Hot air balloon experience – Globos Boreal – Paseos en Globo

How to Become a Hot Air Balloon Pilot in Spain: Training, Real Stories, and First Steps

globosboreal — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 17:34:03 +0000

Your First Hot Air Balloon Flight: An Experience That Changes Everything

Hot Air Balloon Flights in Segovia: A Unique Experience from the Air

Riding in a hot air balloon is unlike any other kind of flight. The takeoff is smooth and gradual, and within minutes you find yourself observing the landscape from a completely new perspective, in silence and moving with the rhythm of the wind. Every flight is different, and what begins as a one-time experience can open the door to a much wider world: training, competitions, or even a new passion.

For many, it remains a unique memory. But others feel the curiosity to go one step further.

That’s where Globos Boreal comes in as a hot air balloon pilot school, guiding those who decide to turn that first experience into something more.

That was the case for Manuel, from Seville, who took his first flight in July 2022 in Aznalcóllar (Seville) as a passenger… and ended up taking the leap into training and piloting.

And also Fermín, who came from Argentina with the same curiosity: to discover what lies beyond the experience and learn to fly on his own.

From Passenger to Pilot: Real Stories That Begin in the Air

Each student arrives by a different path. Some discover the world of hot air balloons almost by chance. Others spend years searching for it. And there are also those who have it in their blood, as part of their environment or family tradition. But they all share something in common: that moment when they decide they don’t want to remain just passengers.

Manuel: when one experience sparks an idea

Manuel had no previous experience in the world of balloons. His story began like many others: with a single flight.

It was in July 2022, in Aznalcóllar (Seville). A one-time experience that, unexpectedly, changed the way he saw things.

“I loved the experience, and spontaneously the idea came to me that maybe I could pilot a balloon like that one…”

What started as simple curiosity began to take shape. Manuel started researching, looking for options… until he found Globos Boreal.

“I was searching online for hot air balloon pilot schools, and Boreal’s website was the one that caught my attention the most and gave me the most confidence.”

From the outside, it may seem easy, but he is clear about it:

“Yes, it’s difficult. You not only have to acquire technical knowledge, but also develop flight skills and take on the responsibility that comes with it.”

Even so, something outweighs the difficulty:

“I love the experience of flying in a balloon, and it offers me a professional opportunity that I personally value.”

Fermín: Crossing an Ocean to Fulfill a Dream

Fermín’s story begins in 2018, in Merlo (Argentina), when he took his first hot air balloon flight as part of the “Flying High for Kids” project, an initiative that traveled around the world and, during its visit to the country, introduced him to this way of flying.

But for him, it was more than just a one-time experience.

“The connection with nature, the calm, teamwork, freedom… these are some of the perfect ingredients for happiness, and hot air ballooning undoubtedly brings them all together.”

That feeling marked a turning point. Over time, he decided to take the next step and train as a pilot, starting a journey that would take him far from home.

His connection with Globos Boreal came through a French pilot, a mutual friend, who encouraged him to make the leap.

“Today, Boreal is my ballooning family.”

For Fermín, becoming a pilot goes far beyond the technical side:

“More than ‘difficult,’ it’s a decision. It’s a constant learning process to develop composure and confidence in decision-making.”

He even describes it as a philosophy:

“It’s a way of life where it’s important to live fully in the present, remember what has been done in the past, and anticipate what will happen in the future.”

His motivation is clear and deeply personal:

“To fulfill my lifelong dream: to fly when I’m not drawing.”

Two different stories, two very different paths.
But one thing in common: taking the step.

Because becoming a hot air balloon pilot doesn’t begin in the air… it begins with a decision.

What Training Is Like: What You Need and How Long It Takes

Drawing of a hot air balloon basket by Fermín Peluffo, Globos Boreal student and illustrator.

Taking the step from passenger to pilot is not as far off as many people imagine. Becoming a hot air balloon pilot is an accessible process, but it requires commitment, consistency, and, above all, a passion for flying.

At Globos Boreal, as a hot air balloon pilot school, we guide each student along that path, adapting the training to their pace and previous experience.

In Spain, the training is regulated and combines two fundamental parts: theory and practice.

