Podcast Tour: Desert Seeds - Tucson's 4000 Year Foodway

Tucson, USA
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Duration3h 42m
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesGerman, English
Group sizeUp to 99 travelers

Overview

Step into North America's oldest continuously farmed valley. From ancient Hohokam irrigation canals beneath the Santa Cruz River to sun-cured carne seca drying on historic roofs, discover how water, native botanicals, and heritage grains forged the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy in the United States.

- An 8.9 km self-guided tour with 9 stops over 222 min
- Ideal for travelers interested in Foodways & Culinary Identity and History & Memory
- Immersively told in a podcast style by experts and locals
- Matching audio content, AI guide and navigation through the app

What's included

  • Verified facts woven into an engaging story
  • Interactive in-app guide for questions about the story and surroundings
  • Precise navigation between the stops
  • Immersive podcast-style audio featuring experts and locals

What to expect

  1. 10m
    Crossings over the historic riverbed where ancient Hohokam irrigation canals sustained early Sonoran agriculture.
  2. Mercado San Agustin
    10m
    Vibrant Mexican-style public plaza featuring La Estrella Bakery and local community gathering spaces.
  3. Mission Garden
    10m
    Living agricultural museum built on a 4,000-year-old farm site with heritage crop plots.
  4. El Tiradito Wishing Shrine
    10m
    Historic outdoor shrine in Barrio Viejo that embodies Mexican folklore and neighborhood preservation.
  5. 10m
    Family-run Sonoran Mexican restaurant open since 1936, known for carne seca and red chile.
  6. 10m
    Neighborhood culinary market committed to direct sourcing from local desert farmers and heritage grains.
  7. Pueblo Vida Brewing Company
    10m
    Downtown craft brewery incorporating regional grains like White Sonora wheat and sustainable water practices.
  8. 10m
    Specialty coffee roaster and agave bar integrating Sonoran wild foods like chiltepin pepper and mesquite.
  9. 10m
    America's oldest continuously operating Mexican restaurant run by the same family, famous for rooftop carne seca.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Meet at the Santa Cruz River Heritage Project near 1580 S Santa Cruz Lane. The river outfall can be viewed from the Chuck Huckleberry Loop, about a quarter mile south of W Starr Pass Blvd. Take local transit toward this area and walk the final stretch.

End point

The route ends at the original El Charro Café at 311 N Court Ave in downtown Tucson. Walk to a nearby transit stop for your return to the main transit hub, and check the current connection on the day of travel.

Additional information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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€5.99 per person
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
Operated by Red Thread · Booked through Viator
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