Balloon Rides in Luxor

If you want to witness the beauty of Luxor from above, nothing better than a balloon ride. It is a magical and enriching experience, which will allow you to enjoy panoramic views of this destination known for its historical heritage. A location that gathers fascinating anecdotes of Ancient Egypt and where surprises abound, being a city built on the ruins of the Empire of Thebes.

You will be able to appreciate the first rays of the sun, since most tours usually leave before dawn. In addition, the balloon rises high enough to appreciate the Colossi of Memnon and the Temple of Hatshepsut. Of course, for this experience it is necessary to have good weather conditions, so I suggest you take advantage of April to October. On the other hand, avoid doing it in winter, as torrid winds increase cancellations.

The best value for money option

Luxor Hot Air Balloon Ride over the Valley of the Kings

An aerial tour over the archaeological complex of the Valley of the Kings

You will fly over the Colossi of Memnon and the Temple of Hatshepsut, as well as the banks of the Nile and the wonderful desert landscape of the outskirts of Luxor.

From $78 at Hellotickets

A balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings is one of the best things to do in Luxor. You will have the opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, to enjoy the calm of this desert area. The flight usually lasts forty-five minutes, during which you can relax, admire the panoramic views, take pictures and listen to local stories. You can also pass over the banks of the Nile River, the architecture of the Temple of Hatshepsut and the statues of the Colossi of Memnon.

From any angle you can admire the beauty of Luxor, but the corners are where the best photos are taken. Prices usually range from 80 to 120 euros depending on the company and the season. In addition, each balloon has space for at least 32 people. You don't have to speak Arabic, as tours are available in English and Spanish. Additionally, there are private options that tend to be more expensive and are ideal for romantic getaways.

Recommended if... you want to experience Luxor from another angle, flying over the most special archaeological sites located between the desert and the Nile River.

The Valley of the Kings is a very popular archaeological site, due to the balloon rides. This necropolis preserves the most important tombs of the pharaohs of the New Empire. From very early in the morning, it welcomes adventurers, who usually receive a briefing prior to the launch.

The tour includes an exploration of ancient sites in the valley, as well as the discovery of historical sites. You will usually be accompanied by a local guide who will provide informative commentary to facilitate your visit. You will see striking statues, archaeological sites and probably get a glimpse of:

• The Temple of Hatshepsut: this is a temple built on the limestone cliffs of the Deir el-Bahari valley, whose entrance fee is approximately 3 euros. It was built in honor of Queen Hatshepsut, but her legacy was almost entirely destroyed and only a few traces of her life and legacy are preserved.
• The Colossi of Memnon: are two stone statues, carefully carved. According to a popular legend, approximately in the year 27 BC an earthquake destroyed one of the statues and the other one sang every day at dawn. It could only be silenced after its reconstruction in the third century. Nearby are the Colossi of Luxor and Ramses II which are very similar.

Details of interest

• Price: from 106 euros per person.
• Duration: about three hours.
• Means of transportation: usually includes round trip transfer in a car or minivan, from the city center or selected hotels.
• Advantages of this option: usually available in Spanish.
• Disadvantages of this option: it is not recommended for pregnant women or people with delicate health problems. Additionally, this activity cannot be done under unfavorable weather conditions.

You can get private rides to share a romantic getaway. This type of experience is more expensive, but ideal if you want to book the experience exclusively for your group or couple. The schedule remains the same, you will have to get up early to get the best views and catch a glimpse of the sunrise. During the tour you will be able to fly over the relics of Luxor and enjoy a completely different experience.

This tailor-made tour is a luxurious alternative, ideal for celebrating special occasions or getting away from it all. You can usually book it through your hotel staff, directly at the Valley of the Kings or with official vendors in the streets of the city. Another option is to take advantage of the best Nile cruises that may include a balloon ride, which will allow you to appreciate the local beauty from the water and later through the desert air.

Details of interest

• Price: from 600 euros.
• Duration: between 45 and 75 minutes of flight.
• Means of transportation: usually includes round trip transfer in a car or minivan, from the city center or selected hotels. Some include breakfast and have proposals for a romantic evening.
• Advantages of this option: it is usually available in several languages.
• Disadvantages of this option: it is not recommended under unfavorable weather conditions.

To venture into a balloon ride in Luxor, I recommend you to book in advance. The first thing is to select the company, make sure you choose a reliable agency. Also, read the booking details carefully so that you can organize yourself according to your itinerary.

If you want to book a balloon ride in Luxor, here is how to do it step by step:

• Step 1: choose the option and check availability, according to the date you plan to travel.
• Step 2: click on book and indicate the number of travelers.
• Step 3: the next step is usually to add your personal data, select the language, in some cases, indicate where you want to be picked up and also provide contact information. Keep in mind that your email will most likely receive the booking and ticket information.
• Step 4: Next, make the payment conveniently online. Some companies offer free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Step 5: finally, check the confirmation in your email or by phone, if you do not have accommodation at the time of booking, it is likely that you will be contacted later.