On the one hand, there is the theoretical part, where students acquire the knowledge needed to fly safely:

Meteorology (essential for understanding the wind and making decisions)
Air navigation
Regulations and aviation law
Balloon operation and maintenance

But where the real magic begins is in the practical side.

The training includes real flight hours, where students actively take part in the entire process: from assembling the balloon to takeoff, navigation, and landing. It’s not just about flying, but about learning to interpret the environment at every moment.

As for the time required, there is no single fixed answer. It depends on each person’s availability and pace, but typically the process is completed over several months, combining progressive training with real flight experience.

Many students start with no previous experience at all. The only thing truly needed is the desire to learn and respect the environment in which you fly.

And it’s during this process that something interesting happens: what begins as curiosity gradually turns into knowledge… and knowledge into confidence.

Take the Step: Your First Flight Starts Here

All stories have one thing in common: a first flight.

Sometimes it’s a gift, other times a long-awaited experience, or simply something that happens without much planning. But in many cases, that moment marks the beginning of something bigger.

Because flying in a hot air balloon is not just an activity. It’s a different way of understanding time, your surroundings, and yourself.

Some keep it as a memory.
Others, like Manuel or Fermín, decide to go further.

And, interestingly, there are even those who take the step without ever having flown before.

When that happens and people ask us, we always recommend the same: come and fly first, experience it from the inside, and if you decide to continue, that flight will be deducted from the training course.

If you’ve ever felt that curiosity, if you’ve wondered what it would be like to be on the other side, to make decisions in the air or to be part of a flight team… this might be your moment.

No previous experience is needed. Just the desire to learn, to live something different, and to let yourself be carried —at first— by the wind.

The rest can be learned.

And if you’re ready to take that first step, we’ll be happy to guide you along the way.

Corporate Events in Spain: Unique Hot Air Balloon Experiences for Companies

globosboreal — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 16:13:15 +0000

Last Tuesday, March 17, the skies over Segovia offered a sight that surprised many: 13 hot air balloons flying over the city at the same time, moving together in a colorful aerial choreography across the landscape.

Behind this scene was a corporate event organized by Globos Boreal, with more than 150 people from the same company taking part. The goal was clear: to step away from the routine of traditional business meetings and share a truly memorable experience.

The day began at sunrise at the launch field. Upon arrival, participants were welcomed with a coffee service while they watched the balloons gradually inflate. Little by little, a sense of anticipation filled the atmosphere, conversations among colleagues, photos of the process, and groups being organized before boarding.

It’s a moment that always amazes: watching the massive envelopes rise from the ground until they become fully formed balloons ready to fly. In this case, with thirteen aircraft preparing at the same time, the scene felt even more special.

Original Corporate Events: How to Transform a Meeting into an Experience

More and more companies are looking for different ways to bring their teams together. While traditional meetings are still necessary, many organizations want these gatherings to also inspire, connect, and be remembered.

In this context, hot air balloon flights have become an increasingly popular choice for original corporate events. Not only because of how spectacular it is to see multiple balloons flying over the landscape, but also because it completely transforms the way a corporate event is experienced.

Although it may seem like a novel idea, this type of experience has been part of corporate programs for years. Globos Boreal has organized flights for large groups and companies such as Aquarius, who have trusted this activity to offer something out of the ordinary.

Globos Boreal, 2012

One of the key elements is the setting. Everything takes place outdoors, in a wide open space that encourages people to disconnect from the usual pace of work.

In addition, a hot air balloon flight offers something quite unique: it is both exciting and relaxing at the same time. It conveys a strong sense of safety thanks to careful planning, experienced pilots, and seamless team coordination, especially important for corporate events with large groups.

But perhaps the greatest value lies in what happens afterward. Unlike many corporate activities, a hot air balloon flight becomes a shared memory, an experience that teams continue to talk about and relive long after landing.

Benefits of Hot Air Balloon Flights for Companies: Emotional Impact and Exclusivity

There are activities that work well within a corporate program, and others that leave a lasting impression. A hot air balloon flight for companies clearly belongs to the latter.

Part of its strength lies in the emotional impact it creates. From the moment participants see the balloons being prepared to the instant the basket gently lifts off the ground, the experience sparks a sense of surprise, admiration, and excitement. It’s not just an activity, but a way to break away from routine and create shared memories within the team.

