BACANORA - A SONORAN TRADITION

$500

November 21-24, 2019 (limit 6 people)

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Non-profits Primero Conservation and Colectivo Sonora Silvestre are partnering to share the story of bacanora and raise funds for conservation and restoration in Sonora, Mexico over a 4-day tour of the Rio Sonora region.

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Bacanora has a long tradition in the rugged Sierra Madre of eastern Sonora, Mexico. This once illegal, bootleg alcohol is to mezcal what moonshine is to whiskey. Originally made in stills, expertly pieced together from car parts and other odds and ends, bacanora is still crafted by still-keepers and vaqueros in the remote Sierra Madre. 

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Traditionally, bacanora is made from wild agaves that are harvested before reaching sexual maturity, keeping pollinators, such as lesser long-nosed bats, from feeding on their life-sustaining nectar. We visit producers that sustainably grow agaves and the funds raised support a pollinator and agave conservation fund.

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Over 4 days you will visit ranches along the Rio Sonora in the Sierra Madre, visit 3 bacanora producers, and learn about the history of bacanora and the ecology of agaves and pollinator species.

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Tentative Itinerary:

Day 1 Thursday November 21

Tucson- Arizpe (4.5 horas - 220 Miles ) 

Sleep at Hotel Arizpe. Discussion about the history and ecology of bacanora will take place in a relaxed setting while tasting bacanora on the Rio Sonora.

Day 2 Friday November 22

Arizpe-Banamichi (40 min- 30 miles) 

Visit Roberto Contreras Bacanora Ranch and permaculture site (4 hours). Bacanora tasting and tour of agave fields.

Banamichi-Aconchi (20 min- 15 miles). 

Visit hot springs. 

Day 3 Saturday November 23

Banamichi-San Pedro de la Cueva (3 hours- 115 miles) 

Visit Bacanora Batuq ranch, greenhouse and distillery ( 4 hours). 

Lunch at Presa El Novillo and tour of the flooded church underwater in Presa el Novillo. Sleep at Hotel la Cueva.

Day 4 Sunday November 24

San Pedro de la Cueva- Matape (1 hr- 30 miles) 

Visit 7 Coronados distillery and fields and have lunch there. Roasting or harvesting demonstration.

Return to Tucson (5.5 hours- 300 miles).

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Included:

Travel (van), 1 meal a day, bacanora tastings.

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Not included:

Hotels ($20 - $30 night - attendees can split rooms) and 2 meals a day.