Activity Tucson, USA

Tucson Origins Walking Tour

5.0 (27 reviews) 2 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

27 reviews

5.0

Tucson Origins Walking Tour — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Tucson Origins Walking Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

*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.

Private and Luxury Cultural Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Weather Dependent - Weather-Proof Agent Low Quality Product

At a glance

Duration: 2 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 20 people
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English, Spanish
Operated by: Borderlandia LLC

Ages: Infants (1–4 years) · Children (5–10 years) · Youth (11–17 years) · Adults (18–65 years) · Seniors (66–100 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Gratuities

Not included

Not included: Bottled water

Itinerary

Presidio San Agustin Del Tucson Museum

15 min

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

10 min

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

30 min

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.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

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

End point

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

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.