Sunrise in Cusco from a Hot Air Balloon

The hot air balloon ride in Cusco is an experience that combines serenity, adventure, and magic. More than just a flight, it’s an encounter with the essence of the Andean sky, where travelers contemplate how the imperial city awakens under the first rays of the sun. From above, Cusco reveals its grandeur: its temples, mountains, and valleys are transformed into a perfect canvas of history and nature. It’s an experience that invites you to stop time, breathe deeply, and allow yourself to be enveloped by the silence of the Andes.

Day 1 – Detailed Itinerary

🚐 Pickup from your hotel in Cusco (5:00 – 5:30 AM)

Dawn has not yet dawned, and you are already beginning one of the most unforgettable experiences of your trip: the hot air balloon ride in Cusco. Our tour bus will punctually pick up your hotel (in the city center or nearby) to take you to the airfield. As we leave the city behind, the horizon is tinged with the first shades of dawn and the rural landscapes of Cusco begin to reveal themselves.

🏔️ Arrival at the airfield and technical briefing

After about a 30-minute drive, we arrive at the airfield, located in an open natural area, surrounded by mountains and panoramic views of the Andes.
Here, the team of certified pilots will conduct a technical briefing where they will explain safety measures, the characteristics of the balloon, and recommendations for enjoying the flight with complete confidence.
Meanwhile, you will witness the balloon inflating with hot air, a visual spectacle that marks the beginning of this adventure. Watching the multicolored fabric come to life is a breathtaking moment.

🎈 Start of the hot air balloon flight

Once the balloon is ready, you’ll climb into the basket to begin the tethered flight, a safe and controlled experience ideal for enjoying the sensation of soaring without long journeys.
The balloon ascends gently to 100 meters, offering a privileged aerial view of Cusco and its surroundings:

1. The urban layout of the imperial city,
2. The cyclopean walls of Sacsayhuamán,
3. The imposing White Christ in Pukamuqu,

And the Andean snow-capped mountains that frame the horizon.
The silence of the flight, interrupted only by the wind and breathing, creates an atmosphere of absolute calm, perfect for photographs, videos, or simply enjoying the moment.

🌄 Contemplation of the sunrise over the Andes

Little by little, the sun rises behind the Andean peaks, bathing the sky in golden and pink hues. This moment is pure wonder: the sunrise over Cusco from a hot air balloon is not only a visual spectacle, but also a spiritual experience.
Feeling the warmth of the rising sun as the Apus (sacred mountains) awaken is an opportunity to connect with the Andean energy and give thanks for life from a new perspective.

🥂 Descent and Ceremonial Toast

After enjoying the views and the sunrise, the balloon slowly descends to land at base camp. Following the tradition of balloon flights, we make a ceremonial toast with sparkling wine or natural juices.
The guide will share a brief history of the first balloon flights and their significance as a symbol of freedom and celebration. This moment marks the perfect conclusion to the aerial experience, filled with smiles and shared excitement.

🧺 Andean Picnic Breakfast

After the flight, a picnic breakfast awaits you, served on typical Andean blankets in the middle of the countryside. The menu includes fresh local products:

1. 🥐 Artisan breads
2. 🍯 Homemade jams
3. 🍎 Seasonal fruits
4. 🥛 Natural yogurt
5. ☕ Brewed coffee and Andean infusions such as muña or coca tea

You’ll enjoy the taste of Cusco in its most authentic form, surrounded by nature, fresh air, and the serenity of the Andes. This breakfast not only nourishes the body but also the soul.

🚐 Return to Cusco (10:00 – 10:30 AM)

With a full heart and a clear mind, we board our transportation back to Cusco.
The return trip takes approximately 30 minutes, ending near the historic center around 10:30 AM.

✅Includes

🚐 Round-trip tourist transportation: Modern and safe tourist vehicle with comfortable seats, air conditioning, and a professional driver.

🏨 Pickup from your hotel in Cusco: Available for accommodations located in the historic center or nearby areas.

🎈 Tethered hot air balloon flight: Controlled ascent up to 100 meters high, guided by certified pilots with a valid license and extensive experience.

🎓 Technical briefing and safety briefing: Detailed explanation of flight conditions, safety measures, and balloon operation.

🔥 Balloon inflation and demonstration: You will be able to observe and participate in the hot air inflation process, one of the most photogenic parts of the tour.

🥂 Ceremonial toast: Symbolic tradition afterwards of the flight, with sparkling wine or natural juice to celebrate the experience.

🧺 Andean picnic breakfast: Artisan breads, fresh fruit, homemade jams, natural yogurt, coffee, and traditional infusions (muña or coca tea).

📸 Photography assistance: Our team will help you capture your best memories during the inflation, flight, and breakfast.

⛑️ First aid kit: Available throughout the activity to ensure safety and well-being.

❌Not Included

🍳 Breakfast at the hotel: The tour starts early; breakfast is served after the flight in a picnic style.

🎥 Professional photos and videos: Additional service available upon request.

💰 Tips for staff or pilots: These are optional and are at the traveler’s discretion.

🧧 Personal expenses or souvenirs: Souvenirs, purchases, or additional expenses not mentioned in the itinerary.

🚐 Pickup outside the historic center: Accommodations in remote areas may have an additional transfer fee.

🪙 Personal travel insurance: Not included, but it is recommended to have insurance that covers adventure activities.

✨Recommendations

👕 Comfortable and warm clothing: Wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, and a thermal or windbreaker jacket. It can be extremely cold in the early morning.

🧢 Sun protection: Although the flight is early, UV rays in the Andes are strong; wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.

📸 Don’t forget your camera or cell phone: Secure them with a strap to capture the sunrise views over Cusco.

💧 Stay hydrated: Drink water before and after the flight. Avoid carbonated or heavy drinks before boarding the balloon.

🍽️ Avoid heavy breakfasts: Eat something light before the tour. The main breakfast is served after the flight.

🌤️ Best time to fly: From April to October, when the winds are more stable and the weather is clear.

🕊️ Relax and enjoy: The flight is safe, smooth, and stable. Just breathe deeply and let the wind and the Apus carry you.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🎈 Is the flight safe?
Yes. The tethered mode is used, which keeps the balloon attached to the ground by safety cables. The pilots are certified, and the equipment meets all technical standards.

🕕 What time does the tour start and end?
Pickup is between 5:00 and 5:30 a.m., and return to Cusco is between 10:00 and 10:30 a.m.

👨‍✈️ How long is the flight?
The balloon flight lasts between 15 and 20 minutes, depending on wind conditions.

📍 Where does the flight take place?
In a large, natural field located on the outskirts of Cusco, with privileged views of the Andes and the city.

🍽️ What does the picnic breakfast include?
It includes typical local products: artisan bread, fruit, natural yogurt, jams, juices, coffee, or Andean infusions.

💪 Is previous experience required?
No. It is a 100% safe activity and suitable for all ages, from approximately 8 to 70 years old.

☀️ Can it be canceled due to bad weather?
Yes. For safety reasons, the flight may be rescheduled if wind or visibility conditions are unfavorable.