New Mexico

Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, Santa Fe Art and Culture

Program No. 15464RJ

See hot-air balloons decorate the sky at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, learn about the history of the Pueblo Indians and discover Santa Fe.

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Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, Santa Fe Art and Culture

Length

6 days

Rating (5)

Activity Level

Starts at

3,499

Special Offer

Your well-being is our #1 priority

To make your experience as safe as possible, we require all participants to be fully vaccinated. See our Safety Roadmap

Enroll with Confidence

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more

Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768

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Please Note:

The itinerary for this program is different on certain dates.

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Price will update based on selection

Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.

DATES & starting prices

PRICES

Oct 10 - Oct 15, 2023

Starting at

3,499

Select Date

DATES & starting prices

PRICES

Oct 10 - Oct 15, 2023

Starting at

4,389

Select Date

Deposit, Transfer & Cancellation Policy

Program Terms & Conditions

Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, Santa Fe Art and Culture

Program No. 15464RJ Deposit at Enrollment: 250 Final payment due: 77 days before departure date

Transfer & Cancellation Policy

Note: These fees apply to at least one date of this program, but may vary by date.

If you transfer or cancel:

fee will be applied if you do not call Road Scholar Participant Services at least one business day prior to the program start date

Cancel Fee: 100 % of order total

less than 30 days prior to program start date

Transfer Fee: 100 % of order total

Cancel Fee: 100 % of order total

66 to 30 days prior to program start date

Transfer Fee: 50 % of order total

Cancel Fee: 50 % of order total

up to 67 days prior to program start date

Transfer Fee: $0.00

Cancel Fee: $250.00

If you transfer or cancel:	Transfer Fee:	Cancel Fee:
fee will be applied if you do not call road scholar participant services at least one business day prior to the program start date		100 % of order total
less than 30 days prior to program start date	100 % of order total	100 % of order total
66 to 30 days prior to program start date	50 % of order total	50 % of order total
up to 67 days prior to program start date	$0.00	$250.00

COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

For the greatest peace of mind and protection, we require all Road Scholar participants to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including having received all recommended boosters if eligible.

Road Scholar Program Terms and Conditions

How to Enroll in a Program

Call Us or Enroll Online To enroll

Please call us toll free at (877) 426-8056, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET. You may also enroll online at www.roadscholar.org. To reserve space on a program, Road Scholar requires a deposit followed by final payment.

Road Scholar is Not-For-Profit

Road Scholar is a not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) organization that incurs over $5 million annually on credit card fees. Please help us reduce this cost by paying for your program with a check. Please consider our paperless check option when paying on the phone or over the Internet. Our Advisors are happy to explain this payment option to you.

Tax-Deductible Donations

As a not-for-profit organization, we appreciate and rely on charitable donations to help us develop and maintain high-quality educational programs with exceptional value. Donations from U.S. citizens are tax-deductible as provided by law. As Road Scholar is not a registered charity in Canada, donations are not tax deductible for Canadian citizens.

Financial Assistance

Road Scholar offers two kinds of assistance: Scholarships, for those with desire but not the financial means to participate in our U.S.- or Canada-based learning adventures; and Caregiver Grants, designed to provide a unique respite opportunity for unpaid family caregivers to participate in a U.S.- or Canada-based Road Scholar program. Visit www.roadscholar.org/about/financial-assistance/scholarships, email us at scholarships@roadscholar.org, or call us toll free at (877) 426-8056.

General Program Information

Activity Level Ratings

Each Road Scholar program is assigned an Activity Level rating, ranging from Easy Going to Challenging, which are noted on program webpages. Try our Advanced Search tool to find programs that match your activity level. If you have special needs, or need a little extra help in finding the right program for your level of fitness and ambition, please call us and we’ll work to find options for you.

Disabilities and Special Needs

Road Scholar is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to participants with special needs and disabilities. If you have special needs requiring accommodation, please communicate them to Road Scholar at the time of enrollment. We will discuss your request with you and make every effort to accommodate you.

Service Learning

Our Service Learning programs bring participants together to work as a team to serve worthy projects. Road Scholar and sponsoring service institutions are not-for-profit organizations and are tax-exempt under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The program price may qualify as a tax-deductible gift. However, since individual circumstances vary, we suggest participants contact their tax advisors.

