Why see the Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon?
When people ask me what it’s like watching the Cappadocia hot air balloons, I describe it as candy gumdrops floating through the sky. Surreal and a bit magical, this experience is commonplace for the locals. However, it is a privilege for tourists. Remember, very few people ever get to watch such majesty in person, so soak up every second possible.
Rooftop vibes in Cappadocia.
Get ready, because the roof decks of the various cave hotels are competitive. While the tourists posing for photos are probably nice people in real life, this will most likely not be the case when the Cappadocia hot air balloons are flying. Visitors frequently forget their manners while stalking the perfect spot. Do not let this discourage you from participating.
The hot air balloon prowlers of Cappadocia.
If your fellow balloon lurkers are a bit, ummm, brusk. Politely stand your ground. This experience is more difficult if you are a solo traveler. I found it challenging without anyone helping me out, but in the end, it was worth it.
Literally everyone else had a small entourage of people with them. No matter what, don’t be intimidated. Remember that you have as much right to be on that rooftop as they do. Using a tripod and clicker often does not carry as much weight. Just put on a smile and remember to enjoy your morning, because the spectacle is amazing.
Early birds thrive in Cappadocia.
The earlier you get up, the easier time you will have claiming a spot. Most people were in position before 5 am. Clearly, I valued my sleep more than the other guests. I was still on the roof with my hair done (okay, it was still a little wet from the shower) sub 6 am.
The funny thing is that I felt like a bit of a slacker. I can’t even imagine what time the other women woke up. But, I am pretty sure I heard hairdryers going around 3.30 am. So, it just depends on how good you want to look. Again, I tend to enjoy sleep a bit more than I probably should.
Logistics for solo travelers.
If you are traveling alone, consider booking a photographer. Certainly, you can set up a tripod and mount your cell phone or camera to it. Then, use a remote to fire off as many photos as you want. Just realize that the cave hotel rooftops are crowded. They are beautiful, but these pillow filled spaces present challenging environments.
Additionally, you could hire a taxi to drive a short distance to the balloon takeoff area. There is considerably more space, so you can get more photos pretty easily. Your images will not have that perfectly curated Instagram look. However, do not make the mistake of assuming the takeoff destination is inferior. I think the wild surroundings juxtaposed against the cotton candy balls floating through the sky (also known as hot air balloons) offers its own charms.
Life inside a hot air balloon!
Walking inside of a balloon is nothing short of amazing. It’s like playing the coolest game of Parachute ever. However, it’s a rare occurrence, and you have to get pretty lucky for this to happen.
Overall.
The hot air balloon experience is an incredibly special morning, so even if you don’t enjoy having your picture taken, make an exception in Cappadocia. There are other experiences in Cappadocia, but make sure to enjoy life among the fairy chimneys, because there really is nothing quite like it.
This site is so helpful. It encourages travel while at the same time prepares you for life in a different country. I particularly like that the author has been to every location that she describes. Knowing what to expect makes the unknown easier!!
It really is great, but you need to wake up very early! I hope this gives you a clear picture regarding the hot air balloon experience. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reply to this comment.
This article was great, super informative. Going here is on my bucket list and I’m glad to have received vital information to know before I go there!
I am so glad this was helpful! Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any more questions! Happy travels 😉
I can’t wait to fly in a hot air balloon. I would definitely have a photographer. I don’t want my tripod to tip over.
This is sooo high on my list!! My trip actually got cancelled due to COVID. Saving this for when I make it there! Thank you!
Seeing the hot air balloons in Cappadocia is on my bucket list! They look so pretty and romantic! Your photos look great! Thanks for the awesome guide!
i feel like i know everything i need to know now for my cappadocia balloon adventure! it looks like such a magical town, especially from above. i can’t wait to see it all for myself.
Thanks for keeping it real! I’m def NOT getting my hair done by 3 am! I planned on doing the balloons in Cappadocia, but got turned off solo travel in Turkey when in Istanbul and headed to Greece instead. That was a few years ago, so maybe things have changed. Would love to go up in a balloon!
What a cool experience! I’m not sure I’m up to fight for a rooftop spot though. But I think I’d be just as happy by the take-off area 🙂
Thanks for being so honest! This is on my bucket list, so it was very helpful!
This is a really helpful and informative article for seeing the hot air balloons!
Our Cappadocia trip has been cancelled twice now due to the restrictions but I seriously cannot wait to be able to experience it! I’m luckily an early bird and knowing me I’ll be way to excited to even sleep the night before! But it’s good to know that this is one spot where no matter how early you get up, there will be people there before you.
I’ve seen so many photos of these balloons and always wondered how solo travellers did their photo shoots! I think I’d have to take someone with me to help and to avoid all the angry photographers haha.
Really, people got up at 3.30. Wow. That’s too early for me. Lovely photos you were able to capture.
This is very helpful for people trying to get these pictures! Me? I’m glad there are other travel bloggers willing to do because it just sounds like too much hassle for me haha. You’re right, normally nice people lose all of their cool when trying to get to the photo spot they want. But great guide!
I’ve always wanted to visit here for the hot air balloons. Thanks for the tips about the rooftops – I’ll have to bring my game face with me!
This was awesome! Great tips. I was in Cappadocia in 2019, but the two mornings I spent there the balloons were grounded due to inclement weather. I was sooooooo disappointed. I want to go back for sure. Pinned and saved for when I do.
This is on my bucket list, I will be there by 5 am! Such an amazing experience and stunning photos!!!
Great post. Very informative and refreshingly honest. It does look like an amazing experience and I hope you thoroughly enjoyed it.
Thank you for an informative article! I’ve seen countless photos of the hot air balloons of Cappadocia, but never read about the details involved in taking the pictures themselves. We plan to go someday and this provides a much more realistic idea about what to expect.
So interesting to read what the experience looks like ‘behind the photos.’ I’ve always wanted to do this, so it’s refreshing to read what it’s ACTUALLY like!
What a great post! I would love to go to Cappadocia and see the hot air balloons. Thank you so much for the great and honest recommendations and tips!
I cannot wait to do this someday! I just did it here in Tampa, Florida and it was so much fun, and I can only imagine the feeling would be magnified by ten doing it in Cappadocia! Thank you for all of the info!
I bet it was so fun when you went! Yes, Cappadocia and Turkey in general are truly magical.
You look like you are having so much fun! I love advice about standing your ground. As a solo traveller, it’s something I struggle to remember/enforce.
I’ve heard great things about Cappadocia + the views definitely look kinda surreal (love the “probably nice people in real life” comment, hahaha). Your photos look great!
I have always wanted to do this! You managed to get great photos!
Cappadocia is a place that is still on my list! I’ve visited Turkey but I haven’t been to Cappadocia. All of the hot air balloons look amazing. I can only imagine how amazing it is at sunrise.