Tucson Origins Walking Tour: Explore Cultural Heritage
5.0
14 Ratings
Tucson
Discover the cultural heritage of Tucson on a walking tour through its historic districts. Learn about its Native American, Spanish colonial, Mexican, and American Territorial eras, and its UNESCO City of Gastronomy designation.
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Presidio San Agustin del Tucson - Step back in time to the earthen adobe fortress founded in 1775 by the Spanish. We will learn about the Indigenous, Spanish Colonial, and Mexican cultural heritage of Tucson in this historic El Presidio District of Tucson as well as feature street art.
- Pima County Courthouse - We’ll visit and learn about the architecture of the beautiful and historic Pima County Courthouse, travel back in time in the Plaza de Armas, and take a moment to reflect on the January 8 memorial.
- Barrio Historico - We’ll go on an urban hike through the historic quarter of Tucson, the Barrio Viejo. Where we will visit is only a third of the size of the original community that was spared the wrecking ball of “urban renewal.” We will discuss the only regional as opposed to national and international architectural styles present here. The only example left north of the border in the Sonoran Desert. You’ll find out how Tucson got its name and get to know what is said to be the only shrine on unconsecrated ground in the United States.
What's Included
- Gratuities included.
What's Not Included
- Bottled water
Additional Information
As featured in The World’s Greatest Places of 2023 by Time Magazine & 52 Places to Go in 2023 by New York Times
Venture into the roots of Tucson, one of the key cities in the American Southwest, through this heritage-based journey.
While navigating through El Presidio and the Barrio Viejo districts in downtown Tucson, we will delve into the area’s history and architecture, marked by the distinct periods of Native American, Spanish colonial, Mexican, and American Territorial influences. Furthermore, we will explore the meaning behind Tucson’s designation as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.
This encounter provides a chance to unravel the distinct attributes that make Tucson an intriguing part of the American cultural fabric.
A former National Park ranger, with experience in the preservation and interpretation of southwestern heritage, guides this tour. I have also contributed to the initiative of declaring the Barrio Viejo neighborhood a National Historic Landmark and worked at the historically significant Tumacacori National Historical Park in close proximity.
Location
175 N Meyer Ave
North Meyer Avenue
We will meet directly in front of the white-plastered historic adobe with distinctive blue doors called La Casa Cordova - located on N. Meyer Ave. & next to the Tucson Museum of Art entry.
The nearest public parking:
Pima County El Presidio Parking Garage
165 W Alameda St, Tucson, AZ 85701
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(14 Ratings)
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David_g
Apr 7, 2024
Alex did a masterful job... - Alex did a masterful job conducting this comprehensive and outstanding tour. His knowledge of old Tucson and it's architecture was wonderful. One of the best tours that we've been on. He also was extremely informative about present day Tucson. Job well done.
Review provided by Viator
Cynthia_d
Feb 29, 2024
Well worth it! - Alex was a very engaging and personable guide. His enthusiasm for history was infectious. Trip was well thought out with detailed information but not overwhelming.
Review provided by Viator
Lgogden
Feb 25, 2024
Tucson history - On a scale of one to ten, this tour was a twenty. Our guide was excellent; informed and enthusiastic. The history of Tucson is very interesting and although the tour group was large we could all see and appreciate the many points of interest.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Susan_a
Feb 25, 2024
Our guide had such a... - Our guide had such a thorough knowledge of Tucson’s history. Amazing.
Very interesting! I’m sure all his tours are excellent.
Review provided by Viator
Daniel_k
Feb 20, 2024
Don’t travel to Tucson without taking this tour! - Outstanding tour for culture, history & architecture. The tour guide has a fantastic background, as a National Park Ranger, and can answer virtually any question we asked. Loved every minute of the tour.
Review provided by Viator
Maps48654064989
Jan 28, 2024
A tour to remember- highly recommend - I highly recommend this tour! Alex covered history, culture, local agriculture and horticulture and he had great stories about the historical figures. We learned lot. Alex began the tour with asking everyone to share what they were interested in learning. He answered all questions. We will come back on our next visit and sign up for another tour with Alex!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kim
Nov 1, 2023
Education of Tuscan - Alex was amazing!!!! He was the most informed tour guide I’ve ever had. By the end of the tour my husband and I agreed we learned a lot in two hours. Alex’s style is fun but educational
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Patriciamj6177su
Sep 5, 2023
Every reason why you should take this tour - My husband and I took this tour with Alex Saturday. We had high expectations because it was rated 5 stars across the board on TripAdvisor. Add our 5 stars to the celestial total - Alex is knowledgeable across multiple disciplines (nerdy - his word, not mine), engaging, articulate, personable. There is every reason to take this tour if you have the opportunity, and no reason not to. We learned so much about local history in multiple eras, the desert food supply, the architecture, and on and on.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Michaelbg9128mi
Sep 2, 2023
Terrific Tucson Tour! - This was an amazing tour. Alex was very knowledgeable and passionate about history and his enthusiasm shows. Thank you for introducing us to the history!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Monicaba1080gh
Aug 17, 2023
Expand your mind! - I booked my tour through a hotel loyalty program and was not exactly sure of what to expect. The experience with Alex and Borderlandia blew my mind!
Alex is so passionate, energetic, and knowledgeable about the history and culture of Tucson and far beyond. He spoke of the symbiosis of the cultures over the centuries as well as today. The stories told of individuals who survived and thrived in the sometimes harsh conditions of the early days of Tucson are an indication of the grit and determination of the human spirit. Nearly every cacti, plant, or tree had a purpose whether it be food, medicine, building material or all of the above.
This tour is a must for anyone who enjoys history and wants to expand their understanding of the Sonoran Desert and its peoples. If you have tweens, teens, or young adults, book this tour and expand their minds!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
