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Tucson Origins Walking Tour

28 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 28 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | Tucson, USA
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 27 (0) days in advance.

2 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
and 1 more
Spanish
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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.

What's Included

  • Gratuities
  • Bottled water
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

175 North Meyer Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85701, USA

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

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Presidio San Agustin Del Tucson Museum

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.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

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.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

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.
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Tucson Origins Walking Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (MST).This tour 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. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-347491P1

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
28 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 28 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
28
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 27 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Gratuities
  • Bottled water

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers

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