A Teotihuacán Hot Air Balloon Adventure
And My Triumph Over Fear
View from the hot air balloon
The Airbnb Experience title read:
“Vuela en Globo sobre Teotihuacán, Tierra de Dioses” or Fly in a Balloon over Teotihuacán, Land of the Gods.
I was sent this link with a simple message, “I’m doing this on Sunday if you want to join.” Without considering price or prior plans, I responded, “YESSSS!!”
This was quickly followed by an icy undertow of dread. The realization crashed upon me like a rogue wave – my paralyzing fear of heights. For a fleeting moment, I envisioned myself frozen, rooted to the earth as friends embarked on this airborne experience - without me. I wouldn't, I could not, be relegated to the sidelines of my own life, a mere spectator to my own adventure. The fear was a formidable foe, and I refused to surrender.
Pyramid of the Sun in the foreground, Pyramid of the Moon in the background
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We were picked up from our individual homes at 4:30am by our driver who ushered us along in a timely fashion. The tour unfolded with a quiet efficiency, leaving no room for doubt or uncertainty. We were players in a meticulously orchestrated ballet, each step choreographed to ensure a flawless performance. There was no detail left unchecked, and all questions were answered before they were asked.
We were shuffled through check-in, and a quick breakfast of a pastry and coffee. We’d barely taken one bite before being summoned to our balloon called “Cometa”, Spanish for Kite.
View from the hot air balloon
The pre-dawn air held a crisp bite. Around us, fellow voyagers huddled against the cool air, anticipation etched on their faces. The roar of the burners painted the air with bursts of orange flames and inflated the balloons into colossal, jewel-toned teardrops against the gradually lightening sky.
As the sun rose, we were helped into our basket, evenly dispursed by weight. There were 4 quadrants, each one held 4 passengers with space for the pilot in the center. Climbing into the wicker basket, we were stepping into a vessel crafted for dreams and exploration of an ancient past. Our driver took some final photos of our group and waved one last adios. We gently lifted from earth, while our familiar world tilted and shrank.
View from the hot air balloon
Up to this point, I didn’t hear that high-pitched shrill of fear that had me stifled for so many years. I only heard the wind that carried the sound of distant dogs barking, a freight train in the distance, the pilot’s walkie-talkie, and the soft murmur of conversation. All interrupted by the repetitive blast of the burner. Yet, in our crowded woven vessel, surrounded by a sea of sky, there was a profound stillness, a space to breathe and to simply be. But nah, not fear.
From our skyward perch, we were granted a vision denied to those on the ground. The city became a miniature metropolis and the surrounding farmlands like a patchwork quilt stitched with greens and browns.
We were one with the birds while we casted elongated shadows that towered over the landscape. We watched other balloons awaken from their grounded slumber, stretch, and then in slow motion, drift toward the clouds to catch up to us.
View from the hot air balloon
Below us, in a rare spectacle (at least for us), stood the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon in the glow of dawn, while a fading moon passed the baton and closed out her shift.
My stomach did indeed turn as we ascended to our highest point - the only remnant of a bygone fear. I held firm, refusing to acknowledge it, and then it dissipated as quickly as it appeared.
Landing was a gentle return to reality. The Teotihuacán balloon ride was more than a tourist attraction; it was a sensory pilgrimage, an opportunity to see the world, and ourselves, from an entirely new perspective.
View of Pyramid of the Sun from the hot air balloon
A ground crew emerged as we settled into a flatbed truck. Like skilled wranglers, they corralled the deflating giant with practiced movements. Ropes were secured, fabric gathered, and the once proud airship slowly transformed into a colorful bundle, marking the end of our dreamy journey amongst the clouds.
Finally, we were handed a glass of sparkling wine and our skilled pilot guided us into a prayer of sorts, something like a surrendering unto the elements. “We only have control of where we take off - we don’t know where we’re gonna land,” he said.
It went something like this:
The wind has welcomed us with softness
The sun has touched us with warm hands
We have so flown so high and so well
That God joined us in laughter
And takes us back into the loving arms
Of our mother Earth
View of Pyramid of the Sun from the hot air balloon
Tour Details (at the time of publishing this article)
Airbnb Experiences
Vuela en Globo sobre Teotihuacan, Tierra de Dioses
Rated 4.99 out of 5 stars
Airbnb Link:
https://bit.ly/4dwbWDO
Hosted by Geovany
Partnered with NGO
Cost:
-$2600 pesos ($165usd) per person payment for the flight and port taxes
Plus
-$400 pesos ($20usd) per person roundtrip transportation from any area in Mexico City
Itinerary:
4:20 HOTEL Pick-up (approx time)
5:40 Arrival
6:00 Virtual guide tour VR360 (New & Exclusive)
6:10 Coffee break
6:20 Photo session
6:40 SunriseFlight (40-50min vary by weather)
8:00 Breakfast Buffet (Optional)
9:15 Pyramids by walk extra cost
10:30 Departure
11:45 Arrival at your HOTEL
The perks:
All passengers are issued a mock flight certificate
A full mobile video of the experience (from the photographs taken by the driver)
Option to purchase 2 minutes of film during the balloon ride (taken by drones)
Transportation to the pyramids, entry at extra cost
Transportation to a restaurant for breakfast
Door to door transportation
Free pastry and coffee pre-flight
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