Hot air balloon tours are one of the most popular activities in Cappadocia, so we knew it was a must-try during our 4-day trip. (You can find our whole itinerary here) While I had read blogs and websites to get an idea of what to expect, we learned a lot through experiencing it for ourselves. When it comes to the Cappadocia Hot Air Balloons, here’s everything you need to know before your ride.
Shop the Experience Before You Book:
Before you book, shop around for different experiences because the prices vary greatly. We booked on Airbnb Experiences and paid 150€, but were quoted between 100-350€, so make sure to ask around. We were a tad nervous after hearing that there are plenty of Cappadocia hot air balloon scams but ended up loving our experience!
Book the First Morning of Your Trip:
When planning your trip to Cappadocia, book the hot air balloon for the first morning of your trip. Depending on the weather, hot air balloon rides often get canceled or delayed. By booking it at the beginning of your trip, you’ll have a buffer to reschedule more easily.
Expect an early morning. We left our hotel around 4:20 am to make it to our reservation. Upon arrival, ask the right questions. You want to be up there right before the sun rises to enjoy the sunrise. Some balloons went up late and didn’t get the full experience.
Don’t be afraid to ask when the balloon will take off and where it will go.
Photo & Attire Tips:
If photos are on your mind (let’s be honest, probably the case for most of you), get the outside seat on the basket for the best photos.
Finally, you don’t need much in terms of packing a purse, but bring a jacket! Even though it was warm in Cappadocia, it gets pretty cold up high that early in the morning.
A few more notes on Cappadocia Hot Air Balloons:
A few things stressed us out prior to the trip: booking payments and weather delays.
Airbnb Experiences asked for an initial deposit and then the rest to be paid before our flight. Then we had heard horror stories of canceled rides and raised prices, so we definitely felt a little uneasy heading into the trip.
Thankfully, everything worked out, we paid the original agreed-upon amount, and we did not encounter any weather days. I hope you experience a stress-free day when visiting Cappadocia and riding the Hot Air Balloons.
Looking for more Cappadocia tips?
How to Spend 4 Days in Cappadocia
