One’s destination is never a place, but always a new way of seeing things.
— Henry Miller
Travel with like-minded, lifelong explorers and spend just a day or an entire week discovering amazing things about the world around us. Whether it is a “behind-the-scenes” visit to an artist’s studio, a hike through a southern Arizona riparian habitat in search of elusive warblers, a journey through history following the trail of Spanish missionaries or an in-depth cultural immersion in lands beyond our own, join us and engage the world, you never know what you will find!
Hopi Arts, Hopi Culture | SOLD OUT | call 742-6455 x 228 to be wait listed
May 10-13, 2019 | $1575 per person/double occupancy | $300 single supplement | a $275 deposit secures your spot
In this members only tour, we’re on the road to the land of the Hopi where culture and tradition are rooted in the landscape. Along the way we will enjoy the company of Southwest scholar and second-generation Indian art dealer Mark Bahti. With his lifelong connections, Mark will introduce us to silversmiths, potters, basket weavers and katsinam carvers working in both historical and contemporary ways who will share with us their art, their lives and their rich cultural heritage. And, we’ve planned this departure over the Mother’s Day weekend to improve our chances of witnessing the very special celebrations that may be taking place in many of the villages. Hosted by South of the Border Tours in conjunction with the Heard Museum Guild.
Chaco Culture: Beyond the Canyon Walls
September 23-27 | $1850 per person/double occupancy | $230 single supplement | a $500 deposit secures your spot
The center of Ancestral Puebloan (Anasazi) culture 1000 years ago, Chaco Canyon in northwest New Mexico is one of the most impressive archaeological sites north of the Rio Grande. The magnificent masonry ruins of this UNESCO World Heritage site encompass six large pueblos containing over 1600 multi-story rooms, more than 90 kivas and numerous Great Kivas. Ancestral Puebloans blended work and worship; they were master artisans, farmers, astronomers, traders and skilled engineers, creating an extensive trade network of pueblos with connecting roads throughout the San Juan Basin and beyond.
Our personal guide is geomorphologist Fred Nials whose research focuses on subjects as diverse, and as interrelated, as the Chacoan road system, the influence of streamflow on Hohokam canals and the effects of environmental variation (El Niño in particular) on cultural development in the Southwest. Oh, and in case you were wondering, geomorphology is the study of landforms and how processes such as wind, water and ice can shape the landscape.
From an overview of Chacoan culture in the Canyon itself, to an off-road trek to visit Chacoan outliers, our exploration takes us not only to well-known sites such as Pueblo Bonito, but to significant and seldom-visited sites including Pierre’s and Twin Angels; in-depth visits to Salmon Ruins and Aztec Ruins National Monument are also featured. All along the way, Nials describes the science and the theories surrounding the strategies and techniques Chacoan people used to adapt to their often-challenging environment.
Hosted by Stephen Bernier and South of the Border Tours, all-inclusive cost covers transportation by motorcoach and passenger van, accommodations at the Best Western Gallup Inn and Suites and the Courtyard by Marriott in Farmington, meals, guide services and admission fees.
Acoma to Zuni and Santa Fe
November 8-13 | $1825 per person/double occupancy | $400 single supplement | a $500 deposit secures your space
From the “Sky City” to the “City Different,” this special tour blends singular cultural experiences and gatherings with remarkable artists with tasteful meals, luxurious accommodations, artful galleries and exceptional museums.
Our guide for this ed-venture almost needs no introduction. Second-generation Indian art dealer, scholar and author, Mark Bahti is a legend in the Southwest having spent a lifetime in the Four Corners. His knowledge and expertise is unsurpassed and provides unique insights into the lives and work of native craftspeople. His thoughtful collections are showcased in his Tucson and Santa Fe galleries.
Highlights of our trip include visits to Zuni Pueblo and the A:shiwi A:wan Museum and Heritage Center and to Acoma Pueblo, their Cultural Center and Haak’u Museum. While at Acoma we will also have the opportunity to meet resident potters and enjoy a lunch of traditional foods at the Yaak’a Café. While in Santa Fe we explore behind the scenes at the Institute of American Indian Arts have planned for visits with artists possibly including George Rivera (sculptor), Roxanne Swentzell (sculptor), Diana Moya-Lujan (straw applique), Art Lopez (retablo and santos), and Lawrence Baca (jewelry/silversmith). There will be receptions at several prominent Plaza galleries including, of course, Bahti Indian Arts. We’ve even built in a free day in Santa Fe for you to follow your fancy – explore Museum Hill, shop Canyon Road Arts District, stroll the Plaza or sample the best of New Mexican cuisine. But, no doubt, the climax of our travels will be our visit to Jemez Pueblo to attend their Feast Day of San Diego on November 12. The local plaza comes alive with hundreds of multi-generational Puebloan dancers as well as vendors selling a variety of crafts, folk art and local food.
To make sure we are rested for our adventures, our first night in Gallup will be spent at the Best Western, while our remaining four nights will see us enjoying the luxury of the historic, art-filled La Fonda Hotel on the Plaza, one of Santa Fe’s 4-star hotels filled with authentic, New Mexican architectural charm.
The pueblos of New Mexcio are magical – Zuni was one mistaken for the Seven Cities of Cíbola after all – and the rich mix of Native American, Hispanic and Anglo heritage of Santa Fe is legendary. Come explore it with us.
Cost includes motorcoach transportation, accommodations (one night at the Best Western in Gallup and four nights at La Fonda in Santa Fe), most meals, guide services and other related tour expenses.