Booking choice: The flight with breakfast, from $145 per person. Check dates Compare the options below
Teotihuacan sits on the high plateau north-east of Mexico City, and dawn there is cold, especially from November to February. By late morning the sun is strong, and you will be walking the archaeological zone with little shade.
The answer is layers, closed shoes and a small bag.
The quick answer
Wear warm layers you can peel off (a fleece or puffer, plus a scarf in winter), long trousers and closed, comfortable shoes. Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen for later, a photo ID, and pesos in cash for the pyramid entry and tips. Leave big bags at the hotel: baskets are crowded.
How cold is it at dawn?
Cold: winter dawns on the plateau can be close to freezing, and even summer mornings are cool.
Flyers repeatedly mention it: "prepare for freezing weather at that hour of the morning". It warms up quickly in the basket, under the burner, and once the sun is up.
What should you wear on top?
Layers: a T-shirt, a warm mid-layer and a jacket you can tie round your waist later.
A puffer or fleece is ideal. Add a scarf and a hat in winter. Avoid loose scarves or anything that flaps: you stand close to the burner frame.
Packing for a sunrise flight? The most-booked option adds coffee before take-off and breakfast after.
Check dates for the flight with breakfastWhat shoes are best?
Closed, comfortable trainers or walking shoes.
You climb into the basket, land in a farm field and then walk the stone paths of the archaeological zone. Skip sandals and heels.
Do you need sun protection?
Yes: a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen for the flight's later minutes and the pyramids.
At this altitude the sun burns fast, and the burner heats your head during the flight. A reviewer warns of "the burning on your back when in the air balloon". The archaeological zone has little shade.
What should you bring in your bag?
Photo ID, your booking, pesos in cash, a phone with a strap, water and a snack.
- Photo ID: some operators check it at registration.
- Pesos: MXN 210 per person for the pyramid entry, plus tips.
- Water and a snack: breakfast is not until about 8 AM.
- Phone strap: nothing dropped from a basket comes back.
Short on time to organise? This option picks you up at your hotel or Airbnb and includes the cave breakfast.
Explore the flight with hotel pickupWhat should you leave behind?
Big bags, tripods and selfie sticks that get in others' way.
Baskets are shared and compartments are small. A small backpack or a cross-body bag is plenty.
Is there anything to wear for the photos?
Bright colours stand out against the pale plain, but warmth comes first.
Photo packages are sold at the field; your phone does fine too. For when to fly, see the best time for a balloon ride.
Dressed and ready? Check dates for the flight with breakfast included.
Check dates for the flight with breakfastFrequently asked questions
Can I wear a dress or skirt for the balloon ride?
You can, but trousers are more practical for climbing into the basket and walking the ruins.
Do I need gloves?
In December and January, light gloves are welcome before sunrise.
Where do I leave my bag?
Keep it small and with you; some bases have a place to leave items, but do not count on it.
Ready to book
Choose your flight
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before on every option. Prices are from-prices in USD and move with the season.
Balloon Flight with Breakfast Included
- Shared hot air balloon flight at sunrise
- Coffee or tea before take-off and a sparkling wine toast after landing
- Breakfast at La Cueva Teotihuacán, a restaurant inside a natural cave
Balloon Flight, Cave Breakfast & CDMX Pickup
- Hot air balloon flight with sparkling wine and a flight certificate
- Pickup from your Mexico City hotel or Airbnb, about 4:10 to 5:00 AM (package option)
- Breakfast in the Cueva Obsidiana and a regional liquor tasting
Volando Alto: Flight, Cave & Pyramids
A cheaper all-in day with cave breakfast and the ruins
