TOUR DESCRIPTION:
Immerse yourself in the culture of northern Mexico on this day trip to the Sonoran community of Magdalena de Kino.
Magdalena, a pueblo mágico, is famous for being the terminus of an annual pilgrimage that dates back at least three centuries and brings together the three cultures of the borderlands: Indigenous, Mexican and American. It is also the final resting place of the illustrious Jesuit missionary, Padre Eusebio Francisco Kino. You’ll have a chance to peer down into his crypt to see the earthly remains of the explorer, cartographer, and the region’s first peacemaker between the native peoples and the Spanish.
We will see beautiful murals communicating the rich cultural heritage of the area, take in the life in the plaza and enjoy the delicious regional cuisine for breakfast and lunch. If you are curious to travel to Mexico, this is the perfect opportunity to see for yourself.
Map of Tour
Themes:
1. History
2. Mexican Culture
3. Mexican Gastronomy
4. The Border
What to bring:
» Valid Passport Booklet or Passport Card. Unfortunately, “enhanced” driver’s licenses are not recognized by Mexican customs authorities.
» Water » Cash (U.S. dollars is fine, small denominations are ideal) for personal purchases
» Optional: Global Entry Card, SENTRI Pass
The when & where of tour meeting & parking location: We will meet as a group at a table inside the Burger King located
at 47 Sonoita Ave. in Nogales, Arizona, USA at 8 AM. You may park only in the back lot section of their lot (the front is for their customers). If there is no space available, there are multiple other parking lot options directly in front of the Burger King and adjacent to park your vehicle.
At the Burger King, you’ll have a chance to use the restroom, pay for your parking fees (approx $5 a day, not included in the tour) at the cashier, and check-in.
Guide Contact Details: Alex La Pierre
info@borderlandia.org (619) 777-0040
Finalmente: Let’s have fun.
ITINERARY:
8 AM
» Park & meet at Burger King’s (47 N. Sonoita Ave.) in Nogales, Arizona, USA
Crossing the Border
Cross the line together as a group, walking to Mexico via the Dennis DeConcini pedestrian Port of Entry, to rendezvous with our professional driver and Mercedes Sprinter transportation and travel together toward our destination of Magdalena de Kino.
Km 21: FMM Tourist Permissions
About a half hour after departing Nogales on our journey south we will stop at KM 21 Mexican immigration station to register for our free tourist visas, restroom breaks, and currency exchange. You can actually fill out your form ahead of time here (optional) and print it out for Mexican customs registration to expedite the process.
Breakfast: Classic Sonoran Roadfood
Roadside stop in Ímuris for classic Sonorense road food breakfast, tamales de elote, quesadillas, and burritos paseados
The Pimería Alta: Mission San Ignacio
Visit San Ignacio de Caborica mission church, founded by the Jesuit Missionary Padre Eusebio Francisco Kino in 1687.
Pilgrimage Terminus: Magdalena
Continue on to the Pueblo Mágico of Magdalena.
Arrive at the monumental plaza in Magdalena for a tour of the crypt of Padre Kino, the Chapel of Saint Francis Xavier pilgrimage terminus, the church, and a local bakery.
Visit Municipality’s Palace and view murals in the Mexican Muralist tradition.
Lunch & Coffee
Lunch at a local Magdalena de Kino restaurant.
After lunch we will visit Café Sed, a social business in the community and operated by a young American couple who live in Magdalena de Kino.
Return to Nogales
Depart for Nogales. Return to Dennis DeConcini Port of Entry to walk back across to the US.
4:00 - 4:30 PM Approx. time of return to Nogales.
Borderlandia is a binational organization committed to building public understanding of the borderlands.
Questions? Write us at info@borderlandia.org
Cancellation Policy - Mexico Day Tours
Single-day trips to Mexico are fully refundable up to four weeks before the tour date. If cancellation occurs within four to two weeks of the tour’s day, they are subject to a $50 (per person) cancellation fee. There is no refund if cancellation occurs within two weeks of the tour date. There’s also the option to transfer the registration to another individual found by the original registrant.
PLEASE NOTE: This entire itinerary is subject to change depending on availability, conditions, cancellations, and other circumstances.