Barrio Viejo Tucson Walking Tour & Scott Avenue With Guide

Tucson’s Barrio Viejo offers a captivating glimpse into the city’s rich history. The Barrio Viejo Walking Tour & Scott Avenue leads visitors on a 2-hour exploration of this vibrant neighborhood, showcasing its iconic adobe architecture and sharing tales of its past. With a knowledgeable guide, guests can uncover the unique stories that have shaped this charming community, from its early Spanish colonial roots to its modern-day revitalization. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a deeper connection to Tucson’s cultural heritage, this tour promises an engaging and enlightening experience.

Key Points

• Explore the Barrio Viejo neighborhood, home to the largest collection of mud adobe structures in the U.S., on a guided 2-hour walking tour.
• Visit the St. Augustine Cathedral, Tucson Scottish Rite Cathedral, and Teatro Carmen, learning about the architectural and historical significance of each site.
• Discover the unique Sonoran Row Houses with their two-foot thick walls, designed for desert climate adaptation, and the El Ojito Spring, a historical water source.
• Experience the El Tiradito Wishing Shrine, the only shrine of its kind in North America, dedicated to a sinner.
• Learn about the buildings on Scott Avenue designed by renowned architect Henry Trost during the tour.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Barrio Viejo Tucson Walking Tour is a 2-hour, 2-mile activity that takes participants through the historic Barrio Viejo neighborhood and along Historic Scott Avenue.

Priced from Kč 805 per person, the tour is limited to 10 participants and conducted in English. It’s wheelchair accessible, and participants can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The walking tour starts and ends at the La Placita Parking Garage, covering key highlights like the St. Augustine Cathedral, Tucson Scottish Rite Cathedral, and the Barrio Viejo’s adobe structures.

Itinerary Highlights

The walking tour starts at 104 S Stone Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701 (La Placita Parking Garage).

The walking tour starts at 104 S Stone Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701 (La Placita Parking Garage).

The first stop is the impressive St. Augustine Cathedral, followed by the Tucson Scottish Rite Cathedral.

Participants will then visit The Blenman Inn and the Arizona Theatre Company.

Next, they’ll explore Barrio Viejo for 30 minutes, learning about its adobe structures.

The tour continues to Parque de Orlando y Diego Mendoza and Rosendo S. Perez Park, before arriving at the unique El Tiradito Wishing Shrine.

The final stop is the historic Teatro Carmen before returning to the starting point.

Historical Insights

Barrio Viejo, home to the largest collection of mud adobe structures in the U.S., offers a glimpse into Tucson’s rich history.

Visitors can learn about:

1. Sonoran Row Houses, built with two-foot thick walls to adapt to the desert climate, showcasing three distinct architectural styles.

2. El Ojito Spring, a historical water source used by Spanish soldiers during the colonial period.

3. El Tiradito Wishing Shrine, a unique shrine dedicated to a sinner, the only one of its kind in North America.

4. Scott Avenue, featuring buildings designed by renowned architect Henry Trost, including the Scottish Rite Temple and Temple of Music & Art.

Tour Experience

Although the Barrio Viejo Tucson Walking Tour is led by a knowledgeable and energetic guide, the tour experience is enhanced by the guide’s engaging narratives and humor.

Guests consistently rate the tour 5/5, appreciating the guide’s warmth, friendliness, and extensive research. The positive feedback highlights the tour as informative and enjoyable, with the guide bringing the history and architecture of Barrio Viejo and Scott Avenue to life through captivating stories.

With a focus on providing an immersive and memorable experience, the Barrio Viejo Tucson Walking Tour leaves a lasting impression on participants.

More Great Tours Nearby

Recommendations and Tips

To make the most of the Barrio Viejo Tucson Walking Tour, visitors should wear comfortable shoes and bring water and sunscreen. The tour covers about 2 miles, so proper footwear is essential.

Wear comfortable shoes and bring water and sunscreen for the 2-mile Barrio Viejo Tucson Walking Tour.

Additionally:

1. Pets aren’t allowed on the tour, so visitors should make alternative arrangements.

2. The best parking option is the La Placita Parking Garage at 104 S Stone Ave, the tour’s starting point.

3. Guests should look for the guide in a bright orange Strolls and Stories Tours t-shirt under the big sign along Stone Avenue.

4. The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it an inclusive experience.

Starting Location and Key Stops

The tour begins at 104 S Stone Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701, specifically at the La Placita Parking Garage.

From there, the guide will lead guests through the historic Barrio Viejo, showcasing the largest collection of mud adobe structures in the U.S.

Key stops include the St. Augustine Cathedral, Tucson Scottish Rite Cathedral, and The Blenman Inn.

Guests will also visit the Arizona Theatre Company, Parque de Orlando y Diego Mendoza, Rosendo S. Perez Park, and the unique El Tiradito Wishing Shrine.

The tour concludes at the starting point on Stone Avenue, providing an in-depth exploration of Tucson’s rich history and architecture.

Barrio Viejo: Architectural Styles and History

One of the highlights of the Barrio Viejo walking tour is exploring the unique architectural styles found in this historic neighborhood.

The guide delves into the three main styles:

1. Sonoran Row Houses: These structures feature two-foot thick adobe walls, designed to keep the desert climate at bay.

2. Territorial Style: Characterized by flat roofs, covered porches, and decorative trim, this style reflects the region’s Spanish and Mexican influences.

3. Pueblo Revival: Drawing inspiration from indigenous architecture, this style incorporates rounded corners, earth-toned colors, and exposed wooden beams.

The guide shares fascinating insights into the history and evolution of these captivating adobe structures, the largest collection in the United States.

Scott Avenue: Architectural Gems

Architectural gems line Scott Avenue, a focal point of the walking tour.

Designed by renowned architect Henry Trost, the Scottish Rite Temple and Temple of Music & Art stand as beacons of early 20th century craftsmanship.

Visitors learn about Trost’s unique Southwestern style, blending Spanish Colonial and Mission Revival elements.

The tour guide highlights the buildings’ intricate details, from the temple’s ornate façade to the theater’s striking adobe construction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Tips Expected for the Guide?

Tips are not required, but are appreciated by the guide to recognize exceptional service. Many tour participants choose to provide a small gratuity, typically 10-20% of the tour price, if they’re satisfied with the experience.

Will There Be Any Stops for Restrooms During the Tour?

The tour includes several stops where participants can use restrooms, such as at the starting location and various historic buildings along the route. The guide will also point out any additional restroom opportunities during the 2-hour walking tour.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour has no age restrictions. It’s open to guests of all ages, though the 2-hour walking tour may not be suitable for very young children. Families with kids are welcome to join the tour.

Can We Bring Our Own Snacks and Drinks?

Participants are welcome to bring their own snacks and non-alcoholic drinks on the tour. The guide recommends bringing water to stay hydrated during the walking portion of the experience.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is family-friendly and suitable for children. However, it does require walking for 2 hours. Parents should consider their children’s abilities and stamina before booking. Strollers are allowed, but the guide may need to adjust the pace.

The Sum Up

The Barrio Viejo Tucson Walking Tour & Scott Avenue offers an immersive exploration of the city’s rich history and architectural heritage. With a knowledgeable guide, visitors can discover iconic sites, unique adobe structures, and the vibrant energy of this captivating neighborhood. From the La Placita Parking Garage, the tour takes guests on a 2-hour journey through Tucson’s past, providing an engaging and enlightening experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: