Black Lava White Sand
Offered exclusively to Museum members! Membership information can be found in FEE section below.
ITINERARY
Day 1 December 6 TUCSON TO PUERTO PEÑASCO
After our border crossing, we visit the gateway to the Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar, the Schuk Toak Visitor Center and Museum. The museum provides an excellent opportunity to learn about the geology, history, flora, and fauna of the region. After our visit, we'll continue on to Puerto Penasco and the Playa Bonita, we'll enjoy our first seaside sunset and welcome dinner at the Puesta Del Sol. (L, D)
Day 2 December 7 PINACATE VOLCANIC FIELDS
Today we explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site - El Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve. We begin at the visitor center, then explore the volcanic fields gaining an understanding not only of the geologic forces are work, but the human impact on this landscape starting 20,000 years ago. (B, L, D)
Day 3 December 8 TIDE POOLING, DUNES & SALT
We start the day with free time for birding/tide pooling at the footsteps of our hotel. In the afternoon we head north on the new coastal road that connects Puerto Penasco with the Gulfo de Santa Clara for a look at the shifting dune complex that dominates the region. We then visit what is widely considered the terminus of an ancient salt trail of the Tohono O'odham, with its rare coastal fresh water spring. (B, L, D)
Day 4 December 9 CEDO, OLD PORT - TUCSON
This morning we're off to the sea and CEDO, the Intercultural Center for the Study of Deserts and Oceans, where we'll learn about the amazing life forms to be found in the intertidal zone followed by a visit to Old Port for lunch and the chance to peruse the many shops in the district. Border Crossing and ETA in Tucson is 6:00 pm. (B, L)
YOUR LEADERS
Jesús García is a retired Cultural Conservation Research Associate at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Jesús was born and raised in Magdalena de Kino, Sonora, México. As a young man he moved to Tucson and earned a bachelor's degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology with a minor in Cultural Anthropology from the University of Arizona. He began his career with ASDM in 1991 and has taught natural history and cultural programs throughout southern Arizona and northern Sonora. His many interests include conservation biology, art, cultural ecology, regional languages, music, and gardening. Jesús is a master storyteller and an expert at identifying plant and animal species, describing their preferred growing or breeding habits and explaining their environmental connections to one another and to us.
Stephen Bernier, travel director, runs the logistics and is owner of South of the Border Tours. Stephen has organized and produced tours throughout the American Southwest and Mexico since 1993 that include the University of Arizona Elderhostel/Road Scholar Program, Arizona Historical Society, Scottsdale Sister City, Sabino Canyon Volunteer Naturalists, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Tohono Chul, Portland Art Museum, Heard Museum Guild, Tucson Museum of Art, as well as various other museums and universities. Stephen is also a volunteer with Sabino Canyon Volunteer Naturalists.
INCLUDED SERVICES
Transportation by luxury motor coach; van transportation for day in Pinacate; 3 nights’ accommodations on the beach in Rocky Point at Playa Bonita Hotel with all rooms offering ocean front views; all admissions; guides; and meals as denoted by B, L, or D are included.
MEETING PLACE
We will meet and leave cars at the Museum or at South of the Border Tours parking lot. We will share this information in the pre-trip letter.
BORDER CROSSING
You will need a valid passport or passport card to take this trip. Your passport book must be valid for at least 6 months after our travel dates.
MEXICO TRAVEL
The U.S. State Department has Travel Advisories for some of the areas we will visit or travel through. You may review the most up-to-date status of different areas within Mexico at this link. Our tour operator, South of the Border Tours, has established a record of safety and quality during their 30 years running tours throughout Mexico and keeps in close communication with partners at each location to which we travel.
GROUP SIZE
This trip is limited to 24 guests.
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Guests must be able to walk unassisted which can include one-half to one mile over varied terrain. Please know your limitations. The staff will make every effort to properly prepare and make concessions should activities need to be individually altered. Making imprudent choices based on your physical abilities may affect your experience and the overall group experience, as well as strain our staff resources. Don't hesitate to get in touch with Debby Bernier (email shown at end) prior to registering should you have physical limitation concerns.
DIETARY REQUESTS/RESTRICTIONS
We always strive to accommodate all dietary requests and restrictions; however, this tour can be particularly challenging due to the remote areas we travel to where meeting restrictions may be complex. Please don't hesitate to contact South of the Border Tours if you have any concerns before registering.
FEES
This special travel opportunity is offered exclusively to Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum members. If you currently are not a member, but would like to join us, you may do so by following this link. The trip price is $1575 per person and the single supplement is an additional $225.
ROOMING
The listed price is for double occupancy. For those with no traveling companion, we will attempt to make a roommate match. However if one cannot be found, then the single supplement will need to be paid.
CANCELLATION POLICY
All cancellations must be in writing or email. Our policy is as follows: Cancellations made 60 days prior to departure will result in refunded payments less a $200 per person handling fee. Cancellations made 59-31 days prior to departure will result in a 50% forfeiture of payment. Cancellations made 30 days or less prior to departure are non-refundable.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
We highly recommend travel insurance. You are welcome to choose any travel insurance company; however, Allianz Travel Insurance is our preferred company. Please visit their website to review all policies that are available: www.allianztravelinsurance.com. Insurance should be purchased within 14 days of paying your tour deposit. By doing so, you will have the best coverage options to choose from. Should you sign up with them, please use our ACCAM number, which is FO29755.
TOUR ITINERARY IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
We reserve the right to change components, substitute hotels or alter the itinerary, and to make any other changes deemed necessary to carry out and maintain the quality and safety of the tour in good faith to the participants. In the case of civil unrest, acts of God, situations known as force majeure, we may cancel or postpone a trip.
QUESTIONS
This trip is jointly run by South of the Border Tours and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Should you have any questions about the itinerary or logistics, please contact Debby Bernier, Office Manager at 520-760-4000 or at southofthebordertours@msn.com. For questions about payment, please contact the Reservations Coordinator at 520-883-3025 or at education@desertmuseum.org.
