5 Best Hot-Air Ballooning Destinations In The World

Since it first took flight in 1783, the hot-air balloon has been one of the most unique ways to get a bird’s-eye view of the world’s spectacular settings. There’s nothing like gliding through the sky in a massive floating vessel while enjoying the sunrise or sunset. Hot air balloon rides take sightseeing to entirely new levels.

Here are the best spots in the world to go hot-air ballooning:

* Cappadocia, Turkey

The craggy landscape of Cappadocia in central Turkey was home to a bustling trade industry more than 4,000 years ago, and its “fairy chimney” rock formations have continued to fascinate visitors ever since. Wind and water erosion plus eruptions from nearby active volcanoes have contributed to the area’s prehistoric appearance, which is best enjoyed from above. You can take a balloon out of the town of Goreme and watch the sunrise while floating through the region’s rugged valleys.

* Sedona, Arizona

Sedona’s glowing red sandstone forms the perfect backdrop to a sunrise glide over the wide, arid expanse. The Sonoran Desert is home to the only population of jaguars in the United States, and as you glide at lower altitudes, you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of some of the area’s unique wildlife. Red Rock Balloons lifts off along Dry Creek Road just outside Sedona, positioning you perfectly for a flight over the Seven Canyons area.

* Bagan, Myanmar

Bagan boasts of wide, flat landscape dotted with thousands of glittering spires, Buddhist temples and stupas. Balloons over Bagan offers one of the most stunning rides over the landscape, taking guests above the temples of Bagan and past nearby villages.

* Napa Valley, California

While many of Napa’s delights are best enjoyed on the ground with a glass in hand, a view from above offers another great way to experience California’s famous valley. This balloon-ride offers views of Mount St. Helena and the Mayacamas Mountains, with sweeping vineyards in the foreground; in the right weather conditions, you’ll even be able to see the San Francisco skyline in the distance. Many balloon companies offer brunch and wine-tasting packages with their rides to cap off the aerial adventure.

* Serengeti, Tanzania

The entirety of the enormous, 5,700-square-mile park, offer a lot to see. Watching the migration of hundreds of thousands of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles every year, the ultimate African safari experience. The best view of the huge expanse is to take to the skies for a hot-air balloon safari to see the expansive plains of this UNESCO World Heritage Site stretch out before you. Serengeti Balloon Safaris offers sunrise tours with a breakfast served in the bush to follow your ride.

* Teotihuacan, Mexico

The ancient city of Teotihuacan, known as the City of the Gods, dates back as far as 300 B.C. The city is best known for its enormous pyramids, which include temples to the moon, sun, and Quetzalcoatl that have been excellently preserved over thousands of years. While the complex is easily explored on foot, a bird’s-eye view affords a stunning perspective of the massive structures. Rides lift off near Mexico City, 30 miles southwest of Teotihuacan.

* Angkor Vat, Cambodia

A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992, Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world and Cambodia’s most famous landmark.The twelfth century monument has been fantastically preserved for modern viewing. The entire site covers more than 500 acres, making a balloon trip well worth it for the stunning views of the landscape. Angkor Hot Air Balloon offers flights during sunrise and sunset, with views of Angkor Wat and Siem Reap.