The International Balloon Festival in Leon, Guanajuato, is one of the most colorful festivities to be experienced in Mexico. This annual event, held in November, brings together hot-air balloon enthusiasts from all over the world, offering a unique experience that combines the sensations of flight with the culture of the region. Today, it is one of the three biggest events of its kind in the world. Important for its high media impact and international projection, this festival is an ambassador of Mexico to the world.
Over the course of 21 consecutive editions, the International Balloon Festival has established itself as the main tourist attraction in the Bajío region, and one of the most important mass events in the whole country. On December 1, 2002, the first edition of the festival took place with the participation of 25 hot-air balloons, inaugurating the magical tradition of filling the city’s skies with color.
Over the years, and with the success of each edition, this passion has become an international event that attracts pilots and visitors from all over the world. The festival aims to promote aviation and tourism in the region, as well as offering participants an unforgettable spectacle.
The meeting point is Metropolitan Park, less than 20 minutes from downtown. This 362-hectare park is a protected natural area that is used year-round for sports activities, bike rides, children’s games, kayak trips on the dam and a variety of gastronomic options, among other attractions.
For four days, visitors can admire the sky adorned with hundreds of hot-air balloons of various shapes and colors, prepared in the early hours of the morning and ready for take-off from 6.30 am. At nightfall, the hot-air balloons return to the aerodrome for a closer look.
But the festival isn’t just about hot-air balloons, it also features a varied cultural program including concerts by renowned national and international artists, bazaar-style shopping areas and delicious regional specialities.
The International Balloon Festival is the perfect excuse to extend your stay in Mexico and discover the wonders of Bajío.
Once there, take a car and venture into experiences such as: walking the cobbled streets of Guanajuato and enjoying its art scene; discovering the architectural beauty of San Miguel de Allende; sampling the local gastronomy, well known throughout the country; or exploring the region’s vineyards.
For hot-air balloon enthusiasts, Mexico offers flights to Tlaxco, Oaxaca de Juarez, Tequisquiapan, San Miguel de Allende and one of the most popular, Teotihuacan, in Mexico City.
As the sun rises, you’ll climb slowly above the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, enjoying a unique panoramic view. As the sun begins to illuminate the sky, you’ll contemplate the majesty of the pre-Columbian structures and the vast landscapes that stretch into the distance.
Hot-air balloon flights over Teotihuacan offer a unique perspective on this archaeological site, allowing you to connect with history in an unparalleled way. Enjoy the serenity of flight as you discover this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Discovering Mexico by hot-air balloon is the perfect choice for your next trip!
