Day 2   December 4                 URES & VALLE RÍO SONORA 
Today, we explore the former capital of Sonora, Ures.  We visit the charming historic plaza and meet with a local historian to discuss the history of the pueblo.  After lunch, we make our way along the scenic valley, making stops to explore the small hamlets of Baviácora, Aconchi, and Huepac.  We conclude our day at the enchanting hotels, Posada del Rio and Hotel Los Arcos in Banámichi, and enjoy a festive welcome reception on the rooftop cantina at the Posada del Río.  (B, L, D)

Day 3   December 5        BANÁMICHI/LOS PAREDONES
Today we visit Rancho Los Paredones, an eco-ranch operated by Stevan and Lucia De La Rosa, which practices and teaches sustainability on an individual level.   They will demonstrate the techniques they use to manage their simple agrarian lifestyle before treating us to a homemade pizza party in a beautiful mesquite grove.  We return to town for some free time before dinner, and afterwards a presentation in the plaza by Cecytes Folklorico Dance Group.  (B, L, D)

Day 4   December 6        BANÁMICHI/RANCHO LA MARTINA
We begin the day with a visit to a local wheat mill ruin before making our way back across the flood plain to Rancho La Martina, where the Lopez family continues the fine tradition of distilling Bacanora.   Jesús will guide us through the processing methods of the versatile agave as we observe the various aspects of the distilling process, culminating with a mezcal tasting.   A homemade flour tortilla demonstration, with the opportunity to make your own, will complete our time spent at the Rancho where we enjoy an authentic Sonoran ranch lunch.   We return to town later in the afternoon for free time before dinner.  (B, L, D) 

Day 5   December 7                  BANÁMICHI TO TUCSON
This morning, we make our way north to Arizpe, the capital of the Spanish province of Nueva Vizcaya in the 18th century, and where Juan Bautista de Anza is buried in the church floor.  Turning west and ascending into the Sierra, our final visit is in the community of Cucúrpe for lunch.  Afterwards, we depart for the border and cross in Nogales.  ETA Tucson 6:00 pm.  (B, L)

YOUR LEADERS
Jesús García recently retired as the Cultural Conservation Research Associate at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and one of the founders of the Kino Heritage Fruit Trees Project.  For the past ten years, García has been part of a group of dedicated researchers tracking and locating original stock so that these botanically and culturally significant trees can be found in Tucson backyards once again. Jesús brings a wealth of knowledge not only of the flora and fauna indigenous to the Sonoran Desert, but of the many cultures which have and still call this place home. A master storyteller, he is also a master 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, Logistics, is owner of South of the Border Tours.  Stephen has organized and produced tours of the American Southwest and Mexico since 1993 for the University of Arizona Elderhostel/Roads Scholar Program, Arizona Historical Society, Scottsdale Sister City, Sabino Canyon Volunteer Naturalists, Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, Tohono Chul, Portland Art Museum, Heard Museum Guild, as well as various other museums and universities.  Stephen is also a volunteer naturalist with Sabino Canyon Volunteer Naturalists.

INCLUDED SERVICES
Transportation by luxury motor coach, 4 nights’ accommodations, guide fees, musical performances, and meals denoted by (B, L, or D) are included.

MEETING PLACE
We will meet and leave cars at the Museum or the South of the Border Tours parking lot. The departure location will be shared with the pre-trip information.

BORDER CROSSING
You will need a valid passport book or passport card to take this trip.

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 27 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 26 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.

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 $1600, and the single supplement is an additional $350.

ROOMING
Unless you paid the single supplement, you will be sharing a room. For those with no traveling companion, we will attempt to make a roommate match. 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 strongly encourage travel insurance.  You are welcome to choose any travel insurance company, however Allianz Travel Insurance is our preferred company, and they include a Cancel for Any Reason policy. Should you present positive for Covid immediately prior to or during a trip, insurance can cover your costs for isolation/cancellation. Please visit their website to review policies at www.allianztravelinsurance.com. Should you sign up with them, please use our ACCAM number, which is F029755.   

TOUR ITINERARY IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
We reserve the right to change tour components, substitute hotels or alter the itinerary. 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 760-4000 or at southofthebordertours@msn.com. For questions about payment or if you are a single traveler, please contact the Reservation Coordinator at 883-3025 or at education@desertmuseum.org.