Included Emergency Assistance and Medical Evacuation Insurance

Road Scholar’s continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified in our Road Scholar Assurance Plan. Whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our programs overseas, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under the Road Scholar Assurance Plan. This plan is purchased by Road Scholar on behalf of every participant. The plan provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program and insurance for emergency medical evacuation. This plan includes insurance benefits underwritten by Arch Insurance Company and emergency assistance services provided by LiveTravel Assist. To learn more about this plan, including its terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions, and to view and download a certificate of insurance, please visit: www.roadscholar.org/about/included-insurance/

Travel Health

In addition to maintaining necessary vaccinations, including seasonal influenza vaccination, Road Scholar recommends all participants consult with their physician, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Department of State regarding their health condition and any recommendations specific to the destinations they will visit or transit well before departure. While Road Scholar does its best to provide pertinent information regarding international health requirements and travel health precautions for travel abroad, please remember we are not health experts and can only share with you the recommendations made by the CDC and the US Department of State. It It is therefore your responsibility to consult with your physician and/or contact the CDC for health information specific to your travel destination. Your physician will be able to assess your overall health and fitness, provide information and guidance on health risks you may encounter while traveling, medication you may need to take, and other precautions for the prevention of injury and illness during your program.

Here is guidance from the Centers for Disease Control on how to avoid contracting and spreading an illness.

Only travel if you are healthy. Stay home if you are sick, displaying any symptoms of potential sickness.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

For those looking for additional resources on this topic, we recommend trusted sources such as your physician, the US Department of State, CDC, and WHO.

U.S. Department of State: www.travel.state.gov
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): www.cdc.gov/travel
World Health Organization (WHO): www.who.int/

Your health and safety are of the utmost importance to us. To learn more about Road Scholar’s commitment to our participants’ well-being and the steps you can take to keep yourself healthy when traveling, please visit www.roadscholar.org/practical-information/general-health-safety/

Please also be sure to review our Travel Updates webpage for the latest travel information, steps we are taking to keep your program experience as safe as possible, as well as helpful information about how to prepare for your upcoming program and what to expect once you're there. www.roadscholar.org/practical-information/travel-updates/

Domestic Travel Arrangements

Programs in the United States and Canada require independent arrivals and departures unless otherwise stated, meaning that you must make your own travel arrangements to and from the program site. If you are flying to your program, you will be responsible for getting yourself from the airport to the starting location of your program and returning to the airport at the end. Please keep in mind that many airlines assess penalties if you need to change or cancel your ticket— up to 100 percent of the ticket price in certain cases — for which you will be responsible. Please also be aware that Road Scholar may occasionally have to alter a program in a way that affects flight schedules, and you will be responsible for changing your flight arrangements and paying applicable fees. For the greatest protection, we recommend waiting until 60 days prior to your program in the United States or Canada to purchase airfare.

International Travel Arrangements

Road Scholar Can Help Arrange Your International Airfare

Almost all of our international programs can be purchased with airfare arranged by Road Scholar. We have negotiated special international rates with major airlines. A list of departure cities can be found by visiting our website or calling to speak with one of our experienced Advisors. As an added benefit, guaranteed airport transfers on the program’s published start and end date are included with your international air travel when arranged through Road Scholar. If your preferred airport is not listed, or you would like to travel on a different day, travel in premium or business class, specify the airline or routing, or travel independently before or after our program, we are happy to customize and create a personalized air travel itinerary to meet your needs. Select the “Custom Flight Arrangements” option and then the airport you want, or discuss your flight preferences with one of our expert air Travel Advisors.

Arranging Your Own International Airfare

If you choose to make your own international air travel arrangements, you will be responsible for getting yourself from the airport to the starting location of your program and returning to the airport at the end. Please keep in mind that many airlines assess penalties if you need to change or cancel your ticket— up to 100 percent of the ticket price in certain cases — for which you will be responsible. Please also be aware that Road Scholar may occasionally have to alter a program in a way that affects flight schedules, and you will be responsible for changing your flight arrangements and paying applicable fees. For the greatest protection, we recommend waiting until 90 days prior to your International program to purchase airfare,

