The International Balloon Festival of León, Guanajuato, is Mexico's largest hot air balloon event and one of the most important in Latin America. Over 5 days in November, more than 200 hot air balloons of every shape and color—dragons, characters, abstract forms—take off at dawn from León's Aeronautical Field, creating one of the country's most breathtaking visual spectacles. The illuminated balloon nights (night glows) are the most photogenic moment.
History
The festival was born in 2003 as a small event organized by the Aeroclub of León and grew exponentially. León, known worldwide for its footwear and leather industry, found a new tourism identity in the Balloon Festival. In 2019 it was recognized as Latin America's largest balloon festival by the International Aeronautical Federation.
🗺️ How to get there
Flights to Bajío/León airport (BJX) from Mexico City (1 hour) or Guadalajara (50 minutes). The Aeronautical Field is 15 minutes from the airport.
🏨 Where to stay
Hotels in downtown León or near the festival grounds. Other options in San Miguel de Allende (1.5 hours) or Guanajuato city (1 hour).
Event details
- When
- Primera semana de noviembre
- Duration
- 5 días
- Venue
- Campo Aeronáutico de León
- City
- León
Category
Festival
