Travel guide · Teotihuacán
Shared vs private hot air balloon ride: the main difference is who’s in the basket with you. On a shared flight you fly with other passengers, while on a private flight the basket is just for the two of you. Either way, you take off at dawn and spend about 45 minutes in the air.
At Ruta Mágica, the shared flight with breakfast costs $2,490 MXN per person, and the private flight for two costs $8,990 MXN per couple. The right choice depends on your budget, the occasion and how much privacy you want.
Shared vs private hot air balloon ride: key differences
- Basket: on a shared flight you fly with other passengers; on a private flight, it’s just the two of you.
- Price: $2,490 MXN per person for shared and $8,990 MXN per couple for private.
- Atmosphere: shared is more social; private is more intimate and quiet.
- Schedule: both take off at dawn, with a reference check-in time of 5:30 a.m.
- Route: in both cases it depends on the wind, and the pilot has the final say.
Per person, the private flight works out to $4,495 MXN, compared with $2,490 MXN for the shared flight. As a couple, you pay $4,010 MXN more than for two shared seats, in exchange for having the basket to yourselves.
The shared flight: what’s included and who it suits
The shared flight with breakfast includes a welcome coffee break, a toast with wine (juice for kids), a personalized flight certificate, travel insurance, a buffet breakfast and parking at the balloon port. It also includes a banner with the message of your choice, such as happy birthday, happy anniversary or a proposal.
It’s a good fit for:
- Solo travelers or groups of friends who want the experience on a more accessible budget.
- Families with kids 4 and older flying with a parent or guardian; if a child is under 1.20 m tall, ask first.
- Anyone celebrating something who wants the included banner and a social atmosphere.
For birthdays, there’s also the birthday balloon flight, on sale at $2,300 MXN per person (was $2,700 MXN).
The private flight for two: when it’s worth it
The private flight for two costs $8,990 MXN and comes with a private basket for the two of you. It works especially well for anniversaries, marriage proposals or any celebration where you want the moment to yourselves.
If you’re planning a proposal, sort out the details before booking and ask what can be arranged for the moment. With round-trip transportation from a central area of Mexico City, the private flight for two is $10,590 MXN per couple.
Which one fits your occasion?
- Anniversary or proposal: the private flight, so the basket is yours alone.
- Birthday: the birthday flight or the shared flight, which includes a banner with your message.
- Family or friends: the shared flight, priced per person.
- First flight on a tighter budget: the shared flight, breakfast included.
- No car in Mexico City: any of the packages with round-trip transportation.
If you also want a guided visit to the pyramids, there’s a flight, breakfast and 1.5-hour Essential tour package from Mexico City. It costs $4,090 MXN per person with a Spanish-speaking guide or $4,290 MXN with an English-speaking guide.
What applies to both flights
With either option, site admission isn’t included, and the route depends on the wind, so flying over a specific pyramid can’t be guaranteed. Children under 4, pregnant women and anyone who is intoxicated can’t fly.
There’s no weight fee up to 100 kg; from 101 to 140 kg it’s $30 MXN per extra kilo. Book at least 3 days ahead and bring an official ID, which works as your boarding pass.
Read next: Teotihuacan Hot Air Balloon Price in 2026: What You’ll Pay
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Frequently asked questions
What’s the price difference between a shared and a private flight?
The shared flight is $2,490 MXN per person and the private flight for two is $8,990 MXN per couple. As a couple, private costs $4,010 MXN more than two shared seats.
Is the private flight only for couples?
The private flight offered is for two people, with a private basket. If your group is larger and you want something special, ask on WhatsApp about options.
Which flight is best for a marriage proposal?
The private flight for two, since the basket is just for you. If you prefer the shared flight, it includes a banner with a message of your choice, such as a proposal.
Can I get to the balloon port on my own?
Yes. The shared flight is arrive-on-your-own and includes parking at the balloon port, and there are also versions with round-trip transportation from Mexico City.