Road Scholar Optional Trip Protection with “Cancel for Any Reason” Coverage

The optional Road Scholar Trip Protection Plan helps protect your investment if you must cancel or interrupt your program for specified, covered reasons, such as illness or injury to you, your traveling companion or an immediate family member of you or your traveling companion. Plus, if you need to cancel your program for any reason not covered by insurance, you will receive a credit good for future travel with Road Scholar for the full amount of the Road Scholar cancellation fee. The plan also provides benefits if you are delayed getting to or returning home from your program and protects your investment should you have an emergency during your program that causes you to miss program days or return home earlier than expected. Your airfare, whether purchased through Road Scholar or independently, is covered at no additional cost — an exceptional benefit and value offered exclusively to Road Scholar participants. You will receive information about this optional travel insurance plan when you enroll in a program. To learn more about this plan, including its terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions, and to view and download a certificate of insurance, please visit: www.roadscholar.org/about/protection-plan.

Additional Program Information

Our goal is to make sure our participants have the most enjoyable and rewarding program experience possible. Whether you are considering one of Road Scholar’s many educational adventures or are currently enrolled in a program, we highly recommend you review the additional program information available in the Practical Information section on our website. The section includes a wide range of topics and information -- everything from how to choose the perfect program to traveling solo to insurance. Please visit www.roadscholar.org/practical-information, or call us if you have specific questions. After you enroll in a program, please be sure to carefully read all pre-program communications and your Program preparatory materials, as they provide important information about how to prepare for your upcoming program and what to expect once you're there.

Program Policies

Deposit, Transfer and Cancellation Policy

Road Scholar requires deposits for all its programs, and charges fees if you transfer or cancel your enrollment. Deposits and fees vary between programs. Please refer to the Deposit, Transfer & Cancellation Policy on program webpages for specific deposit amounts, and transfer and cancellation fee schedules.

About Program Details and Itineraries

We make every effort to operate our programs as advertised. The information on our website is updated regularly, and reflects the most up to date information. We are committed to providing participants with final program details no later than three weeks before the start of land programs within the United States, four weeks for programs International and Afloat programs. and one week for online programs. However, itineraries or other aspects of a program may change due to situations beyond the control. If this happens we will do our best to notify you of the change prior to arriving on your program. We ask you to pack a little extra patience and flexibility, just in case there are last-minute changes to your program.

If Road Scholar Cancels or Interrupts a Program

Road Scholar reserves the right to cancel programs prior to departure, terminate a program early, and to take action as needed on an individual or group basis when, in Road Scholar’s opinion, the health, safety or well-being of participants requires such action. Additionally, due to low enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances, Road Scholar must occasionally cancel or change the dates of a program. When that occurs we will notify you as far in advance as possible and will assist you in transferring your enrollment to another program or refunding your full Road Scholar program payment. If you have made transportation arrangements, such as an airline ticket purchase, Road Scholar will give you a credit good for future travel with Road Scholar to help cover the cost of transferring your travel arrangements for use on a replacement program. The maximum value of the credit will be $300 and documentation of your paid fees is required before issuance of the credit.

Accuracy of Information

While every effort is made to provide accurate information on our website and in our catalogs, Road Scholar is not responsible for typographical errors, inaccuracies or omissions that may relate to program descriptions, pricing, and availability. Road Scholar reserves the right to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions that may appear in our publications, and to change or update information at any time without prior notice. If you discover an error on our website or catalog, please let us know.

Program Pricing

As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing exceptional educational opportunities at a remarkable value. We do everything in our power to ensure that the published program price is the price you pay. On occasion, costs we can’t anticipate and that are beyond our control arise and may be passed along to you. If this occurs, we will let you know as soon as possible.

Terms and Conditions

Program Selection
We want every participant to have a safe, enjoyable and rewarding program experience. The travel and activities of Road Scholar programs require participants to be in good general health and capable of performing all program activities as described by the program description and its corresponding Activity Level. As a group travel experience, participants must be capable of caring for themselves during the program and agree not to impede the progress of the program or interfere with the enjoyment of other participants. Participants are required to disclose known medical and physical conditions that may interfere with their safety and well being or the safety and well being of others during this program. Road Scholar may limit or terminate the participation in the program at the participant’s expense and without refund any participants who fail to disclose all medical information or do not honestly assess their physical capabilities in advance. With this information in mind, carefully consider the travel and program demands as described on the Road Scholar website, and consult with your physician about your travel plans. If after enrolling you have second thoughts about the program you chose, please call us and we will be happy to assist you in finding a program better suited to your abilities.

