Inca Sunrise
Hot Air Balloon Experience over Cusco
The first sun of the Andes, a tethered balloon ascent and a breakfast among the mountains.
90 USD
per person
Tethered ascent · 15–20 minutes
Reference image
Scheduled time
4:30–8:15 AM
Format
Tethered balloon
People per turn
3 or 4
Activity area
Sacsayhuamán
The experience
Cusco, before the world wakes up.
There are moments in travel that are measured not in hours, but in heartbeats. While the world below still sleeps, wrapped in Andean mist, the plains that guard Sacsayhuamán become the stage for a mystical, timeless experience.
Your journey begins before dawn. As you arrive at the launch field, the crackle of the Andean flame breaks the early-morning silence, filling a giant that will gently lift you into the Cusco sky. With a warm coca tea in your hands and your eyes on the horizon, you will feel gravity give way to absolute calm.
As our tethered hot air balloon rises, the best-kept secret of the Andes unfolds before your eyes: the sun rising behind the sacred peaks, bathing the colossal Inca walls and the clay rooftops of the imperial city in a golden, cinematic light.
Floating dozens of meters above the ground, in perfect stillness, with the fresh morning breeze on your face, is a complete disconnection: a moment suspended in time, made for taking in the vastness of this land.
After a smooth, controlled descent, we celebrate the moment with the traditional sparkling-wine toast of honor and a gourmet picnic breakfast in the open air, surrounded by Andean nature. A deeply beautiful, intimate and meaningful experience that will surely become the most vivid photograph of your time in Peru.
It's not just seeing Cusco. It's floating over its history before the rest of the world wakes up.
Highlights
Why you'll remember it.
01
Sunrise from the sky
Watch the first light rise behind the sacred Andean peaks and wash Cusco in gold.
02
Above Sacsayhuamán
A bird's-eye view of the colossal Inca walls, the clay rooftops of the imperial city and the surrounding mountains.
03
Toast and picnic breakfast
Celebrate back on the ground with a sparkling-wine toast of honor and a gourmet open-air breakfast.
04
Small groups
Ascents in groups of 3 or 4 people for a calm, intimate time in the basket.
05
Back by 8:30 AM
Just 15 minutes from the historic center, with the rest of your day free to explore.
06
Safe and certified
A certified pilot, technical crew, passenger insurance and a flight certificate to take home.
Itinerary · One morning
A sunrise, step by step.
Approximate schedule. Times may be adjusted depending on the weather and operations.
Step
01
Hotel pick-up in Cusco
The launch field is only 15 minutes from the historic center, so the drive is very short.
- Pick-up from your hotel in the historic center
- Short transfer to the launch field
Step
02
Welcome coca tea and balloon inflation
Arrival at the take-off field near Sacsayhuamán. Enjoy a hot drink against the intense cold of the Cusco dawn while you watch the powerful burners inflate the balloon's envelope.
- Welcome coca tea
- Safety briefing
- Balloon inflation
Step
03
Tethered balloon ascent (group turns)
You'll board the basket in groups of 3 or 4. The balloon rises vertically and stays aloft for about 15 to 20 minutes, giving you an incredible bird's-eye view of sunrise over Cusco, the Sacsayhuamán fortress and the surrounding Andean peaks.
- Groups of 3 or 4 people
- 15–20 minutes in the air
- Sunrise views over Cusco
Step
04
Traditional toast and picnic breakfast
After a controlled descent, we raise the classic sparkling-wine toast and share a country-style picnic breakfast with local breads, juices and coffee.
- Toast of honor
- Picnic breakfast
- Flight certificate
Step
05
Return to Cusco's Plaza de Armas
Transport drops you back in the historic center before 8:30 AM, with the rest of the day ahead of you.
- Drop-off at the Plaza de Armas
- Back before 8:30 AM
What's included
Everything that comes with your experience.
Included
Hotel pick-up in the historic center.
Tourist transportation.
Welcome drink.
Safety talk (briefing).
Tethered flight.
Picnic breakfast.
Toast of honor.
Flight certificate.
Technical crew and certified pilot.
Passenger insurance (insurance policy).
Ongoing assistance.
Not included
Tips or personal expenses.
Transportation from hotels outside Cusco's historic center.
Before you go
Before you rise.
Book in advance
This service is only available on certain days of the week. Check your date and book a few days ahead.
The weather sets the pace
The activity depends on weather conditions. If strong winds or persistent rain prevent a safe take-off, it will be rescheduled or the applicable refund policies will apply. Check the specific conditions before booking.
A vertical ascent
The tethered balloon only goes up and down over the same spot. It doesn't travel over the valley or cover long distances, but the sense of height, the thrill and the panoramic views are fantastic. Looking for a private luxury flight over long distances? Ask about our Premium free flight in the Sacred Valley (not included in this service).
Dress very warmly
The area next to Sacsayhuamán sits at about 3,700 m (12,140 ft) above sea level, and at 5 AM Andean temperatures are very low. Bring gloves, ear muffs and a thick thermal jacket.
FAQ
What travelers often ask us.
Does the balloon fly over the Sacred Valley?
No. This experience uses a tethered balloon: it rises and descends vertically over the same spot, without traveling long distances. If you're looking for a different option, ask about the Premium free flight in the Sacred Valley; it is not included in this service.
How long is the ascent?
Time in the air is approximately 15 to 20 minutes per turn. The full experience runs from pick-up between 4:30 and 5:00 AM to the scheduled return between 7:45 and 8:15 AM.
How many people go up at once?
Ascents are organized in groups of 3 or 4 people. Turns are coordinated by the operations team.
Is it available every day?
No. The service runs on certain days of the week. Book a few days in advance and check availability for your date before confirming.
What happens if there is strong wind or rain?
The activity depends on weather conditions. If strong wind or persistent rain prevents a safe take-off, it will be rescheduled or the applicable refund policies will apply. Check the specific conditions before booking.
Where is pick-up and where does the tour end?
Pick-up is included for hotels in Cusco's historic center. Transportation from hotels outside that area is not included. The tour ends at the Plaza de Armas before 8:30 AM.
What should I wear?
Bring gloves, ear muffs and a thick thermal jacket. The area near Sacsayhuamán is at about 3,700 m (12,140 ft) above sea level and it is very cold at that hour.
What does the 90 USD price include?
It includes transportation from hotels in the historic center, a welcome drink, safety briefing, tethered ascent, picnic breakfast, toast of honor, flight certificate, technical crew and certified pilot, passenger insurance and ongoing assistance. Tips and personal expenses are not included.
Are there age, health or access restrictions?
Please contact our team before booking to learn about participation requirements and access to the basket. We'll confirm everything before you book.
Gallery
Moments along the way.
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Your next sunrise
Book your spot above Cusco.
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Subject to availability and weather conditions. This inquiry does not confirm a booking.