Arizona Bird Watching and Tucson Adventure

Today your adventure begins as you arrive at the Tucson Airport by 1:00pm to start your “winter wonderland” tour. (*Please arrive at the Tucson Airport before 1:00pm) You will meet your local guide, then go explore the Pima Air and Space Museum. This is one of the worlds largest non-government funded aerospace museums. It features nearly 350 historical aircraft over 80 acres. You will have the opportunity to learn about this unique destination including the opportunity to enjoy a Docent-led tour of the Aircraft Boneyard. Once finished, you will transfer to your hotel. After checking in and getting unpacked, you will join the group for a welcome dinner at one of the many unique restaurants found in Tucson.

Lodging – Embassy Suites, Tucson, AZ

Meals: D

This morning you will get to wander through Saguaro National Park and the Sonoran Desert Museum. You will have a firsthand experience hiking and exploring this unique landscape and learn about the fragile ecosystem that survives in this extreme environment. Afterwards you will get to visit Old Tucson Movie Studios and Adventure Park for lunch and a step back in time. Built in 1939 by Columbia Pictures, this area has been used in multiple movies and gives you see the Wild West. Once finished you will travel south to Mission San Xavier del Bac and roam around this unique and historical Spanish Catholic Mission. Built originally in 1797, this mission is a small piece of the architectural and cultural history of this area. Upon finishing this, you will enjoy a tour/dinner in Tucson. Named a UNESCO Gastronomy Heritage City, you will get to taste some of the cuisines that has been in existence for over 3000 years.

Lodging – Embassy Suites, Tucson, AZ

Meals: B, D

Enjoy a beautiful winter day with incredible views of Tucson as you travel south to Kartchner Caverns. You will explore this unique cave system. Discovered in 1974 and protected until it was created as a state park in 1988, this cave has beautiful features that will be a joy to see. Along with that, you will get to enjoy exploring other areas of the park including the Hummingbird Garden. Once finished you will travel to Tombstone, AZ for another experience in the history of the West. You can enjoy a visit to the OK Corral and other unique areas of Historic Allen Street, along with Boothill Cemetery and the Historic Courthouse. Dinner will be at one of the fine local historical establishments in Tombstone. Then we will travel north to Wilcox, AZ where you will be based for the rest of the week.

Lodging – Holiday Inn Express, Wilcox, AZ

Meals: B, D

Cochise County is one of America's most scenic places and offers the perfect opportunity to see all the winter migrants that travel into and through Southeastern Arizona. Along with the opportunities for birdwatching, you will learn about photography, geology, history, botany, and agriculture in this area and to see the other wildlife and natural wonders of Southeastern Arizona. This morning you will start with birding at Indian Bread Rocks Recreation Area and Dos Cabezas. After a late lunch you will have time to relax before heading out for an evening of sighting Sandhill Cranes and other fowl.

Lodging – Holiday Inn Express, Wilcox, AZ

Meals: B, L

This morning you will spend your time birdwatching in the Chirichaua Mountains. This is one of the best places in Southern Arizona for birding with over 300+ species documented to be in the area. With elevations ranging from 4000 to 9700 ft above sea level, there are multiple plant communities able to support a wide variety of birds. It is also the northern most range for many species found in Mexico. In the late afternoon you will travel south and enjoy more birdwatching at Whitewater Draw. This area has droves of Sandhill Cranes and other waterfowl that call this place home for the winter. With the Dragoon Mountains in the background, this area offers fantastic photographic opportunities. It is one of the many hidden gems of Southwest Arizona.

Lodging – Holiday Inn Express, Wilcox, AZ

Meals: B, L

This morning will start with sunrise photographing Sandhill Cranes. Afterwards you will enjoy a Hawk Stalk northward towards Safford, AZ. After lunch, enjoy birdwatching at Roper Lake and Dankworth Pond. Along with multiple species frequenting these areas you may also see bobcats, raccoons, and coyotes. You will finish the evening with the opportunity for a final Sunset with the Sandhill Cranes.

Lodging – Holiday Inn Express, Wilcox, AZ

Meals: B, L, D

This morning, transfer to the Tucson Airport for your return flight home.

Meals: B