Tucson Origins w/ Borderlandia

Guided interpretive walking tour with Alex La Pierre of Borderlandia. Featured in The New York Times 52 Places to Go, Time Magazine’s The World’s Greatest Places, and AAA’s 8 Best Walking Tours in the West. Learn about the origins of one of the most important cities of the SW on this cultural heritage itinerary. Walking downtown Tucson’s El Presidio & Barrio Viejo quarters, you’ll explore the history & architecture of the community through the themes of the Indigenous, Spanish Colonial, Mexican, and American Territorial eras as well as get to know the regional Sonoran Row House tradition. Gain insight & perspective on why Tucson was the first U.S. UNESCO designated as a City of Gastronomy. This is an opportunity to discover what makes Tucson such a unique place and how it contributes to the rich tapestry of America.

Tour Length & Distance: 

2 hours | Approx. 2 miles total walking distance on this urban trek along sidewalks and relatively level paved streets.

What to bring:

Please be sure to bring comfortable shoes and sun protection – sunscreen, hat, and/or long-sleeved loose-fitting clothing as well as plenty of water.

Where to meet:

We will meet in front of La Casa Cordova, a historic white-plastered adobe row house with distinctive recessed blue doors. Look for the flat roof and drainage pipes known as canales. Guide will have a Borderlandia hat on for identification.