Teotihuacan: Hot Air Balloon Flight & La Gruta Breakfast

Summary

Sunrise balloon ride over Teotihuacan with breakfast in a cave and time to explore

You’ll float quietly above Teotihuacan as dawn breaks, share breakfast in a cave restaurant where locals gather, then walk among ancient stones at your own pace. With roundtrip pickup from Mexico City and a shared hot air balloon flight included, this day feels both weightless and grounded — in ways that stay with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

Someone nudged my shoulder just as the balloon basket started to lift — I think it was our pilot, Alfredo, but honestly I was too busy grinning at the sudden whoosh of flame overhead. The air up there felt cooler than I expected, and for a second all you hear is that soft rush, then nothing but quiet. Teotihuacan spread out under us in the early light, pyramids looking almost gentle from above. My hands kept finding the edge of the basket — not fear exactly, more like trying to remember every second.

After we landed (gentler than I’d guessed), we piled into a van and drove over to Restaurant La Gruta. It’s tucked right into a cave — you walk down these stone steps and suddenly you’re inside, sunlight slanting through the entrance. The smell down there is half woodsmoke, half tortillas. Our group ordered whatever looked good; I went for chilaquiles because someone said it’s what locals eat after early mornings. Li laughed when I tried to say “gracias” with my mouth full — probably deserved it.

You get some time on your own to wander Teotihuacan after breakfast. No guide hurrying you along — just sun on stone and people tracing their fingers along ancient carvings. The scale of it hits different when you’re walking instead of floating. There’s this one spot near the Pyramid of the Sun where everything goes quiet for a moment except distant voices and sandals on gravel. I still think about that view sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Balloon flight, breakfast, and exploration

• Take panoramic hot air balloon flight
• Have breakfast at Restaurant La Gruta
• Explore Teotihuacan archaeological site

Top questions

How long does the hot air balloon flight over Teotihuacan last?

The balloon flight lasts about 45 minutes over Teotihuacan.

Is roundtrip transport from Mexico City included?

Yes, roundtrip transport from CDMX is included in the tour.

Do I need to book my own entrance ticket for Teotihuacan?

The entrance fee isn’t included but is easy to buy at the gate.

Is breakfast at Restaurant La Gruta included?

No, food isn’t included; each person orders and pays for what they want at La Gruta.

What time does the tour end back in Mexico City?

The tour ends around 12:00 pm in Mexico City.

Can children join this hot air balloon tour?

This tour isn’t recommended for children under 6 years old.

Are there any health restrictions for this activity?

The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

Will there be a guide during exploration of Teotihuacan?

No guide is provided during your time exploring Teotihuacan; you explore on your own.

What’s included

Your day includes shared hot air balloon flight over Teotihuacan with all reservations handled by staff, roundtrip transport from Mexico City, breakfast time at Restaurant La Gruta (food not included), and free time to explore the archaeological area on your own before returning around noon.