Tucson Origins Walking Tour
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
*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.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
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.
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.
What‘s Included
Gratuities
Bottled water
Options
Tucson Origins Walking Tour
Reviews
26 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Alex is a wealth of...
Paul B,,Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Alex is a wealth of information and a very animated tour guide. He answered all of our questions, showing and telling us interesting facts about Tucson’s history that we never would have learned otherwise. A very enjoyable and fun experience!
Great tour for Day 1 in Tucson
edmC3737TH,,Aug 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great way to start a vacation in Tucson. The tour was i nformative and interesting. Got a great overview of the city and its history.
AMAZING ENTERTAINING EDUCATIONAL Tucson tour
Becca J,,Apr 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Alex is a wealth of knowledge on everything Tucson/ Sonoran desert. His passion for the area is infectious . And his knowledge of the history and Geo- political issues in the area is unsurpassed. An amazing tour.
Excellent Tour
Kendra K,,Mar 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Alex was a terrific guide. His knowledge, background and pace was perfect to keep our group engaged and curious to know more. Appreciated recommendations and tips for our visit. Had a great lunch at one of our stops after the tour! Great walking tour!!
Loved it!
Travel445296,,Mar 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Alex was great ! We thoroughly enjoyed his enthusiasm for the history of the area. He was so knowledgeable and informative. I would highly recommend this tour to any other friends who come to visit Tucson!
Great Tour of the Historic center of Tucson
blackfoxsji,,Mar 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We thoroughly enjoyed the "Tucson Gastronomy tour" of the Barrio Viejo neighborhood. Strolling amongst the colorful adobe houses, brewpubs and Mexican cantinas and offered so much detailed information about everything, architecture, culture, food, local history. We are super excited to book with Alex on the Borderlandia "Mexico City" tour, knowing it will surely be a great adventure. Can't recommend this highly enough!
Very informative and fascinating tour
JanetW58,,Feb 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00So much interesting history packed into the two hours with fascinating anecdotes to fill out the story. Highly recommend!
And overall amazing experience
Happiness489232,,Jan 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I did a Rio Sonora tour with Borderlandia in January 2025. Rio Sonora. A very smooth trip. No disruptions. The food was absolutely incredible and learning the history of these small river towns and the Spanish, who moved through this area. I would do this exact same trip again.
Lot's to Learn
Maria R,,Jan 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Alex is very immersed in the history, culture, architecture, landscape of the region. Much to learn from this rich community.
Highly Recommend
TinaTraveller20,,Jan 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00So very informative and efficiently conveyed historical and cultural information. Highly recommend as an introduction to Tucson and the downtown area.
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Operated by Borderlandia LLC