Located almost 100 kilometres north of the Mexican border and 190 kilometres southeast of Phoenix, Tucson is a typical Arizona city in terms of its desert landscapes and hot, dry climate. With Spanish, Mexican and Native American influences, it also has an interesting cultural background and its contemporary environment is equally multi-ethnic.

With sunshine throughout the year and a wealth of attractions, the city receives plenty of visitors. Some come for the excellent outdoor activity possibilities, while others enjoy the distinct Mexican flavour that is present in many aspects of the city’s personality. All are impressed by the beauty and wonder of attractions such as the Sabino Canyon and the Kartchner Caverns State Park.

Eating out in Tucson is also an experience worth pursuing, with the Mexican influences creating a local cuisine that’s to die for. If you like your food on the spicy side and featuring plenty of corn tortillas, mild peppers, pinto beans and cheese, then this is the destination for you. Head for the city’s famous Fourth Avenue to find some of the most laid-back dining establishments plus a wealth of shopping and evening entertainment venues.

Nature enthusiasts shouldn’t miss out on destinations such as Tohono Chul Park and Tucson Botanical Gardens, both of which offer their own unique selections of flora. Also offering flora as well as fauna and natural history is the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, another one of the city’s must-see attractions.

Tucson is well-geared to receiving visitors and presents a well-developed visitor infrastructure that includes an excellent selection of accommodation options. There are plenty of big name establishments on offer including branches of Ramada and Marriott, as well as a wealth of smaller hotels offering lower prices and character. Booking a room online in advance is recommended.

The city has its own international airport although it maintains few direct international connections. Most visitors are obliged to transfer from another major US airport. The city can also be reached by Amtrak rail services or by Greyhound buses. Once in Tucson, visitors can make use of an efficient public bus service for getting around or opt for taxis for more convenience. A hire car is a good choice for anyone planning on travelling extensively during their trip.

Tucson has a wonderful climate which blesses it with an impressive 360 days of sunshine per year. Low levels of humidity bring hot and dry days and cool and clear nights. The city experiences four seasons, across which temperatures rarely, if ever, drop below 20° C.

Summers are blisteringly hot with daytime temperatures hitting the mid- to high 30s °C. For many visitors, this kind of heat is uncomfortable. However, some relief arrives in July and August in the form of the monsoon rains that falls regularly in the late afternoon.

Winter (December to March) is by far the best time to take a holiday in Tucson, as temperatures are in the low to mid-20s °C, skies are blue and there’s a distinct absence of rain. Evenings and early mornings can be cool so it’s wise to pack a light jacket or a sweater.