Arizona

Arizona, a beautiful and ancient state in the Western USA, just to the south of Utah, southeast of Nevada and east of California, is a destination full of natural wonders and awe-inspiring moments waiting to be explored.

Most famously known for its distinguishable landmark, the Grand Canyon, Arizona is nicknamed The Grand Canyon State for this very reason. Visitors gaze in awe at this natural formation distinguished by multiple layers of red rock. One of the biggest canyons in the world, it measures over 434 kilometres, up to 28 kilometres wide and 1.6 kilometres deep. It’s something that everyone must see at least once in their lifetime. But there’s also a lot more to Arizona!

Arizona is perfect for those who love outdoor adventure. You can hike or ride horseback along scenic desert trails or alpine forests, explore the backcountry by Jeep, raft the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon, or admire breathtaking landscapes from the sky as you fly, skydive, or zipline. Enjoy star parties or full moon hikes with fantastic night sky visibility. From snow-capped mountains, serene lakes, sandy deserts, rushing rivers to lakefront beaches, the Arizona landscape is so diverse; you’ll enjoy a completely different experience each time you visit.

A road trip is a perfect way to explore Arizona. Take a journey along the high desert on the famous historic Route 66. You’ll travel through historic towns such as Hackberry, Kingman, and Flagstaff, with epic scenery to boot. Or drive through the rugged Navajo Nation, where American Indian history is displayed through mesa-top Hopi villages dating back thousands of years. If you love the quirky side to travel, you’ll probably enjoy Arizona’s many ghost towns too!

In addition to exploring Arizona’s expansive outdoor offerings, check out the state’s cosmopolitan city vibes too. The state’s capital Phoenix,  the fifth largest in the US, offers an incredible mix of eclectic neighbourhoods, art galleries, museums, architecture, vibrant dining, and nightlife in downtown Phoenix’s CityScape. And for downtime, know that Arizona spas are some of the best in the world. Local ingredients and American Indian traditions are utilised for ultimate relaxation.

Mouth-watering food and drink options are endless here. Eat your way through Tucson in southern Arizona, which was declared the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy. James Beard Award-winning Chefs mix with up and coming chefs, making Arizona a melting pot of food innovation and delicious Mexican, Spanish, and American Indian cuisines. In Arizona’s high deserts, you’ll find three AVA (American Viticulture Areas) wine-growing regions: Sonoita-Elgin, Willcox, and the Verde Valley. The vineyards offer the best spots for wine-tasting with a view. You’ll never want to leave!