Tucson Origins Walking Tour
Overview
*Featured in the New York Times' 52 Places to Go in 2023 & Time Magazine's The World’s Greatest Places of 2023*
Learn about the origins of one of the most important cities of the American Southwest, Tucson on this cultural heritage itinerary.
Walking downtown Tucson’s El Presidio and the Barrio Viejo districts, we will explore the history and architecture of the community through the themes of the Native American, Spanish colonial, Mexican, and American Territorial eras, and also explain Tucson’s UNESCO designation as a City of Gastronomy.
This is an opportunity to discover what makes Tucson such a unique and special place that forms part of America's tapestry.
A former National Park ranger leads this tour with a background in historic preservation and heritage interpretation in the southwest. I have also worked on the effort to make the Barrio Viejo neighborhood a National Historic Landmark and at the nearby historic mission of Tumacacori National Historical Park.
Learn about the origins of one of the most important cities of the American Southwest, Tucson on this cultural heritage itinerary.
Walking downtown Tucson’s El Presidio and the Barrio Viejo districts, we will explore the history and architecture of the community through the themes of the Native American, Spanish colonial, Mexican, and American Territorial eras, and also explain Tucson’s UNESCO designation as a City of Gastronomy.
This is an opportunity to discover what makes Tucson such a unique and special place that forms part of America's tapestry.
A former National Park ranger leads this tour with a background in historic preservation and heritage interpretation in the southwest. I have also worked on the effort to make the Barrio Viejo neighborhood a National Historic Landmark and at the nearby historic mission of Tumacacori National Historical Park.
Inclusions
- Gratuities
What to expect
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Presidio San Agustin del Tucson, 196 N Court Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701-1002
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.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Pima County Courthouse, 115 N Church Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701-1199
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.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Barrio Historico, Near 100 South Stone Ave Between I-10 and Stone Ave, Cushing and 17th Street, Tucson, AZ 85701
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.
Duration: 30 minutes
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Presidio San Agustin del Tucson, 196 N Court Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701-1002
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.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Pima County Courthouse, 115 N Church Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701-1199
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.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Barrio Historico, Near 100 South Stone Ave Between I-10 and Stone Ave, Cushing and 17th Street, Tucson, AZ 85701
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.
Duration: 30 minutes
Additional information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Ticket delivery
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.
MarkWBoca
March 2023
Over our long lifetimes, my wife and I have traveled throughout the world. In every location, we have sought out guides to distill the best features of wherever we were. Drawing from their personal experience, the best guides teach us to appreciate the unique culture and history of wherever we ar...
Over our long lifetimes, my wife and I have traveled throughout the world. In every location, we have sought out guides to distill the best features of wherever we were. Drawing from their personal experience, the best guides teach us to appreciate the unique culture and history of wherever we are. Alex La Pierre ranks among the very best anyplace in the world. He lives the unique blended culture of the Tucson / Nogales area. Trained as a naturalist and forester, Alex imparts his expertise on the natural environment as the stage on which the culture and history emerge. Living in a bicultural community and marriage on the Mexican - US border, Alex exemplifies the synthesis and creative synergy which combines the best of both cultures. Alex is a superb teacher, continually stimulating his students - us tourists - to think through the unique cultural and historic quandaries of living in “borderlandia” - between two nationalities and linguistic / cultural spheres.kricher2020
February 2023
Alex clearly loves to help people understand the rich history of Tucson. The walking tour went quickly because it was so interesting - highly recommended!
Alex clearly loves to help people understand the rich history of Tucson. The walking tour went quickly because it was so interesting - highly recommended!LJLERC
February 2023
We had an excellent walking tour of Tucson with Alex. We learned so much history and information about the landscape. It made our trip to Tucson so much more meaningful. Alex is an excellent presenter and kept it interesting every step of the way. Highly recommend.
We had an excellent walking tour of Tucson with Alex. We learned so much history and information about the landscape. It made our trip to Tucson so much more meaningful. Alex is an excellent presenter and kept it interesting every step of the way. Highly recommend.patriciamJ6177SU
September 2023
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. The...
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.michaelbG9128MI
September 2023
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!
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!monicabA1080GH
August 2023
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 cult...
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!