Southwest Adventures

Phoenix, Arizona – Small Group New Mexico and Arizona Tours

Enjoy your southwest vacation on one of our quality individualized small group tours.


Cactus garden, Phoenix, ArizonaOur small group New Mexico and Arizona tours begin in Phoenix, a city whose origins stem from an ancient civilization. The Navajo name Hoozdo, or ‘this pace is hot’, captures the intense heat of summer days- with over eighty days a year reaching the 100 degree mark. Built along the banks of the now dried and partially restored Salt River, the Hohokam civilization had constructed roughly 217km of irrigation to allow for farming. These canals laid the pathway for the modern Arizona Canal, Central Arizona Project Canal, and the Hayden-Rhodes Aqueduct. In many opinions the valley is considered home to the earliest and most advanced farming in all of North America. Little is known about the original residents of the valley, but it is believed that a series of severe droughts and floods during the 14th and early 15th centuries led to their disappearance. The Salt River Valley remained mostly abandoned until 1868 when Jack Swilling came to the valley and built off of the remnants of the Hohokam canals. The community went through several names, and even more suggestions. Eventually one Lord Darrell Duppa suggested the name of Phoenix, to represent the fact that the city was reborn out of ruins.

Phoenix downtownPhoenix now boasts both the largest population of any city in Arizona and that of any capitol in the United States, providing our small group Arizona tours with many entertainment options. At a staggering 1.5 million people, Phoenix is the 6th largest city in the United States. It’s size lends to Phoenix’s diversity and a wide availability of entertainment and shopping options. Home to several art galleries, a few notable museums and their own symphony, Phoenix is never short on excitement.

For information about our tour visit Southwest Adventures.


Cactus, PhoenixWe recommend arriving in Phoenix a few days before the start of your Arizona tour, or stay a few days after – this will give you a chance to explore some of the city’s interesting sites on an individual tour. For example there is the beautiful desert botanical garden where you can gain a better understanding of the desert world and stroll through a wide range of desert habitats. Learn about the different species of cacti and read about other, lesser known desert plants. A short trip away is the Phoenix Zoo, with around 1200 animals and 2.5 miles of walking trails it is definitely a memorable experience. And if you have an interest in architecture, there is always a visit to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West, which is also the site of the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture.

Hotel La Quinta Inn, PhoenixWe are happy to help you arrange your activities and hotel if you choose to arrive a few days early for our New Mexico and Arizona tours. There are so many different sights that it might be hard to choose. And if you need assistance with reservations, bus schedules and rental vehicles we are happy to help you with those as well. Relax at the Phoenix La Quinta Inn both at the beginning and end of your trip. With a swimming pool, airport shuttle, fitness center and hearty breakfast this hotel has been carefully chosen for our guests to provide both convenience and comfort. Remember that our tours are scheduled in the spring and fall so that you avoid the heat, this makes it an ideal time to get out an explore this ancient city. Contact us any time for further information.


Historic Route 66

Historic Route 66

Santa Fe

Santa Fe

Sedona

Sedona


Arizona Travel Tours – Read about these attractions, close to Phoenix, Arizona that are also visited on our southwest vacation tour, including the cities of Flagstaff and Sedona.

southwestoverview4

If you have any questions about our Arizona Tours and New Mexico Travel please feel free to contact us at info@traveldreamwest.com. Our Southwest Adventure tours leave twice a year and can be reserved for a group as custom adventure travel tour.