Balloon Rides in Luxor

If you want to witness the beauty of Luxor from above, there is nothing better than a hot air balloon ride. It is a magical and enriching experience, allowing you to enjoy panoramic views of this destination known for its historical heritage. A location that brings together fascinating anecdotes from Ancient Egypt and where surprises abound, as it is a city built on the ruins of the Theban Empire.

You will be able to see the first rays of the sun, as most tours usually start before dawn. In addition, the balloon rises high enough to see the Colossi of Memnon and the Temple of Hatshepsut. Of course, good weather conditions are necessary for this experience, so I suggest you take advantage of April to October. Avoid doing it in winter, however, as the hot 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 outside Luxor.

From £62 at Hellotickets

A hot-air balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings is one of the best things to do in Luxor. You'll have the chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and 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 every angle you can admire the beauty of Luxor, but the corners are where the best photos are taken. Prices usually range between 80 and 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 which 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 for balloon rides. This necropolis preserves the most important tombs of the pharaohs of the New Empire. Early in the morning it welcomes adventurers, who usually receive a pre-launch briefing.

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 eye-catching 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, which costs approximately 3 euros to enter. It was built in honour of Queen Hatshepsut, but her legacy was almost entirely destroyed and only a few traces of her life and legacy remain.
• The Colossi of Memnon: two carefully carved stone statues. According to a popular legend, in about 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 3rd century. Nearby are the Colossi of Luxor and Ramses II, which are very similar.

Interesting details

• Price: from 106 euros per person.
• Duration: about three hours.
• Means of transport: usually includes a return transfer in a car or minivan from the city centre 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 unfavourable weather conditions.

You can arrange private balloon 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. It can usually be booked through your hotel staff, directly at the Valley of the Kings or through official vendors on the streets of the city. Another option is to take advantage of the best Nile cruises which can include a hot-air balloon ride, allowing you to appreciate the local beauty from the water and later on through the desert air.

Details of interest

• Price: from 600 euros.
• Duration: between 45 and 75 minutes of flight time.
• Means of transport: usually includes a return transfer in a car or minivan from the city centre or selected hotels. Some include breakfast and have suggestions for a romantic evening.
• Advantages of this option: it is usually available in several languages.
• Disadvantages of this option: not recommended under unfavourable weather conditions.

To venture out for a balloon ride in Luxor, I recommend booking 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 organise it according to your itinerary.

If you want to book a balloon ride in Luxor, here's 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 travellers.
• Step 3: the next step is usually to add your personal details, select the language, in some cases, indicate where you want to be picked up and also provide contact information. Please note that your email will most likely receive your booking details and tickets.
• Step 4: Next, make your payment conveniently online. Some companies offer free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Step 5: Finally, check your email or phone confirmation. If you don't have accommodation at the time of booking, you will probably be contacted later.

Balloon rides over Luxor usually last approximately forty-five minutes. However, you should also count the time it will take to get to 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, good weather conditions are important.

The most recommended months to complete the flight successfully are April to October. Avoid the winter months between December and March as there are more cancellations, shorter 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.

You're likely to be picked up before 4:30am, so be prepared the night before with everything you need. Additionally, while most balloon rides in Luxor depart only at sunrise, it's important to note that this varies according to the season. Times are usually between 4:30am and 5:30am.

A hot air balloon ride will give you 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 desert beauty, with a privileged location between the Colossi of Memnon and the Temple of Hatshepsut. Specifically, you'll 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. However, the guide will often give informative commentary, which will help you to make sure you don't miss anything. At the end of the trip, the balloon usually passes through the outskirts of Luxor to enjoy the calm and greenery.

• Wear cool and comfortable clothes, although if your trip is in winter, make sure you dress warmly as it gets quite cold in the early morning.
• Follow the safety instructions to ensure a smooth and trouble-free journey.
• It is advisable to carry Egyptian pounds for tipping. Tipping is not compulsory, but during the trip you will notice the hard work of the captain and the landers.
• Book at least three months in advance, as the high season is often sold out.
• Some tours include breakfast, but it is advisable to pack a snack.
• Video of the experience usually costs around 10 euros, but is not always of high quality. I recommend you bring your camera to take amazing pictures and immortalise the memory.
• Don't go up in a balloon in 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, corners are best.
• Remain 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 photo permits in Egypt have been relaxed, especially for non-commercial use.

Balloon rides in Luxor are cheaper than in other destinations and can be booked at a good price. They usually start from 106 Euros. However, it is possible to find alternative prices, depending 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 don't recommend doing so as you may end up spending more.

To get between the centre of Luxor and the point of the flights, it is necessary to take a tuk tuk, taxi or Nile cruise. 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 hot-air balloon ride is recommended for those who enjoy new adventures, as it traverses the fine line between the banks of the Nile and the undulations of the desert. It is a completely original mode of transport, allowing you to take advantage of the magical sensation of floating above the clouds. You will soar between 150 and 600 metres, 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 involves a maximum of 32 participants, so you will have the opportunity to mingle with people from other cultures. This is one of the best things to do in the city and you will remember it for the rest of your life. 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 wander 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 recognise safe trips, because they offer a short preparation session so that you know the rules of flying. This way, you will have an adventure without any inconvenience.

When you land you will see a lot of people, who make sure that the balloon returns to the ground without any problems. It is not recommended to save money on this type of activity, be wary of excessively low prices, as they can be scams. Also do not travel with companies that do not have the necessary permits. In the preparation session you will probably be told about it, but it is advisable to bend your legs to cushion your 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 people suffering from heart disease, back pain or osteoporosis. These restrictions are intended to prioritise your wellbeing, so it is essential that you abide by them and inform your service provider of any new developments. On the other hand, the minimum age is usually 6 years and the maximum age is around 90 years. If you follow these recommendations, you will be able to enjoy one of the best things to do in Luxor without any inconvenience.