Added to this is the element of exclusivity. It’s not an everyday experience, nor something most people have done many times. That’s precisely why, when a company organizes an event like this, it is offering something truly special.

Moreover, when several balloons take off at the same time, the visual impact is multiplied. Seeing an entire group flying simultaneously creates a powerful image that conveys coordination and a sense of a unique, one of a kind event.

Hot Air Balloon Event Planning: Logistics, Safety, and Coordination

Behind an experience like this is a team that takes care of every detail. It involves days of planning, adapting the experience to reflect what each company aims to convey.

Pilots continuously monitor weather conditions to ensure the best possible flying environment. At the same time, the ground crew coordinates all logistics: support vehicles, passenger organization, balloon preparation, and assistance throughout the event.

The result is a carefully designed experience where participants can simply focus on enjoying a safe and well-organized hot air balloon event.

Why Choose a Hot Air Balloon Experience for Companies: Team Building and Connection

More and more companies are choosing hot air balloon flights for team building because they are not just an activity, but an experience that transforms a corporate gathering into a shared memory.

It allows teams to step away from routine, encourages connection among colleagues, and offers a different perspective, both literally and symbolically. Its exclusive nature and careful organization ensure a unique, safe corporate experience tailored to the group’s objectives.

That’s why companies from a wide range of industries trust this type of team building activity: because a hot air balloon experience goes far beyond a simple meeting, strengthening team cohesion and leaving a lasting impression long after landing.

If you are looking to organize a corporate event anywhere in Spain or offer your team a truly original experience, a hot air balloon flight is an option that combines impact, emotion, and professional execution.
Get in touch with our team and we will design a tailored experience for your company.

The Beginnings of Globos Boreal: First Flights and the Adventure of Creating a Hot Air Balloon Company

globosboreal — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 08:55:27 +0000

Every great story begins without knowing it will become one.

The story of Globos Boreal began long before the first flight. It started in 1975, when two travelers, Javier Tarno and Paloma Trapero, crossed paths at exactly the right moment. From the very beginning, what united them was their shared love of traveling and discovering the world.

They had barely known each other when they decided to set off on their first adventure together, hitchhiking to England through Holland, taking whatever jobs they could find, washing dishes, learning English, surviving on very little, for several months.

It wasn’t tourism. It was exploration.

Between 1978 and 1980, they embarked on two major journeys to India and Southeast Asia, each lasting six months.

The first time, they traveled overland along the legendary hippie trail from Madrid to India. Forty days crossing countries by train and local buses, sleeping wherever they could, learning as they went.

At that time, almost no one around them was doing anything like that.
Their friends were amazed.
Their families were worried.

But that way of traveling — slow, authentic, and bold — would later define the way they would create experiences.

FROM TRAVELERS TO PIONEERS OF THE SKY

Their journeys had taught them how to live between curiosity and adventure. But Javier and Paloma could hardly have imagined that their next destination would leave no footprints in the mud, but trails in the sky.

Their first encounter with the world of hot air balloons came in 1978, during the Aranjuez Festival. At that time, they were simply spectators.

Two years later, in 1980, during the Spanish Hot Air Balloon Championship held in Valdemorillo, Javier flew for the first time in the balloon “Iris,” piloted by Alfonso de las Heras. Several friends had gone to the meeting point to help as logistical support for the teams, but that experience became much more than just another day in their lives.

That flight marked a turning point. It wasn’t only the feeling of rising into the air, but the opportunity to understand from the inside how everything worked: the preparation, the responsibility, the precision, and the coordination required for every maneuver. Several of the friends who were there would eventually become pilots themselves. Javier left that experience with a clear idea: he wanted to dedicate himself professionally to flying.

After returning from their second major trip to Asia in 1981, he took the next step. He began working at Publiglobo alongside Alfonso de las Heras and Alberto Álvarez. There, he trained, learned the craft, and gained a deep understanding of the technical and professional demands of hot air ballooning.

In 1982, he earned his pilot’s license.

It was a pivotal year for Javier and Paloma. The spirit of adventure was still very much alive, but it was beginning to take on a concrete shape.

THE FIRST PROFESSIONAL FLIGHTS AND THE BIRTH OF GLOBOS BOREAL

Becoming a hot air balloon pilot was only the beginning. The real challenge came afterward.

