Hot air balloon and helicopter rides in Mendoza

Hot air balloon rides in Mendoza, Argentina, take off from Junín, in the east of the province, and drift over vineyards and olive groves with the Andes in the background. The flight lasts 45 minutes to 1 hour, and the whole activity, from inflating the balloon to returning to the launch site, about two and a half hours. Flights go up at sunrise or sunset, when the wind is calmest. By helicopter, there are scenic flights over the Potrerillos reservoir and mountain flights, which depend on the weather and the route.

I add these flights to the itineraries of people who want a different kind of moment on their trip: a birthday, a proposal, a first morning in Mendoza. But they follow their own logic, and that's what I explain here.

What is a hot air balloon ride in Mendoza like?

The operator is Mendoza Balloons, which has been flying since 2018 together with the municipality of Junín. The base is at Los Barriales, on Route 60, opposite the Monumento del Agua y el Trabajo. The balloon lands some 10 to 15 km away, wherever the wind takes it.

From above you see eastern Mendoza: farmland, vineyards and olive groves, with the Andes on the horizon. Time Out describes a sparkling wine toast on landing.

The basket of the largest balloon carries up to 12 passengers, according to Time Out. Smaller balloons take far fewer.

A balloon has no route. It has wind. That's why every morning's flight is different.

When is the best time for a balloon ride in Mendoza?

There's no fixed season: flights run throughout the year, always early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The operator has spoken of suitable flying conditions on about 70% of days.

The weather has the final say. Flights are confirmed, or not, based on the forecast close to the date. That's why I never put the balloon on the last day of a trip: if the wind says no, there's still another morning.

A question of geography: Junín is in the east, in the opposite direction from the wineries of Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley. Balloon day works best paired with Maipú or the city itself. I explain how the regions fit together in Maipú, Luján and the Uco Valley are not neighborhoods (in Portuguese).

What is a helicopter tour in Mendoza like?

There are helicopter operators running sightseeing flights over Mendoza, and the format varies a lot by destination:

• Potrerillos: HelicopTour is based at the Potrerillos dam itself, less than an hour from the city, with a helicopter for three passengers. The flight passes over the reservoir, between the mountains. It's the same reservoir as the Las Palapas sunset (in Portuguese), so you can combine both on the same day.
• High Andes and Aconcagua: there are companies specialized in mountain flying, which also fly guests to wineries and hotels in the Uco Valley. Los Andes reported in 2024 that this kind of request is growing with international tourism.
• Vineyards: arriving by helicopter at a Uco Valley winery is already a reality for some of the area's luxury hotels.

Flight time depends on the route, and I confirm it case by case with whoever is operating during your travel dates.

When is the best time for a helicopter flight?

Summer is the busiest season, thanks to more stable weather, according to the operators interviewed by Los Andes. In winter the snow makes the Andes more beautiful, but the mountains also close in more often.

Whatever the season, mountain flying depends on wind and visibility. In bad weather, nobody flies. Leave room in your itinerary.

How much does a balloon or helicopter ride in Mendoza cost?

It depends on the flight, the number of people and the date. It's quoted to measure, and I give you that on the video call. I don't publish prices here because they change, and a wrong price on a public page is worse than no price.

How to fit the flight into your itinerary

The flight itself is the easy part. The hard part is everything else: which day it fits, what to do after a pre-dawn balloon start, how not to lose a winery booking if the flight is rescheduled.

I'm Beto, a private travel advisor in Mendoza. I'm not a travel agency or a tour operator and I take no commission. I plan the trip with you by video call, and you book directly, at the real price.

• Initial Chat (USD 89): one video call and a written PDF itinerary.
• Tu Amigo Plan (USD 297): three calls, and you book live with me alongside you.
• Premium Amigo (USD 597): I make the bookings in your name, the flight included, and put together a backup plan if the weather grounds it.

If the flight is for a special occasion, tell me. That's where a trip becomes unforgettable. See pricing or write to me in the form below.

If you'd rather see the Andes up close by road, see also Mendoza Andes day trip.

FAQ

Where do hot air balloon rides in Mendoza take place?
In Junín, in the east of the province. Take-off is at Los Barriales, on Route 60.

How long is the balloon flight?
45 minutes to 1 hour in the air. The whole activity takes about two and a half hours.

Can the flight be cancelled?
Yes. Balloons and helicopters only fly in good weather, and confirmation comes close to the date.

Can you combine a flight with wineries on the same day?
Yes, with the right geography. The Junín balloon pairs best with Maipú; a helicopter can even take you to a Uco Valley winery.

Sources

• Government of Mendoza — Growing interest in balloon flights (29/07/2018)
• Los Andes — Hot air balloon rides return in Junín (23/01/2021)
• Time Out — Plans to live Mendoza to the full: Mendoza Balloons (06/01/2025)
• Aerotec — The magic of balloon flying with Mendoza Balloons (23/12/2024)
• Government of Mendoza — HelicopTour: exploring Potrerillos from the sky (13/08/2025)
• Los Andes — Luxury tourism: growing use of helicopters and private jets (28/10/2024)