The small town of Tubac is a Mecca for history buffs, thanks to the adobe ruins of Spanish explorers that remain within the town (including the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park). Yet, the history lessons shouldn’t cease at Tubac’s town limits. Just eight kilometres south is the Tumacacori National Historic Park (pronounced Too-ma-ca-cor-ee), founded in 1691 by Jesuit missionary and explorer Father Eusebio Francisco Kino as the San Jose de Tumacacori mission. It was one of the first Anglo settlements in what is now Arizona.

Explore the tumultuous relationship between the missionaries and the Pima tribe, which ended in a revolt in 1751. The towering remains of the adobe San Jose de Tumacacori mission church are absolutely stunning, while the visitor’s centre houses a small museum that sheds light on mission life and the area’s rich history.

DON’T MISS La Fiesta de Tumacacori, a free celebration of Hispanic, Native and Anglo cultures, on December 5 and 6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.