Archive of Past Programs

Note: This program is no longer available. Please see Domestic Trips and International Trips for currently available programs.

Archaeology and Peoples of Sonora, Mexico
Desert and Cultural Landscapes

A Learning Vacation in Sonora, Mexico

The Sonoran Desert spans 120,000 square miles across the southwestern United States and the western half of the state of Sonora, Mexico. Abundant cacti and other succulents defy its dry climate—the desert willow, cave primrose, and lupine call this area home.

During this investigation of the people and plants of Sonora, savor the region's broad desert, jagged mountains, expansive basins, and stunning coastlines. Explore a spectacular and newly researched ancient Trincheras site (contemporary with the Hohokam). Delve into the living cultures of Sonoran peoples—the Mayo, Seri, and Yaqui—and learn about their arts and crafts as you enjoy home visits and local cooking. During Semana Santa, the holy week preceding Easter, observe long-standing traditions as you attend ceremonies that define Mexican culture.

Join Dr. Karen Adams for this exploration of one of the most intriguing landscapes in North America. Drs. Paul and Suzy Fish, Dr. Elisa Villalpando, and a number of Indian artists and experts will accompany Karen for an ongoing dialogue about Sonora's diversity and complexity of culture and ecology.

Cultural Travel with an Educational Focus

Examine ancient and modern village sites and mission churches.

View the diverse arts and crafts of the Sonoran Indian peoples.

Enjoy discussions with archaeologists, Hispanic people, indigenous artists, and keepers of traditional knowledge.

Learn the importance of the Mayo and Yaqui traditions and customs of Semana Santa.

Travel with Archaeobotanist Dr. Karen Adams

Dr. Karen Adams is a prominent archaeobotanist in the Southwest. With a Ph.D. in ecology and evolutionary biology, she has worked extensively in the American Southwest and portions of northern Mexico for the past three decades. She has an intimate knowledge of Sonora, its peoples, and its archaeology.

Trip Dates and Cost

Friday, March 14–Sunday, March 23, 2008
Tuition: $3,941; Nonmember tuition: $4,191
Deposit: $1,000
Balance due: January 14, 2008

Trip Itinerary

Friday, March 14: Arrival in Tucson

Arrive in Tucson and transfer to hotel. Opening program and welcome dinner. Overnight Tucson. (D)

Saturday, March 15: Desert Museum • Arizona State Museum

Visit the highly acclaimed Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum where Karen introduces Sonoran plants and animals. On a tour of the Arizona State Museum, repository of one of the largest collections of Hohokam artifacts in the world, archaeologists Drs. Paul and Suzy Fish provide behind-the-scenes access to artifact storage. Examine beautiful painted pottery and carved shell jewelry. Overnight Tucson. (B, L, D)

Sunday, March 16: Magdalena, Mexico • Trincheras Site • Hermosillo

Cross the international border into Sonora, Mexico, and arrive at Magdalena. Visit the burial site of Father Eusebio Kino, a Jesuit missionary who was one of the early Spanish explorers of the deserts of the American Southwest. In the afternoon, Karen leads a tour of Las Trincheras archaeological site, one of the few World Heritage sites in northern Mexico. View the basaltic hill that was modified by ancient peoples into houses and gardens. Overnight Hermosillo. (B, L)

Monday, March 17: Kino Bay • Punta Chueca

At Kino Bay on the Pacific Ocean, meet a traditional Hispanic wood carver. Travel north along the coast to visit the Seri Indian village at Punta Chueca, poised at the edge of the sea. The Seri, who call themselves the Comcaac (the People), offer beautiful goods: seashell necklaces, carved stones, and exquisitely woven baskets. Have your face painted by Seri artists! Overnight Hermosillo. (B, L)

Tuesday, March 18: La Pintada • San Carlos

Mexican archaeologist Dr. Elisa Villalpando gives a tour at the museum in Hermosillo, the current headquarters for archaeology in Sonora. At a private ranch, view the La Pintada rock art site, a beautiful natural park with significant rupestrian paintings. Travel to the coast and the town of San Carlos. Overnight San Carlos. (B, L)

Wednesday, March 19: Potam • San Carlos

Visit the Yaqui village of Potam, one of the traditional eight sacred pueblos. At Potam, Catholic saints and symbols intermingle with Yaqui traditional beliefs. Nowhere is this fusion more evident than in Easter ceremonies. See the preparations for the celebrations, and observe the flowers, costumes, and decorations. Return to San Carlos for the afternoon, and relax on the beach. Overnight San Carlos. (B, L)

Thursday, March 20: Tehuelibampo • Aduana • Alamos

Hike to the rock art site named Tehuelibampo to view more than 100 petroglyphs, including a "sun-man." Drive to Aduana to visit an arts and crafts cooperative, and end the day in Alamos with a walking tour of the colonial town. Overnight Alamos. (B, L, D)

Friday, March 21: Jupari

Visit the Mayo village, Jupari, to share in the Semana Santa celebration. Enjoy matchines and pascolas (traditional dances and pageants). Watch the Mayo interpret the events of the week leading to Easter. Overnight Alamos. (B, L)

Saturday, March 22: Masiaca

Travel to Masiaca to observe the sunrise ceremony, an important Semana Santa tradition of the Mayo culture. Learn about Mayo handicrafts—rugs woven on backstrap looms and intricately carved masks—and how local plants are used as dyes. Spend the rest of the day in Alamos to explore galleries and shops and gather for a farewell dinner. Overnight Alamos. (B, L, D)

Sunday, March 23: Alamos • Obregon • United States

Depart for drive to Obregon and flights back to Tucson. Or, return by van to Tucson with the Crow Canyon staff. (B)

Tour Details

Tuition: Tuition is per person and is based on shared accommodations. Tuition includes accommodations, meals listed, entry fees and permits, most gratuities, and transportation from arrival in Tucson on March 14 until departure from Obregon, Mexico, on March 23. Not included is airfare from Obregon to the U.S. or travel expenses if returning by Crow Canyon van (please call for further information).

International program prices are based on current tariffs/currency exchange rates and are subject to change. Crow Canyon reserves the right to levy a surcharge, if necessary, prior to the final payment date.

International Air: The flight from Obregon to the U.S. is not included. For assistance making arrangements, we recommend Travel Management, Inc., in Post Falls, Idaho. E-mail crow@tmitravel.net, or call 800.975.7775 and ask for the Crow Canyon representative. Or, you are welcome to make your own arrangements.

Accommodations: All nights are spent in clean, comfortable motels or hotels. Shared accommodations are double occupancy. Single accommodations are available for an additional fee of $490.

What to Expect

Travel is by van through southern Arizona and the northern Mexican state of Sonora, with no drives more than a few hours. Access to some locations requires driving on rough roads. Visits to some sites will require walking a mile, short scrambles up rocky slopes, and standing for an hour or more. Photography at Indian festivities is restricted or prohibited. All lodging is comfortable. Participants need a valid U.S. passport to reenter the United States from Mexico.

Crow Canyon is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization whose mission is to conduct archaeological research and public education programs. Crow Canyon is nationally recognized for the quality of its archaeological research and education programs.

The Crow Canyon Archaeological Center's programs and admission practices are open to applicants of any race, color, nationality, ethnic origin, gender, or sexual orientation.

Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California
CST 2059347-50

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