On a May morning, the sky over Albuquerque was even more vast than I had imagined. As the first rays of sunlight spilled from behind the Sandia Mountains, the entire city seemed to be veiled in a soft golden mist. I stood in an open field, surrounded by excited voices, yet all eyes were turned upward—dozens of colorful hot air balloons were slowly rising, weaving a dreamlike scene in the morning light. At that moment, I finally understood why Albuquerque is known as the “Hot Air Balloon Capital of the World.”
1. The Magic of Hot Air Balloons: The Sky as the Most Romantic Canvas
Although the International Balloon Fiesta in October is the city’s grandest event, the presence of ballooning culture is palpable in Albuquerque even in May. From private flights to public experiences, balloons rise somewhere in the city nearly every day—just at a more relaxed and unhurried pace.
I booked a flight experience a week in advance with Rainbow Ryders, one of the most well-established and reputable ballooning companies in the area. At 5 a.m., we were shuttled to the launch site, where the crew was already unfurling enormous, colorful balloons on the grass. The roar of burners and the glow of sunrise marked the start of our day.
The flight lasted about an hour. There was a twinge of nervousness as we lifted off, but it was quickly replaced by a sense of liberation. The ground slowly fell away, and the city, rivers, and mountains transformed into a living painting. Our pilot skillfully navigated the wind, guiding us over forests and farmland. Sometimes the balloon descended just a few meters from the ground, allowing us to “kiss” the treetops.
After a smooth landing, we celebrated with a traditional champagne toast—a customary part of ballooning that honors a safe and peaceful flight.
2. Into the Balloon Museum: Exploring the Stories Behind Flight
Albuquerque is not only a launch site but also a cultural hub for ballooning. One of the most memorable stops on my trip was the Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum.
The building’s exterior is inspired by the shape of a hot air balloon—fluid curves that look ready to soar. Inside, the museum features balloon models from around the world, historical documents, flight equipment, and interactive simulators that let you feel what it’s like to pilot a balloon. The most moving exhibit for me was a video recounting the story of two American adventurers who crossed the Atlantic by balloon—a tale full of courage and romance.
After exploring, I sat on the museum’s rear terrace, watching balloons float in the distance. For a moment, I felt as though I were part of ballooning history myself.
3. Wandering the Old Town: A Place Where Time Slows Down
Returning to the pace of the city from the heights of the sky, Old Town Albuquerque offered a comforting sense of stillness and intimacy. The May sunshine was just right—not too hot, not too cool—and a gentle breeze carried the scent of blooming flowers and roasted corn from nearby vendors. Strolling through streets that dated back to 17th-century Spanish colonial times, with cobblestone paths, thick-walled adobe buildings painted in sun-faded hues, colorful artisan shops, and barefoot street musicians playing soft folk tunes, I felt like I had stepped into a living, breathing painting.
I was especially fond of a shop called Old Town Emporium, filled with lovingly curated, locally made souvenirs—woven textiles, turquoise-inlaid jewelry, hand-painted ceramics, and dreamcatchers that swayed in the breeze. Each item seemed to whisper a story of the Southwest’s rich cultural mosaic. I chatted with the shopkeeper, an elderly gentleman who told me he’d lived in Albuquerque all his life. “This place holds memory,” he said, handing me a postcard that showed the plaza from fifty years ago.
In the central plaza, children played on the lawn, chasing bubbles and laughter, while elderly couples watched from shaded benches. Local performers strummed guitars or performed flamenco, their music drifting into the warm air, carried down the alleys like an old friend’s voice.
Nearby stands San Felipe de Neri Church, the oldest building in the city, its origins dating back to 1793. The white stucco walls and twin bell towers stood serenely beneath the vast blue sky, their simplicity a quiet counterpoint to the ornate history around them. Inside, the soft light filtered through stained-glass windows, casting colors on the wooden pews.
