The Indian Cultural Adventure offers a fascinating look into the lives of the Cahuilla Indians. Learn why and how these Indians choose to live on the San Andreas Fault and why the Cahuilla were the only Indian tribe in North America to rely exclusively on water wells. Learn about the customs, ceremonies and culture of these hunter/gatherers and how they lived and thrived in our harsh desert environment. You will be fascinated as your expert naturalist guide describes how the Cahuilla Indians used the desert plants for food and medicinal purposes and you will be amazed to learn how many of these plants are now studied in pharmaceutical laboratories for modern day uses.

On your adventure you will journey to a natural palm oasis and to a registered archeological site upon which an ancient Cahuilla village once sat. Today, Palteewet, a culturally and historically accurate recreation of a Cahuilla Indian Village, sits on this site. Palteewet means "place of water" and during your visit you will learn how water provided the life springs for the Cahuilla Indians and how the canyons provided food and protection. The village includes a depiction of the water manipulation practiced by the tribe, a ceremonial house, and kishes (huts) that house numerous objects (such as pottery, baskets, and tools) that were used and made by the Cahuilla Indians. A short walk will bring you to a large Metaté (grinding stone) that sits overlooking the village.

Your tour includes a visit to an active archeological dig site (and the opportunity to participate in the dig if you like) and guided walking tour of the Indian Village. On your tour you will see petroglyphs, metatés, Cahuilla fish traps, a hunting blind, and much more!

Schedule Details

Departure Dates:

Daily

Please Note: Tour is unavailable/sold out on the following dates

• New Year Day (1 January)
• Easter Sunday (23 March, 2008)
• Thanksgiving Day (27 November, 2008)
• Christmas (24-26 December)

Departure Point:

Tour depart from Coco's Bakery and Restaurant, 78375 Varner Road, Palm Desert.

Departure Time:

8:00am

Return details:

Tour returns to the original departure point approximately 3.5 hours after departure

Hotel Pickup:

Hotel pick-up is not provided

Additional Information

Inclusions:

• Jeep Eco-tour with an expert naturalist guide
• Archeological dig activity and Indian Village walking tour
• A nature walk or hike, geared to the ability of the guests in the jeep
• Granola snacks and bottled water
• Site fees and taxes

Exclusions:

• Guide gratuity (optional)

Additional Info:

• This tour must be booked at least 48 hours in advance of your travel date
• Confirmation for this product will be received at time of booking, unless you are booking within 3 days of tour date. In this case, confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability
• All adventures feature up-close exploration of the Palm Springs and Palm Desert area deserts with an expert naturalist guide
• Be sure to wear sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes and casual, comfortable clothes.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen to ward off the intense desert sun.
• Remember to bring your camera and lots of film! There will be wonderful photo opportunities
• Tours are appropriate for ages four years to Senior Citizens
• Please ask about arrangements for special physical needs
• All guides are First Aid and CPR Certified and jeeps are radio equipped

Local Operator Information:

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

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