Generally, balloon rides over Luxor last approximately forty-five minutes. However, you must also count the time it will take you to reach the Valley of the Kings and the basic training. In total, the experience can take up to three hours. Since you will be in the air for more than forty-five minutes, it is important to have good weather conditions.

The most recommended months to complete the flight successfully are from April to October. Avoid the winter months, from December to March, as there are more cancellations, short flights and forced landings. In July the sunrise is beautiful, as summer is at its best. Opt for the first flight in the morning, as when the desert air warms up, flights also get shorter.

They are likely to pick you up before 4:30 a.m., so be prepared the night before with everything you need. Additionally, while most balloon rides in Luxor depart only at sunrise, it is important to consider that this varies by season. Times are usually between 4:30 am and 5:30 am.

A balloon ride will take you on a magical and unforgettable experience, making it one of the best things to do in the city. You will find yourself in the middle of a desert beauty, with a privileged location between the Colossi of Memnon and the Temple of Hatshepsut. Specifically, you will spend the first few minutes appreciating the wonders of the Valley of the Kings. But that's not all, you'll also get a glimpse of the banks of the Nile. The best tours of Luxor even offer a detailed tour of the area.

Keep your eyes on the scenery and be sure to look down, as you'll pass sugar cane fields. In any case, the guide usually makes informative comments, which will help you not to miss anything. At the end of the trip, the balloon usually passes through the outskirts of Luxor to enjoy the calm and vegetation.

• Wear fresh and comfortable clothes, although if your trip coincides with the winter, make sure to dress warmly since the cold is quite strong in the early morning.
• Respect the safety instructions, to enjoy a pleasant and trouble-free trip.
• It is advisable to carry Egyptian pounds for tips. They are not obligatory, but during the trip you will notice the great effort of the captain and the landers.
• Book at least three months in advance, since in high season there are usually no quotas.
• Some tours include breakfast, however it is advisable to pack a snack.
• The video of the experience usually costs about 10 euros, but it is not always of high quality. I recommend you bring your camera to take amazing pictures and immortalize the memory.
• Do not go up in a balloon if there are bad weather conditions, as it is unsafe. Therefore, it is very important to book with a reliable agency, as your safety must be a priority.
• In any position the views are breathtaking, so don't worry about it. However, for photos the corners are the best.
• Keep calm at all times and avoid jumping into the balloon.
• Don't take photos at military bases or in prohibited areas, even though in recent years permits for photography in Egypt have been relaxed, especially for non-commercial use.

Balloon rides in Luxor are cheaper than in other destinations and you can book this activity at a good price. They usually start from 106 euros. However, it is possible to find other price alternatives, it all depends on the season and what is included in the package. Some options offer breakfast and cover transfers, so they are more expensive. You can get around on your own, but I do not recommend doing so as you may end up spending more.

To get between the center of Luxor and the point of the flights, it is necessary to take a tuk tuk, cab or cruise on the Nile. These types of experiences are not an attraction I would recommend saving on, as it is preferable to ensure quality and safety above all else. Also, offers with exaggeratedly low prices can be scams or flying with unreliable companies.

A balloon ride is recommended for those who enjoy new adventures, as it crosses the thin line between the banks of the Nile and the undulations of the desert. It is a completely original means of transportation, which allows you to enjoy the magical sensation of floating above the clouds. You will soar between 150 and 600 meters, with an expert pilot on board who usually descends a little at historical sites such as the Colossi of Memnon and the Temple of Hatshepsut.

In addition, this type of flight usually brings together a maximum of 32 participants, so you will have the opportunity to live with people from other cultures. Without a doubt, you will remember this tour for the rest of your life, as it is one of the best things to do in the city. There are also private options, ideal for sharing special moments from the heights. Of course, this experience is recommended if you have at least 2 days to walk around Luxor.

Ballooning is an adrenaline-filled adventure, but you don't have to be afraid. The key is to choose a reliable agency, and under no circumstances should you take a trip in bad weather conditions. You can also recognize safe trips, because they offer a small preparation session so that you know the rules of flight. This way, you will have an adventure without any inconvenience.

At the moment of landing you will see a lot of people, who make sure that the balloon returns to the ground without problems. In this type of activities it is not recommended to save money, be wary of excessively low prices, as they can be scams. Do not travel with companies that do not have the necessary permits. In the preparation session they will probably tell you, but I advance you that at the time of descending to the ground it is advisable to bend your legs to cushion the descent.

Another important detail is that this experience is not recommended for pregnant women or people with serious health problems. For example, it is not suitable for those who suffer from heart disease, back pain or osteoporosis. These restrictions are intended to prioritize your well-being, so it is essential to abide by them and inform your service provider of any new developments. On the other hand, the minimum age is usually 6 years old and the maximum age is around 90 years old. If you follow these recommendations, you will be able to enjoy one of the best things to do in Luxor without any inconvenience.