Responsibility

Road Scholar’s responsibility is limited. Road Scholar organizes, promotes, and sells educational programs consisting of certain travel services, including land, air, and water transportation, excursions, and cruise/barge/hotel accommodations that Road Scholar purchases or reserves from various suppliers (collectively, “Suppliers”). Road Scholar neither owns nor operates any of these Suppliers; they are independent contractors and are not Road Scholar’s agents. Therefore, Road Scholar is not responsible for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any Supplier or any other third party. You agree that you will look to such Suppliers, and not to Road Scholar or its agents, for any accident, injury, property damage, or personal loss you may suffer. Without limitation, Road Scholar is not responsible for any injury, loss, or damage to person or property, death, delay, or inconvenience in connection with the provision of, or failure to provide, any goods or services occasioned by or resulting from — but not limited to — acts of God or force majeure, acts of war or civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind, mechanical or other failure of airplanes or other means of transportation, or the failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart on time, or for any other cause beyond the direct control of Road Scholar.

Safety & Risks

Certain risks — from natural disasters to accidents, outbreaks of illness, crime, insect-borne and other infectious diseases, environmental risks to health, terrorism and other unforeseen events — are inherent in travel. While such occurrences are beyond our control, we make substantial efforts to be prepared for such possibilities. Participants are encouraged to review the safety and travel information provided by the U.S. Department of State and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to learn about current security issues, travel advisories and warnings, recent embassy notices, country-specific health information, health risks you may encounter while traveling, precautions for the prevention of illness, disease and general health issues during your program and other helpful destination-specific information. By enrolling in a program, you agree to assume responsibility for your own health, safety, and welfare, and acknowledge that Road Scholar cannot guarantee your safety or health at any time.

Admission & Participation Policy

The granting or denial of admission to a program is within the sole discretion of Road Scholar. Road Scholar reserves the right to revoke admission or terminate or limit participation at any time if Road Scholar reasonably determines a participant’s condition, behavior or actions are inappropriate or disruptive, or adversely affect the participant’s health or safety, or the health, safety or enjoyment of other participants. Road Scholar reserves the right to take action as needed on an individual or group basis when, in Road Scholar’s sole opinion, the health, safety or well-being of participants requires such action.

Photography and Video

Road Scholar reserves the right to take photographs, videos or audio/visual recordings during the operation of any program or part thereof and to use them, whether taken by a representative of Road Scholar or by other participants, for promotional purposes. By enrolling in a Road Scholar program, participants agree to allow their images or recordings to be used for such purposes. Participants who prefer that their images or recordings not be used are asked to identify themselves to program staff and the photographer at the commencement of their program. For Road Scholar online programs, all audio or video recordings, content and materials are the property of Road Scholar. Participants are prohibited from taking screen captures, or making, copying or distributing all or part of any audio or video recordings of online programs.

Online Program Terms

If you enroll in one of Road Scholar’s online programs, you are responsible for the integrity of the device on which you will attend this online program, as well as your own high-speed internet connection. Road Scholar is not responsible for outages or interruptions in internet service. Road Scholar cannot and will not provide recordings, content or materials, or provide reimbursement of any kind, for missed portion(s) of your online program, regardless of the reason.

Seller of Travel Information

Road Scholar’s state of Washington Seller of Travel Reg. No. 602244658. CST #2068427-40. Florida Seller of Travel Reg. No. ST35594.

Modifications to Terms and Conditions

Road Scholar reserves the right at any time to update, change, modify, or revise these Terms and Conditions at any time. Any changes will become effective upon posting the changes, modifications or revisions to the Terms and Conditions. Accordingly, participants should review Road Scholar’s Terms and Conditions regularly prior to travel in order to ensure they are aware of any changes.

2022 Elderhostel. All rights reserved. The Road Scholar service marks, logos, website address and other marks are owned by Elderhostel, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to inspiring adults to learn, discover and travel.

