Looking for a real adventure? Don’t miss these exclusive opportunities to expand your travel portfolio and learn from experts in the field. Our Trips and Adventures are suited to a variety of interests, and schedules, and feature locations that come alive when paired with our rich and diverse programming. Check out our upcoming offerings and mark your calendar today!
Weekend Prices Range from $590-$640 (for 2 people) or $360-$410 (single occupancy)
Leave the Valley heat behind and experience a fantastic weekend getaway to The Nature Conservancy at Hart Prairie Preserve near Flagstaff on this exclusive trip designed for Garden members. At an elevation of nearly 8,000 feet, The Homestead at Hart Prairie Preserve is nestled alongside a gorgeous high mountain meadow with breathtaking views of the San Francisco Peaks. Surrounded by thousands of acres of cool forest and meadows, the 245-acre preserve is home to uncommon wildflowers, old growth ponderosa pine, aspen trees, a globally rare grove of Bebb willow trees, herds of elk and deer, and more than 40 species of birds. Some of the buildings at the preserve, including the Mariposa Lodge, are on the National Register of Historic Places. Much of the research conducted at the preserve focuses on the Bebb willow community, the largest known in the world. The weekend features a full array of nature talks, hikes and walks, and interesting presentations about local plants and wildlife, ecology, geology and other natural wonders. Early morning bird walks will await those who rise early to greet the sun. Of course, there will be time to sit and enjoy the grandeur of your surroundings while soaking in the peace and quiet of this beautiful location.
All-inclusive prices for the weekend range from $590-$640 (for two people) or $360-$410 (single occupancy) and include two nights’ lodging, all deliciously catered meals, refreshments and snacks, activities, and educational materials. Lodging choices include the preserve’s historic Mariposa Lodge, The Homestead or charming cabins. For more specific information and details on accommodation choices or to download a trip registration form or call 480-481-8146 to request a trip registration form or more information.
Space is limited to 16 people, and specific accommodation choices and reservations are first come-first served. Do not miss this unique opportunity! Make your reservation for the high country today!
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Join author and renowned naturalist Pinau Merlin for these fantastic trips designed for Garden members. Pinau has led hundreds of field trips and expeditions throughout the Southwest and Mexico. She is the author of numerous natural history articles and several l books, including Field Guide to Desert Holes, Guide to Bird Nests and Eggs, Hummingbirds of the Westand Soaring Birds of the West. Pinau and her work have been featured in Smithsonian and National Wildlife magazines, on PBS and NPR. She has taught natural history at the University of Arizona and also teaches tracking and outdoor observation skills.
This exciting trip is scheduled during the heart of monsoon season when the desert comes alive with amazing plants and wildlife. Pinau Merlin and guest experts lead this fun-filled four-day natural history adventure exploring Rancho Esmeralda in Sonora, Mexico, just west of Nogales. The diversity of habitats on this expansive 20,000 acre ranch feature more than 100 species of birds and teems with other wildlife such as coatis, turkeys, deer and even ringtail cats if we arelucky. Each day we will venture out on guided walks with our experts, exploring and learning about the ecology and natural wonders of this amazing place. Of course, there will be plenty of time for a siesta or relaxing by the pool and hot tub if you prefer. After dark we will blacklight for nighttime insects, and we will have a chance to see bats up close and personal. We also will look and listen for owls, night birds and other creatures on our evening outings. Space on this exclusive trip is limited to 14 participants. Price of the trip includes roundtrip transportation from Phoenix, three nights accommodations at the elegantly rustic and spacious Rancho Esmeralda Lodge–reserved exclusively for our group–all activities and hikes, wonderful freshly prepared meals, outstanding guides and maximum fun!