The hardest part was not learning how to fly. It was finding the money to buy their own balloon. Without a balloon, there were no flights. And without flights, there was no project.

In July 1982, the same year Javier earned his pilot’s license, Spain hosted the FIFA World Cup. Javier and Paloma worked in the event’s organization. It was an intense but strategic opportunity: they managed to save the first capital needed to start building something of their own.

Their first professional job came in August 1982. The Aurrezki Kutxa Municipala hired them for an advertising campaign in Donostia, thanks to the contact of José Antonio Cantalapiedra, a balloon pilot who had previously worked with the agency responsible for the campaign.

For 40 days, they flew almost daily. They took off from emblematic locations such as La Concha beach and the Alderdi Eder gardens, and also carried out flights in different towns across Guipúzcoa, including Eibar, Andoain, and Vergara. These were not tourist flights, but aerial advertising operations, and they became their true professional training ground: logistics, team management, client relations, and constant adaptability.

After the advertising campaign ended, they took the decisive step. With the savings they had accumulated and a small additional loan, they purchased that same balloon. They also bought a second-hand car, essential for transporting the equipment.

Throughout the 1980s, Javier flew as an independent pilot, building experience and reputation within the industry. Until in 1990, they decided to formalize everything that had been growing for years.

That year, Globos Boreal was officially founded. They rented a small office in what had once been the former doorman’s lodge of the building where they lived, in La Prospe. From that modest space, a company began to take shape — one built step by step: first as an adventure, then as a profession, and finally as a business project.

FOUR DECADES LATER: A CONVERSATION WITH THE FOUNDERS

More than forty years have passed since that first professional flight, and although they have flown thousands of kilometers since then, Javier and Paloma still remember every takeoff as if it were the first: the nerves, the laughter, the close calls, and the excitement of discovering that the sky could also become a workplace.

Today, between memories and anecdotes, we asked them a few questions to find out what they would do the same way… and what would make them say, “I can’t believe we did that!” if they could go back to those early days.

Did you ever imagine the project would last this long?

“This year marks 44 years since our first professional job, and back then we couldn’t imagine the project would last this long. In between, we had two children, and we had to balance raising them with office work and flights, in an activity that is a bit like life on the road — no free weekends, no conventional holidays.

We didn’t know if we would be able to ‘live off the air.’ We took the risk… and here we are, with our children continuing the family tradition.”

If you compare that first job with today’s flights, what has changed?

“If we compare our first job with today’s flights, almost everything has changed — mostly for the better.

In terms of flying, there is now a huge amount of accessible weather information, which makes operations much safer and easier to manage.

In an activity where you never know exactly where you will land, having good recovery vehicles makes a big difference.

In our early flights, communication was very limited. We didn’t carry mobile phones or radios. We had to trust the intuition of the chase crew or find a phone to call our rescue contact. Later, we started using 2-meter radios, but most of the time we would lose signal due to traffic, mountains, and other obstacles… and we would once again have to look for a phone to call that famous rescue number.

Despite all those limitations, the experience we gained became an invaluable learning process, which we later passed on to the next generation of pilots in our School — many of whom are still flying today, especially in central Spain.

At the same time, we began repairing our own balloons and eventually created a maintenance workshop.

As for office work, in the early days everything was analog: typewriter, landline phone, fax. Then came the mobile phone, the computer, and the internet with the creation of our first website. Later, fully entering the digital era and social media made management, flight organization, and administrative processes much more efficient — especially when dealing with authorities.”

What would you say to your younger selves back then?

“How young we were 😂😂”

Flying Today with Globos Boreal: A Spirit That Remains Intact

Thirty years after those first hot air balloon flights, Globos Boreal continues to fly with the same passion and enthusiasm that Javier and Paloma poured into their very first balloon. The experience has evolved: greater safety, improved equipment, and carefully designed routes to enjoy every moment.

Yet some things have not changed: the thrill of takeoff, the feeling of freedom while floating above Segovia — our most recommended area and main base of operations — and that spirit of adventure born from early travels, first professional flights, and every lesson learned along the way.

Every hot air balloon flight is a story, and every passenger becomes part of it. At Globos Boreal, you don’t simply fly: you live a hot air balloon experience that combines years of expertise, professionalism, and a genuine passion for flying.