Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

The "Land of Enchantment" welcomes you, as you arrive in beautiful Albuquerque today *(please arrive by 3:00pm). Meet your Southwest Adventure Tours tour director and transfer to your hotel. After some time to settle in, join the group for a fun welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Hilton Garden Inn Uptown, Albuquerque, NM (or Similar) Meals: D

Today you will learn why Albuquerque is called the Balloon Capitol of the World as you experience the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta.  Depart for an early morning transfer to the Fiesta Field to witness the Dawn Patrol and have breakfast at the Chasers Club.  The Dawn Patrol began at Balloon Fiesta in 1978, when two California balloonists developed position lighting systems that allowed them to fly at night. Dawn Patrol pilots take off in the dark and fly until it is light enough to see landing sites. Just at dawn when the winds are calmest, watch the Mass Ascension in a rainbow of colors.  Later this morning, visit the Turquoise Museum where you will enter the museum through a mock mine tunnel and see the veins and nugget formations just as if you are a miner. Learn about rare specimens and the process of grinding and shaping the stones before time at leisure in the gift shop.  Once finished, enjoy a drive through Albuquerque, "The Jewel of the American Southwest," on your way to historic Old Town with some free time to explore hidden courtyards, stroll under covered portals and shop at the many fine specialty stores and galleries around the Plaza on your own. Old Town's tree-lined plaza and charming adobe buildings and churches are sure to delight the sightseer and the shopper! After an exciting day, return to your hotel with the rest of the evening free to relax and have dinner on your own. Hilton Garden Inn Uptown, Albuquerque, NM | Meals: B

Begin your day with one of the best views of the city as you ride the Sandia Peak Tramway.  Overlook the valley and enjoy views of the balloons traveling through the valley as you ascend and descend from its 10,387 foot crest. See firsthand the landscape that became the home of the Ancestral Pueblo and Pueblo people for thousands of years.  Once finished you will experience a fascinating introduction to the way of life enjoyed by America's first "apartment dwellers," the Pueblo tribes of the Southwest. During your visit to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, you'll see their artifacts and crafts and learn a little about the cultural and religious customs that have helped preserve this society for over l,000 years. There are multiple experiences to be had including dancing and craftsmen at work.  After your lunch you will return to your hotel with a little time to relax. This evening you will get to enjoy dinner at the Chaser Club with direct access onto Fiesta Field for the evening festivities like the Twilight Twinkle Glow™, Special Shape Glowdeo™, Night Magic Glow™, or Balloon Glow™, and AfterGlow™ Fireworks Show.  These evening events start when all the balloons fire their burners and light up at the same time. It is perhaps the most spectacular single moment in all of Balloon Fiesta. The evening glows are followed by New Mexico's most spectacular fireworks display.  Together they are Balloon Fiesta's most popular events. Hilton Garden Inn Uptown, Albuquerque, NM | Meals: B, L, D