Thing to Do

See More Missions

side-by-side images of adobe ruined walls
Of the two sites, Guevavi is the elder and the one with the best preserved landscape.

NPS Photo

Tumacácori National Historical Park protects the ruins of three Spanish missions along the Santa Cruz River between the present day towns of Nogales and Tubac, Arizona. Two of these missions can only be visited on a reserved tour. As a participant in this special tour, you will visit the ruined remains of Calabazas and Guevavi and learn about the lives of the people who lived there.

The Mission Tours

The tour meets at the Tumacácori Visitor Center. Participant ride in a van to the other mission sites. At each site, a ranger provides an interpretive walking tour. Participants walk on unpaved trails to reach the mission ruin at each site, including one section of rough uphill trail at Calabasas.

Once the tour has returned to Tumacácori, participants are invited to visit the Tumacácori Mission church and grounds, visitor center, and museum on their own, at no additional charge. 

Personal Requirements 

THESE TOURS ARE NOT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE. Participants must be able to walk on hills and rough trails, and to stand and walk for up to an hour at a time. There is no seating other than while driving between sites. There is no shade or shelter along the trails.Passengers are strongly encouraged, but not required, to wear a mask while in the vehicle. You will need water, snacks, clothing appropriate to the weather, and comfortable walking shoes. There will be one restroom stop midway through the tour. No food or water is available. 

Details
Duration
4 Hours

The tour meets at the Tumacácori Visitor Center. Drive time to the first location is about 30 minutes and includes a steep and rocky road.

At each site, a ranger provides an interpretive walking tour. Participants walk on unpaved trails to reach the mission ruin at each site, including one section of rough uphill trail at Calabasas.

Once the tour has returned to Tumacácori, participants are invited to visit the Tumacácori Mission church and grounds, visitor center, and museum on their own, at no additional charge. 

Pets Allowed
No

$25 per person

Tumacácori National Historical Park protects the ruins of three Spanish missions along the Santa Cruz River between the present day towns of Nogales and Tubac, Arizona. Two of these missions are not open to the public, and can only be visited on a reserved tour. As a participant in this special tour, you will visit the ruined remains of the two closed missions and learn about the lives of the people who lived there.

Reservations are made through www.recreation.gov.

January through March
1st and 3rd Wednesday
9:00a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Accessibility Information

THESE TOURS ARE NOT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE. Participants must be able to walk on hills and rough trails, and to stand and walk for up to an hour at a time. There is no seating other than while driving between sites. There is no shade or shelter along the trails. You will need water, snacks, clothing appropriate to the weather, and comfortable walking shoes. There will be one restroom stop midway through the tour. No food or water is available.

Tumacácori National Historical Park

Last updated: August 23, 2022