4. Natural Wonders: Sandia Mountains and the Tram Ride
Albuquerque’s geographical location makes it a paradise for outdoor lovers, and the changing seasons in New Mexico add layers of beauty to its rugged landscapes. May is the perfect season for hiking and exploration, with wildflowers just beginning to bloom, trails drying out from the spring rains, and a clarity in the air that makes every vista more vivid. Towering over the city are the Sandia Mountains, their name meaning “watermelon” in Spanish—a nod to the pink hue they take on at sunset. They are home to the breathtaking Sandia Peak Tramway, one of the longest aerial tramways in the world.
I took the tram up the mountain—a scenic 15-minute ride that carried us from the arid city’s edge to over 10,000 feet in elevation. The tram car swayed gently as we passed over deep canyons and pine-covered slopes. Other passengers fell silent, spellbound by the views. Through the crystal-clear windows, the Albuquerque Basin stretched out like a miniature diorama—neat grids of streets, the winding Rio Grande, and tiny hot air balloons in the distance, still floating from the morning’s flight.
Though there was a chill at the top, I barely noticed it. The 360-degree panorama was simply too mesmerizing—desert plains stretched endlessly to the west, while forests, valleys, and jagged peaks unfurled to the east. Every direction offered a new wonder, painted in the rich palette of New Mexico’s high desert: ochre, rust, sage green, and endless blue above.
5. Local Flavors: New Mexican Cuisine on the Tip of My Tongue
Albuquerque’s cuisine was a delightful surprise. Here, Mexican, Southwestern American, and Native American culinary traditions blend into a distinct style known as New Mexican cuisine.
The most iconic dishes are Green Chile Stew and Red Chile Ribs. I dined at El Pinto, a renowned restaurant located on a sprawling estate in the city’s north. The garden seating, paired with the subtly spicy and rich chili stew, was a sensory pleasure.
New Mexican chiles are milder than their Mexican counterparts but offer a more complex flavor. When I ordered, the server asked, “Red, green, or Christmas?”—the last meaning a mix of both red and green chili sauces, like a festive holiday meal.
For dessert, I tried sopaipillas—crispy, hollow fried bread drizzled with honey. I also sampled a locally brewed chili beer, which had a gentle heat and a bold personality, just like the city itself.
6. Sleeping in the Soul of the City: A Hotel with Stories
For accommodations, I bypassed chain hotels and stayed at Hotel Andaluz, a boutique hotel in the heart of downtown. Originally the first Hilton hotel ever built, it has been transformed into a vibrant space fusing Southwestern and Moorish styles.
The lobby featured carved wood furniture and Middle Eastern-style lanterns, while the rooms reflected local culture with Native American motifs, traditional pottery, and handwoven textiles. Staying there felt like sleeping inside a cultural gallery.
What truly enchanted me, though, was the rooftop bar’s sunset ceremony, held nightly. Under the gentle May breeze, I watched the sky shift from gold to purple to star-speckled black. Time seemed to slow, and I savored every moment of stillness.
7. Travel Tips for May in Albuquerque
- Clothing: May brings warm days and cool mornings/evenings (25–30°C by day), especially in the mountains. Dress in layers to adapt easily.
- Sun and wind protection: With intense high-altitude UV rays, sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats are must-haves. Winds can be unpredictable, particularly around balloon launch sites.
- Reservations: Book balloon flights at least two weeks in advance. Popular restaurants like El Pinto and High Noon also require early reservations via platforms like OpenTable.
- Transportation: Uber works in the city, but renting a car is recommended for visiting parks or mountain areas at your own pace.
- Time management: Though not a large city, Albuquerque’s rich culture, nature, and food deserve at least three full days to experience fully.
Looking Up, Finding Myself
The most touching moments in travel often aren’t found at tourist sites. They emerge when you look up and see a balloon rising into the morning sky, feel the wind on your skin, or savor a spoonful of chile stew. Albuquerque is that kind of city—it speaks to you with its slow pace and all-encompassing sky, gently reminding you: “Travel isn’t just about the destination. It’s also about finding peace within.”
In May, this city of hot air balloons quietly lifted my soul. Next time I return, it might not be for the views—but for that familiar sky that felt like home from the very first glance.