Turkey - Cappadocia Balloon Ride

There was a vertical crash last year that killed a couple of people. I can't guess how many flights go up a day - - lots.

I wouldn't do it because of the cost, but it's a case of not paying for what I can do myself. I've had a balloon ticket for at least forty years - - it's a hoot. I've flown low-level over the area and it's spectacular.

If you've got the bucks, go for it.

We were in Cappadocia in 2011 and we said we would not take the balloon ride - too touristy, and we wouldn't be sucked in. Well, we were. The views are spectacular. All the balloons in the air are almost as interesting a sight as the rock formations. Regarding safety - our pilot was very good but he did complain about others who cut us off while trying to give their passengers a more thrilling ride, so choose your company carefully. Our hotel arranged the ride for us. While in Turkey we took an overnight bus from Goreme to Antalya. We also considered the chances of an accident happening during the night. There's never a guarantee of complete safety for anything. We did enjoy ourselves and are glad we decided to take the ride.

We took the balloon ride in Cappadocia last September, and it was a highlight of our trip. We stayed at the Kelebek Hotel in Goreme and used Butterfly Balloons, which is associated with the hotel and gives you a discount. Highly recommend both. There are lots of balloon companies to choose from; our captain estimated 65 other balloons in the sky that morning. I would choose on the basis of safety record and experience rather than price.

We did the hot air balloon flight in Cappadocia one or two days after that accident. We used Butterfly Balloons. A rep from Buterfly came and spoke to our group and explained why this type of thing would not happen to us. He explained that their ballooons take off away from the large groups of balloons taking off - more room between balloons and less chance of a collision. He gave us a chance to opt out of the flight but we went anyway. It was marvelous. I look forward to another balloon flight - next time in Africa.

If you have concerns, one non-balloon option is the top of Uchisar Castle. You'll get a really nice view (albiet a fixed one) of the surrounding countryside.

Did the balloon ride last October. The cost was high, but for us was a once in a lifetime experience. The views were incredible. Highly recommend Butterfly Balloons as has already been mentioned. They were very professional, lifted off far away from the approx. 70 other balloons in the air that day, and had a lot of air space between us and the other balloons. Never felt unsafe. Gentle landing, literally on top of the trailer behind the truck! If you can get Mustafa as your pilot, he is the best! He is a professor at the balloon pilot training school that has been established in Turkey. My wife and I highly recommend the balloon ride!

We are planning to do this in June--how much is "too much?"

We are planning to do this in June--how much is "too much?"

It was about $250. per person.

In September 2013 we paid 300 euros (around $400) cash price for two of us for Butterfly Balloons, including the discount for staying at & booking through Kelebek Hotel.