A six-day adventure to explore the natural history of the Yecora area of Sonora, Mexico. The small rural town of Yecora is nestled in the Sierra Madres of Sonora. The area teems with amazing wildlife and has incredible biodiversity. See fantastic bird species, butterflies, bats, frogs, lizards and learn about plants. Basaseachic is a Mexican National Park of lush forests with twelve different oaks, eight pines and many varieties of broadleaf trees. It features an 806- foot waterfall. The trip includes visits to an ecological park and the La Pintada petroglyph site near Hermosillo. Guests will stay at the rustic and beautiful Rancho San Lorenzo Lodge. Limited to seven participants to ensure a top quality experience for each. Naturalist guides Pinau Merlin, Larry Liese and Bill Burger will enrich your experience as they share their passion for this wonderful area. Ground transportation from the Garden, all meals, hotels, activities, entrance fees and guides are included in the price.
A four-day natural history weekend tour around Caborca in Sonora, Mexico, features diverse habitats for great wildlife viewing and plants, including coastal thorn scrub habitat. Visit the charming town of Magdalena for great birding and beautiful scenery. At Tubatama, explore one of Padre Kino’s missions and a reservoir to see wood storks and many shorebirds. Trip includes a day trip to the coast to view a bounty of shore and pelagic birds, such as red-billed tropicbird, brown and blue-footed boobies, shearwaters, petrels, gull-billed tern and many others. Also explore the tide pools looking for octopus, starfish and tubeworms, before meandering among the sand dunes, where we hope to see fringe-toed lizards.
We will visit the spectacular “La Preevadora” petroglyph site with more than 2,000 petroglyphs left by the Trincheras and Hohokam peoples, as well as Las Boquillas Ranch archaeological site. Ground transportation from the Garden, all meals, hotels, activities, entrance fees and guides are included in the price.
A nine-day birding and natural history adventure features the best of Belize, from the finest lodges to spectacular birds and wildlife, Mayan ruins, and the barrier reef fishes and beaches of Ambergris Caye.
Begin with five magical days at stunningly beautiful Chan Chich Lodge, the premier ecotourism resort in Belize, situated on a private preserve of lush tropical rain forest and adjacent to the Rio Bravo Conservation Area, a total of 400,000 acres of undisturbed wilderness. The lodge is set in the plaza of a 1200-year-old Mayan ruin. With only 12 rustically elegant cabanas, each with private veranda and hammocks, the atmosphere is intimate and friendly, with an emphasis on service. The pool sits right in the jungle, where you can watch howler and spider monkeys swinging past as you lounge in the Jacuzzi or swim. This rich habitat offers the best chance in Belize to see a jaguar or any of the five species of cats sighted here on a regular basis. More than 350 species of birds have been seen here, as well as many mammals including kinkajous and tayras.
This trip features a guided visit to the Mayan ruins of Lamanai and a nighttime water safari, spotlighting for crocodiles, potoos and other nocturnal creatures. Visit Belize City before flying to beautiful Ambergris Caye for three days of heavenly relaxation on the island. The lodge sits on a white sand beach amid swaying palm trees, with the barrier reef just offshore. Explore the island to see mangroves, littoral forest and many different bird species before making a stop on the reef for snorkeling in the warm, crystal clear blue waters. Explore Hol Chan, Belize’s underwater national park and home to more than 250 species of fish, and Shark-Ray Alley, where we can swim with giant manta rays and nurse sharks. Naturalist guides are Pinau Merlin, Larry Liese and entomologist/herpetologist Randy Babb.
Do not let these amazing travel opportunities to spectacular places and natural wonders pass you by. For more detailed information on any of these trips contact Pinau Merlin at 520-546-9409 or email pinaumerlin@hotmail.com.
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Ever wonder where tequila comes from? This trip will take you directly to the source where you will see the process from start to finish–from the field to the bottle. Throughout history, indigenous peoples have used the agave as an important source of food and fiber. Today, the plant we call blue agave (Agave tequilana is known more widely as the source of Mexico’s famed national drink. Nowhere is this fame more evident than the Guadalajara region, and more particularly in the small town of Tequila.
