ITINERARY
Day 1   TUCSON TO KINO BAY 
After our border crossing, we break in Magdalena de Kino, then continue our drive through a region of small agrarian pueblos that includes a visit to a traditional orchard before we arrive for lunch in the town of Santa Ana.  We reach Kino Bay in the late afternoon and check into La Playa Hotel, located on a beautiful beach.  Afterwards, we enjoy a hosted soiree followed by dinner.  L, D
  
Day 2   CONSERVATION/SUSTAINABILITY, MARINE BIOLOGY, and WETLANDS
We spend the day at the Prescott College Field Research Station in Kino Nuevo to learn about their programs in marine science, climate studies, and community-based conservation. Later in the afternoon, we go birdwatching in Laguna La Cruz, a wetland that is part of the Pacific Migratory Route and an important rest area for migratory birds.  Dinner this evening is in Laguna La Cruz.  B, L, D 

Day 3   THE SERIS, INDIGENOUS LANGUAGE DAY CELEBRATION
We go back to Kino Nuevo for our introduction to the Seris themselves with a visit to the Museo Comcáac, Etnico de los Seris.  Today happens to be Indigenous Language Day, a cultural festival with a particular emphasis on promoting and preserving native languages through activities like storytelling, traditional music, local food, arts and crafts. We also go on a nature walk to explore a patch of desert that has a remarkable stand of giant cardons.  Enjoy a sunset reception at our hotel with a lecture on Punta Cheuca and a briefing of our next day.  Dinner at a local restaurant.  B, L, D

Day 4   PUNTA CHUECA
Our first activity is a visit to Isla Tiburón by panga boat to explore mangroves, shell middens and observe Seri ceremonial traditions. We return to the mainland for lunch and to shop Seri crafts such as intricate basket weavings, authentic ironwood carvings or simple jewelry made from shells and other natural materials. A detour to a beautiful stretch of coastal thorn scrub allows us to learn about the important plants utilized by the Seri.  Dinner at the hotel.  B, L, D   

YOUR LEADERS
Jesús García, retired Cultural Conservation Research Associate at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, 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 tour 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, 4 nights in Bahia Kino, meals as listed on the itinerary, guides, entrance and admission fees.

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 book to take this trip. Your passport book must be valid for at least 6 months after our travel dates.