Balloon in Cappadocia: A definitive guide for all seasons (even in winter)

On my trip to Turkey in February 2019, I decided to take a balloon ride in Cappadocia! I know, in the winter!

I know that in winter I should be travelling to the southern hemisphere and getting some tan in Thailand. But as I traveled with Turkish Airlines back to Bhutan (where I live), after a period in Brazil, and since I would pass through Turkey on my way back, I decided to make my stopover a bit longer.

That’s how I ended up realising an old dream that I had… taking a balloon ride in Cappadocia!

Although I was there in the winter and this activity was a bit expensive, I thought that riding a balloon through the skies of Cappadocia was something I should do!

I’ll now tell you if it was really worth it!

In this post, you will find:

• Why Cappadocia is perfect for the balloon flight?
• When is the best time to fly in a balloon in Cappadocia?
• Balloon in Cappadocia in winter: Advantages vs Disadvantages
• How much it costs to fly in a balloon in Cappadocia?
• How does the balloon flight work?
• My experience in a balloon through the skies of Cappadocia
• Where to stay in Cappadocia
• What you need to know before the balloon flight in Cappadocia

Why Cappadocia is perfect for the balloon flight?

Cappadocia is a region of Turkey in Central Anatolia, about 700 km from Istanbul.

The place is famous for its unique geological formation due to volcanic activity and erosion. It really is a completely different landscape from anything else I’ve ever seen!

And if it is already beautiful to see this landscape from the ground, it’s even more incredible from the sky in a balloon. Seriously, it’s surreal!

Everything gets even more beautiful with all those balloons colouring the dawning sky. I’ve never flown in a balloon before, so I can’t make comparisons. But undoubtedly, Cappadocia deserves the title of one of the most beautiful places to fly in a balloon.

When is the best time to fly in a balloon in Cappadocia

The balloon flights leave every day at sunrise, when the wind conditions are great for flight, at any time of the year. Whether it’s summer or winter.

Flights do not leave when there is too much wind, or if it’s too cloudy or raining. You’ll only pay if your balloon takes off that day. And in case it doesn’t leave for some reason, you can do try it again on the next day!

It’s hard to say that there is a better season to fly in the ballon because the landscape will be different at different times of the year! But the chance of the balloon not flying in winter is greater, as it is windier and there is more probability of rain and snow.

Balloon flight in Cappadocia in winter: Advantages vs Disadvantages

I travelled in the winter, in February and I managed to realise my dream!

But I will list here the main advantages of flying in the winter and also some disadvantages.

Advantages

Snowy peaks that can be seen only in winter

• It’s cheaper: There are companies that have a differentiated price in winter as it is low season in Turkey. The saving is considerable. I flew with Butterfly ballons and they offer EUR 20.00 discount in winter.
• Snowy peaks in the mountains: Most of the mountains of the region will have snowy peaks and perhaps even other parts will be covered in snow. The image of these mountains was incredible!
• It will be less busy: Cappadocia is a very touristic place and in high season is really ultra crowded! Having fewer people makes it a little easier for the photos in the balloon. Moreover, the city is more enjoyable.
• You may wake up a bit later: I consider this an extremely valid point as I sm very lazy. In winter the sunrise is at around 7:00am, that means you will be picked up at your hotel at around 6:00am, so you can wake up around 5:30am. During the summer, the sunrise happens between 5:00am and 5:30am… Get ready to wake up before 4 o’clock in the morning.
• It’s cheaper: Have I told you that winter prices are cheaper? I will insist on this point, because for me (assumed penny-pincher) that advantage would convince me and I would not need to read the others ;).

Disadvantages

Balloons wilting after they land

• You may not fly: Flights can be canceled at any time of the year, because the balloons will not fly when it’s too wind, but in winter the chances of wind and snow are greater. I was lucky because I flew on my planned day, but there was no flight the day before and the day after. I was also told that the balloon rides were cancelled for a week because of a snowstorm. But remember, you don’t pay anything if your balloon doesn’t fly.
• Cold: This may not be a problem for most people! For me it is a little, because I feel very cold and I just hate it. But during the flight itself, it’s warm because of the hot air used in the balloon. The problem is when you come down and stand there with that silly face after living such a beautiful moment. When you notice it, your hands are already frozen and you can’t move them…
• The weather will be more gray: Again, this might not be a problem depending on your interests. But in winter, the odds of having gray skies with clouds is bigger. Of course, the sights will still be enchanting, but if you’re expecting that blue sky with a radiant sun rising, maybe you should go for the warmer seasons. The day I went, it was cloudy and there was no sun, but it didn’t bother me at all!

How much it costs to fly in a balloon in Cappadocia?

Sunrise saw from the balloon in Cappadocia

The part that everyone wants to know. What are the prices for a balloon flight in Cappadocia?

Well, this is an expensive part of your trip (luckily all other things in Cappadocia and in Turkey, in general, are pretty cheap). And most agencies offer similar prices.

Usually around EUR 160.00 in the classic balloons (I know, it hurts in our backpacker’s heart…). But in winter, some agencies, such as Butterfly Balloons, offer discount and the amount drops to EUR 140.00. And there is an additional EUR 10.00 discount for any cash payment. These EUR 30.00 savings paid my other tours in Goreme in my two days there. Nice, huh?

There are still more expensive options with fewer people in the baskets. Just take care of agencies that offer an unbelievable cheap value. They may not have a good reputation. Check the reviews before closing with any agency.

How does the balloon flight work?

I flew with Butterfly Ballons and had an excellent experience.