Optional Trip Protection Plan

Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768

6 days

5 nights

11 meals

4B 2L 5D

Program Registration, Welcome and Orientation, Dinner

Albuquerque

New Mexico History, Old Town, About Hot-Air Ballooning

Albuquerque

Balloon Mass Ascension and Evening Glow, Pueblo Cultural Ctr

Albuquerque

Balloon Flight, Mass Ascension, Free Time, Balloon Glow

Albuquerque

Visit Santa Fe, Museum Hill, Santa Fe Plaza, Free Time

Albuquerque

Program Concludes

Albuquerque

View Full Itinerary

At a Glance

Turn your eyes skyward to New Mexico’s multi-colored tapestry of hot-air balloons at the region’s world-renowned Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Trace Native American life back hundreds of years and learn how Puebloans have managed to retain their lands and traditions for centuries. Enjoy a one of a kind experience learning about New Mexico and the world's premier ballooning event.

Activity Level

Keep the Pace

Walking up to two miles over varied terrain. Standing for up to three hours. Elevations of 5,300-7,000 feet. Must be able to climb into/out of the balloon basket (approximately 4 feet tall) for the balloon ride. Some days will include very early departure times for the mass accessions at Balloon Fiesta Park.

Best of all, you’ll…

Experience Balloon Fiesta up close -- from viewing set up and inflation, to taking a breathtaking Balloon flight of your own.
Enjoy Santa Fe, experiencing its abundant culture and learn about the area's Native American and Spanish history.
Learn about the history and science behind hot air ballooning from a local pilot and expert.

General Notes

Max of 160 participants, divided into four groups of 40 for some activities. If you are travelling with someone with whom you would like to be grouped, please include their name(s) on your Personal Information & Preferences as far in advance as possible.

Featured Expert

All Experts

Don Boyer

Don Boyer is a balloon pilot and currently an assistant chief flight instructor for the FAA-certified Airborne Heat Flight School. He took his first balloon flight in 1985 at the age of 32, later acquiring his own balloon system and private and commercial pilot certifications. In 1994, Don became a contract pilot for the renowned World Balloon Corporation in Albuquerque. He recently retired as the safety director for LRC Trucking, Inc., where he managed driver safety programs and federal and state DOT/OSHA compliance.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Christopher Gibson View biography

Christopher Gibson is an award-winning artist, writer, and arts educator who makes his home in Albuquerque, New Mexico. His work includes the Cuentos del Camino series on lower Cerrillos Road in Santa Fe and mixed-media installations at numerous museums in New Mexico and California. Over the years, he has written several articles on Hispanic arts and culture for the magazines "Tradición Revista" and "Imagen."

Don Boyer View biography

Elena Junes View biography

Elena Ortiz-Junes is a native New Mexican and member of the Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo. She has worked for many years as a study leader and group leader for numerous organizations and universities, providing a unique perspective on the region and its rich cultural tapestry. She is a writer and founding board member of Red Media, an indigenous owned and operated media project that highlights Native writers. Elena is also a board member of the University of New Mexico’s Alfonso Ortiz Center for Intercultural Studies.

Vannetta Perry View biography

Dr. Vannetta Perry is a retired educator and lifelong resident of New Mexico who is deeply rooted in the southwest. Her family homesteaded and ranched in Southwestern New Mexico and farmed in West Texas. As an educator, Dr. Perry worked in the university setting, teaching biology and directing science outreach programs. Her love for travel was sparked when she led research studies in developing countries. Since retiring, Dr. Perry has continued to share her love of travel and education as a travel director and leader.

Colleen Patrick View biography

A native of Colorado and a relative newcomer to New Mexico, Colleen Patrick has spent a lifetime visiting and learning about Pueblo culture, pottery and the movement of Native Americans and Spaniards throughout New Mexico. Colleen has been in the travel business since 2006, but has been a traveler since her childhood. She learned to appreciate new cultures and new places as a child and has loved sharing new places and cultures with guests for many years.

Sherry Moon View biography

Sherry Moon is a certified interpreter for the profession of heritage interpretation and an experienced group leader. She has a bachelor's degree in Mass Communications and has taught communication and art. For nearly 20 years, she has been a group leader specializing in the Southwest and Alaska/Yukon. As president of the Rocky Mountain Guides Association, she is regarded as a local expert. Her interests include the arts, history, heritage, geology, reading, outdoor activities, and socializing with friends.