Priscilla Terán, a bilingual high school teacher and translator, ventured into the tour guide business in Tucson a few years ago, and today her enterprise is a resounding success.
Priscilla Terán, a Tucson native raised in Sonora, is not only a bilingual teacher and translator but also a wedding officiant. She began her journey as a tour guide by taking friends visiting Tucson on tours of the historical sites she cherished. From these experiences, the idea for her business, “Tucson – Behind the Scenes Tour,” was born, quickly becoming a favorite among tourists.
The Birth of Tucson – Behind the Scenes Tour by Priscilla Terán
The inspiration for “Tucson – Behind the Scenes Tour” struck in 2019 during a vacation in Hawaii. While waiting for a local tour guide with her children, Priscilla realized that the most popular tours in Tucson were bicycle tours, which didn’t offer the experience she envisioned. Upon returning home, she posted her tour offerings online and began showcasing Tucson to visitors. “Everything was going smoothly until the COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a halt,” recalls the Tucson native.
By early 2022, Priscilla was able to resume her tours, which she now conducts every weekend, especially on Sundays, with high demand during holiday seasons like the recent December holidays.
Her main clientele consists of older couples and groups of friends visiting Tucson, although about 10% of her clients are people considering moving to the city. In January and February, many visitors from the gem and mineral shows also enjoy her tours.
The Behind the Scenes Tour Experience
Priscilla’s tours always begin with a culinary experience. Passionate about trying local food when she travels, she offers her guests a tasting of Sonoran tacos, an iconic Tucson dish. Additionally, she takes them to other Mexican food establishments that have contributed to Tucson being recognized as the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy in the United States.
A highlight of the tour is the El Tiradito Shrine, a place rich in history and mystery. This shrine houses the remains of a sinner buried in unconsecrated ground, according to a plaque at the site. Located at 420 S. Main Ave., in the historic Barrio Viejo, the shrine is filled with lit candles and letters left by visitors. You can also see offerings such as food, teddy bears, and artwork.
If you want to experience this unique tour and discover Tucson’s hidden gems, you can book a tour with Priscilla Terán through the Airbnb app or the TripAdvisor website. Explore Tucson from a new perspective and be amazed!
