three... and hop! You begin your ascent upwards, slowly, seeing the ground getting further and further away. Sol will then guide the balloon over the Rio Grande, and, if the wind permits, descend into this impressive canyon. This is what makes this company one of the best: the authenticity of the balloon ride and the spectacular view of the incredibly beautiful landscape. For miles, you can see the crack in the earth hundreds of meters deep, at the bottom of which is the Rio Grande River. If you are lucky, you may see billy goats, rabbits, or even coyotes. The balloon ride takes approximately one hour. Be careful: don't forget gloves and thick socks because it can get very cold up there while the sun warms you up! At the end, after a landing which, we warn you, is a bit rough, you will be driven back to the Rio Grande Gorge parking lot where Sol will have prepared a little something for everyone... We will avoid ruining the surprise, but know that it includes a bottle of champagne to celebrate this wonderful expedition! All this while facing this spectacular gorge. A truly unique experience.