Guadalajara is a very special city, often called the most Mexican city in Mexico, and is the base for this exciting tour. Guadalajara is an incredibly diverse and stately city with amazing qualities, both modern and historic. As the second largest city in Mexico with a population of more than three million, you are constantly reminded that Guadalajara is a busy metropolis and a major Mexican business center. Although this city beats to a busy pace, life here has a way of seeming serene. Guadalajara is a city of monuments, parks, flowers, fountains and tree-lined avenues. Guadalajara's history dates to the 16th century, and the rich heritage of this colonial gem is evident everywhere you turn.
The price of this trip includes five nights’ accommodations at Hotel de Mendoza, all meals, airport transfers in Guadalajara, bilingual tour director, sightseeing with entrance fees, all ground transportation, botanical experts, tips to hotel staff, service charges and taxes, plus a contribution to the Garden.
Here are some daily highlights of the trip:
Day one: Arrive in Guadalajara, transfer to Hotel de Mendoza and an evening social to meet tour director and receive additional information.
Day two: Walking tour of the historical district; visit the Cathedral, Government Palace, Teatro Degollado and Hospice Cabanas to view Orozco’s murals. Ride the traditional calandrias (horse drawn carriages) and visit the rest of the historical district before returning to Plaza de la Liberacion to see the evening flag lowering ceremony complete with live music from the state band of Jalisco.
Day three: Visit Amatitán. View agave plantations, learn about the process of making tequila at the Herradura tequila plant, tour the town of Tequila and its historical museum, enjoy a Mexican fiesta lunch with mariachi and folkloric dancers.
Day four: Tour the University of Guadalajara Botanical Gardens. Visit Tlaquepaque with time for shopping.
Day five: Enjoy a guided hike with a botanical expert in San Lorenzo Canyon near the town of Huaxtla, with beautiful scenery and large variety of flora and fauna.
Day six: After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home.
A complete itinerary and registration information can be found at Synergy Tours & Cruises website www.synergytours.com; click the Desert Botanical Garden button on the left side of the screen. To register for this tour or for more information, contact Synergy Tours & Cruises at 602-276-9008. Space is limited to 20 participants. Do not miss this opportunity.
Explore the exotic flora and fauna of the deciduous tropical forest of southern Sonora as you journey to colonial Alamos, Mexico, founded in 1684. Famous for its wealth in silver mines, it is now renowned for its charming colonial architecture, its elegant ambience and its restored haciendas. We will encounter the fascinating habitat of the Sinaloa thorn forest, combining the southern limits of the Sonoran Desert with the farthest northern limits of tropical habitat. At an elevation of 1,500 feet in the western foothills of the Sierra Madre, Alamos is surrounded by deciduous tropical forest. Take an all-day river trip on the River Mayo, birding as we float 12 miles down the river. Spend part of a day at the Sea of Cortez to look at the huge number and variety of wintering sea and shore birds there and in the nearby mangrove estuaries. Take a tour of the city of Alamos and of the nearby old mining town of La Aduana. You may see more than 100 bird species such as the bare-throated tiger heron, squirrel cuckoo, lilac-crowned and white-fronted parrots, elegant trogon and black-throated magpie jay.
Price includes van transportation from Phoenix, all accommodations, meals, expert guides, fees for all activities, tips, emergency medical trip insurance and a contribution to the Garden. A complete itinerary, potential bird species list and registration information can be found at Nature Treks and Passages website www.naturetreks.net. To register for this tour or for more information, contact Rochelle Gerratt at info@naturetreks.net or call 520-696-2002. Space is limited to 15 participants.
