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Explore the cultural origins of the Sonoran Desert on a walking tour of downtown Tucson. Experience the Old Pueblo's heritage and architecture via its vibrant Indigenous, Spanish, and Mexican past.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- Reserve now & pay later
- Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
- Duration 2 hours
- Check availability to see starting times
- Live tour guide
- English, Spanish
Select participants and date
Itinerary
Starting location:
175 N Meyer Ave
Visit (10 minutes)
Visit (10 minutes)
Hidden gem
Visit (10 minutes)
Visit (10 minutes)
On foot
(10 minutes)
Guided tour (30 minutes)
Visit (10 minutes)
On foot
(10 minutes)
Arrive back at:
175 N Meyer Ave
Main stop
For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.
Highlights
- Featured in the New York Times 52 Places to Go in the World List.
- One of AAA's 8 Best Walking Tours in the West.
- Led by a public historian and former National Park Service Ranger.
- Explore the rare regional Sonoran Row House architectural tradition.
- Find out why Tucson was deignated the 1st UNESCO City of Gastronomy in the U.S.
Full description
Walk through downtown Tucson’s El Presidio and Barrio Viejo quarters, and learn about the community's history and architecture through the themes of the Indigenous, Spanish Colonial, Mexican, and American Territorial eras.
Discover the regional Sonoran Row House tradition and gain insight and 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 that forms part of America's tapestry.
Walk approximately 2 miles on this urban trek along sidewalks and relatively level paved streets. Be sure to bring comfortable shoes and sun protection—sunscreen, a hat, and/or long-sleeved loose-fitting clothing—as well as plenty of water.
Discover the regional Sonoran Row House tradition and gain insight and 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 that forms part of America's tapestry.
Walk approximately 2 miles on this urban trek along sidewalks and relatively level paved streets. Be sure to bring comfortable shoes and sun protection—sunscreen, a hat, and/or long-sleeved loose-fitting clothing—as well as plenty of water.
Includes
- Guided walking tour of downtown Tucson
- Insight into Tucson's history and architecture
- Exploration of El Presidio and Barrio Viejo quarters
- Knowledge about Tucson's designation as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Not suitable for
- Wheelchair users
Meeting point
Our tour meeting place is in front of a historic white-plastered adobe row house with distinctive recessed blue doors. Look for the flat roof and drainage pipes known as canales.
Open in Google MapsImportant information
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Water
Not allowed
- Smoking
Know before you go
- Tour meets in front of a historic white-plastered adobe row house with distinctive recessed blue doors.
- Public parking available at Pima County El Presidio Parking Garage, 165 W Alameda St, Tucson, AZ 85701.
- Metered street parking is free on weekends.
- Approx. 2 miles total walking distance.
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and sun protection.
- Carry plenty of water for hydration.