They pick you up you at your hotel (if you are staying in Goreme) at an agreed time. In their office, we can then have breakfast before the departure of the flight (another penny-pincher hint: Choose a hotel that serves breakfast until 10:00 and you can enjoy their breakfast when you get back from the balloon ride;)

If the weather conditions are suitable for flights, everyone is allocated in a minivan to go to the balloon, already separated by the names of the pilots. I flew with Mustafa and loved it!

There, we can see them filling the balloons and it’s really emotional to see them rise up. Then we climb into the baskets and Mustafa gives us the safety guidelines and how we should land.

You can’t even feel that the balloon is out of the ground, and suddenly you’re already there, in the middle of the sky with that lovely view. The flight lasts at least 1h. Mustafa is very experienced! The balloon went up a lot but also came close to some rock formations so we could see them a bit better.

I don’t even know what view I appreciated the most. We reached a maximum altitude of 850m from the ground!

The landing is right on top of the truck.

In the end, the Butterfly team took several pictures of us, they are very kind and solicitous. And they asked us to help deflate the balloon. It was pretty cool.

Then you still have a champagne and coffee celebration and we get a certificate and a medal.

On the way back, they drop us at our hotel again.

My experience in a balloon through the skies of Cappadocia

Well, I think you can see that it was a unique experience for me and that I would recommend it to anyone who goes to Cappadocia at any time of year, even in winter.

The only reason that I’ll probably not repeat the experience is the price.

Despite being an expensive activity, it is a really rewarding sensation and an experience that you will live a few times in your life. I am a person who prefers to spend money with experiences instead of clothes, a new phone or expensive restaurants, so I spent that money without pity and I have no regret.

Other than that, I don’t think there’s much I have to tell you. You need to go and live that feeling for yourselves!

To make my experience even more memorable, there was a wedding proposal on my balloon and we celebrated with them. It was very nice and I was even invited to the wedding in Kazakhstan.

I recommend Butterfly Balloons. The flight was excellent, and apart of that the staff was very professional and lively and I felt super safe.

I loved it so much that I’m already planning another hot air balloon flight. Flying in a balloon in Luxor, Egypt was also one of my dreams. I also want to do the hot air balloon ride in Bagan, Myanmar! It’s magnificent. Since I live in Asia, I guess this could be my next destination!

Where to stay in Cappadocia

The best city to stay for the balloon ride is the city of Goreme, where most of the balloons agencies are located.

Most of the hotels and hostels there are cave hotels and this is already a unique experience.

I stayed at Cappadocia Cave rooms in a shared room and recommend it. The staff were very friendly and helpful, breakfast was very good, bed comfortables, amazing shower, functional heaters (important lol). And the view from the terrace is beautiful! And all this for just EUR 6.00 a day!

But there are excellent options in all of Goreme. At the end of the day, I went to the balloon’s couple engagement celebration at Divan Cave Houses. And the hotel had upgraded them. It was an amazing room. They had even a fireplace and a jacuzzi.

The best seller of Booking is Mithra Cave Hotel. A hint is to search for hotels that have a terrace. So you can see the spectacle of the balloons in the sky in the morning!!
Booking.com

What you need to know before the balloon flight in Cappadocia

These are the most important tips for you that will fly in a balloon in Cappadocia in any season, but mainly in winter:

• Book the balloon flight on your first day in Cappadocia: This is very important because if the balloon flight is cancelled for some reason, you’ll still have a chance to do it on the next day. And that leads to the next hint,
• Have at least two or three days in the region: So you have a better chance of flying, especially if you are there in winter;
• Be prepared for the cold: I advise thermal clothing underneath, a windbreaker jacket, gloves, beanie and scarf for winter. Even in summer, the flight leaves very early, so I advise at least a good cardigan because it may be cold up there;
• Take only your camera with you: If you are one of those who carries several things or various photographic equipment, they will have no use up there. The balloon ride is short and the basket is quite tight, so the fewer things you take, the more comfortable you will be!

If you’re in need of extra money to travel, and the techniques to save for your next trip of the MaD method aren’t enough, why not start renting that spare room at your house to other travellers? Might be a good idea for an extra income!
join.booking.com

Notes

Note 1: There are some affiliate links in this post. Please be advised that you will not pay more for using these links, but we from “Mochilão a Dois” will receive a small commission. If you like our work, please use our links and collaborate so that our blog continues to grow. We will be very happy

Note 2: The “Mochilão a Dois” had an incentive from the Butterfly Balloons, with a discount on the price of the balloon ride. However, we pray for sincerity with the readers of the blog, and we report our experiences based on the service provided to all, not being our opinion influenced in the editing of this post!

Note 3: The travel insurance is of paramount importance. Never travel without! Don’t forget to do yours before leaving home! Use our coupon at the link below (MOCHILAOADOIS5) and get 5% discount or contact us for other promotions that are in effect at the time of your trip!

Seguro Viagem:
Europa

Intermac I60 Inter (exceto EUA) +Covid-19

Assistência médica USD 60.000

Bagagem extraviada USD 750 (SUPLEMENTAR)

Cotar - R$ 21/dia* *Valor referente a 7 dias de viagem.

AC 35 EUROPA (Exceto EUA) COVID-19

Assistência médica EUR 35.000

Bagagem extraviada EUR 1.200

Cotar - R$ 34/dia* *Valor referente a 7 dias de viagem.

UA 40 EUROPA (exceto EUA) COVID-19

Assistência médica USD 40.000

Bagagem extraviada USD 200 (SUPLEMENTAR)

Cotar - R$ 15/dia* *Valor referente a 7 dias de viagem.

Posted by Liany Garves

Liany is a pharmacist that worked for years in a big company. She left her safe job and comfortable life in Brazil to live an adventure in the remote Kingdom of Bhutan and, nowadays, lives in Thailand. The passion for traveling runs to her veins and she loves spending time in the travel blog, helping other travelers with her experiences or planning her next trip.