Indulge yourself with some of the most breathtaking scenery in all of North America. The Garden has teamed with Nature Treks and Passages to offer this fascinating natural history and cultural trip to magnificent Copper Canyon in Sinaloa, Mexico, with an emphasis on birding. This trip is for all birders, from beginners to the obsessed, and features the best of Copper Canyon sites, from a roundtrip excursion on the world famous Copper Canyon Train to a river rafting float on the Rio Fuerte. The trip originates in Los Mochis on the Sea of Cortez. Birding opportunities abound in the diverse habitats explored on this trip, from the high Madrean conifer forests of the Sierra Madre to the coastal river plain, pinon-oak woodlands, tropical deciduous thorn forest and tropical riparian forest. We will hike to a beautiful waterfall to search for the eared quetzal and other exotic bird species. Throughout the adventure, there will be time to take in the culture of the indigenous Tarahumara people and historic sites and villages.
Price includes all accommodations, meals, expert guides, and fees for all activities including river rafting and roundtrip train, tips, ground transportation from Los Mochis, emergency medical trip insurance and a contribution to the Garden. The small group size, limited to 12 travelers, ensures maximum enjoyment and optimal personal attention from expert guides, in addition to the best chances for wildlife viewing. A complete itinerary, potential bird species list, and registration information can be found at Nature Treks and Passages website www.naturetreks.net. To register for this tour or for more information, contact Rochelle Gerratt at info@naturetreks.net or call 520-696-2002.
Experience the pottery and magic of the village of Mata Ortiz, Chihuahua. Once a rural Northern Mexico farming community, Mata Ortiz is renowned for its talented potters and remarkable cultural revolution. Discover how this particular genre of art is made and enjoy the homespun hospitality of this small town. This trip includes many special features, including a visit to the Amerind Foundation in Dragoon, a private anthropological and archaeological museum and research center. Dr. Charles Di Peso, one of the founders of this museum, was primarily responsible for the excavation of the Paquime ruins in Casas Grandes, Mexico. After viewing this gem of a museum and getting an overview of the ancient Casas Grandes civilization and the art that they left behind, we will picnic and bird along the way at Whitewater Draw in Sulfur Springs Valley. We continue to Bisbee where we will have the afternoon to explore this scenic old mining town with its museums and unique shops, enjoy a good meal and spend the night before crossing the border to Mexico.
Your experience in Mata Ortiz will be unforgettable. You will spend two night’s at the comfortable and rustic Adobe Inn, operated by one of the master potters of Mata Ortiz, Jorge Quintana. Enjoy exploring the town, visiting homes and shops of local potters, and immersing yourself in the unique culture of this growing village. You will even visit and tour the storied Hacienda de San Diego, just a short drive from the village.
Includes van transportation from Phoenix, all accommodations, meals, expert guides, fees for all activities, emergency medical trip insurance and a contribution to the Garden. A complete itinerary, potential bird species list, and registration information can be found at Nature Treks and Passages website www.naturetreks.net. To register for this tour or for more information, contact Rochelle Gerratt at info@naturetreks.net or call 520-696-2002. Space is limited 15 participants.
Sample the many diverse habitats of Belize, from savannah to rainforest to an island inside the barrier reef. Also experience two outstanding Mayan ruins–Lamanai and Tikal. Belize is one of the most exciting countries a birder can visit, with more than 550 bird species. There are also more than 350 species in Tikal, Guatemala. tinamous, hawk-eagles, forest-falcons, crakes, parrots and parakeets, four kinds of trogons, puffbirds, woodcreepers, potoos and becards...all of these and others await you there. Belize teems with other wildlife including jaguars, pumas, tapirs, iguanas and monkeys. We will be staying at comfortable inns and jungle lodges throughout the trip.
This trip is suitable for all levels of birders and for those who enjoy a moderate level of activity. Price includes all accommodations, meals, expert guides, fees for all activities, tips, ground transportation from Belize City, emergency medical trip insurance and a contribution to the Desert Botanical Garden. A complete itinerary, potential bird species list and registration information can be found at Nature Treks and Passages http://www.naturetreks.net/belize_birding.htm. To register for this tour or for more information, contact Rochelle Gerratt at info@naturetreks.net or call 520-696-2002. Space is limited to 12 participants.
