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Rving to the Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Festival is a must see. It is the largest hot air ballooning fiesta in the world with over 700 balloons floating in the sky at any one time. It is also said that it is the most photographed event anywhere else in the United States or in the world.
There are many ways to get there. Group tours are also offered but a unique way to be at home away from home is rving to this balloon fiesta. With a wide expanse of emptiness, you will surely enjoy the drive to New Mexico. With less than a million people, the state is one of the least populated in the country.
A lot of RV camps are available. It is even possible to park near the launching site at just a stone's throw away, figuratively speaking, of course.
In fact, the parking site is just walking distance to the launch site.
You can choose from among standard with dry facilities offered or premium with low pressure water and electricity. If you want to be near the action VIP camping is nearer the launch sites. The President's compound offers even more - an exhilarating view of the launch site.
Hot air balloon rides are also available. Experience floating in a gondola or wicker basket and get a bird's eye view of the area and the Sandia Mountains.
You can even help launch the balloon, pack it after the flight but you can't keep it. Breakfast and toast is offered instead after the flight. Balloon flights are offered year round.
Albuquerque ballooning is such a fun activity; pilots can even make certain arrangements to accommodate any of your special needs.
Hot air balloons are a thing of beauty. Made from either nylon or polyester and coated with silicone or neoprene, the bag is then inflated with gas from a burner. Watching a balloon taking up shape is a wonderful sight- a lifeless piece of fabric emerging to a magnificent beast.
Balloons come in all shapes and sizes, with beautiful colors and design. In the artistic vision part of the show, artists show off their paintings in their balloons. For unusual balloon shapes like animals and household objects the special shape rodeo of balloons cannot be missed. Then at night balloons light up against the dark sky in the Balloon Glow and in the Night Magic Glow exhibitions. It is hard to imagine all these bright colors and different shaped balloons in the air at one time, what a beautiful sight.
Albuquerque was founded in 1706 as a colonial outpost. There is so much history here and most of its Spanish culture and historical heritage have been preserved. Albuquerque was occupied during the Civil War in February
1862 by Confederate troops under General Henry Hopkins Sibley. He advanced into Northern New Mexico with his main body of troops. During his retreat from Union troops into Texas he made a stand on April 8, 1862 at Albuquerque.
A day-long engagement at long range led to few casualties against a detachment of Union soldiers commanded by Colonel Edward R. S. Canby.
Enjoy your trip to Albuquerque, the ballooning capital of the world.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
