As spring break nears for students all over the country, the task at hand is choosing the ultimate spring break vacation spot. Most Arizona residents stick to southwest staples like Lake Havasu or jet all the way down to Mexico, but there is a more unconventional option that boasts all the glitz with less constraint on the wallet. Taos, NM, offers spring breakers thrilling, relaxing and unique sites and activities at a variety of pricing options.

Rafting

Those spring breakers looking to get their blood pumping would be interested in a white water rafting trip down the Rio Grande River on Class 4 rapids. Vacationers can take their group of friends to Los Rios River Runners, said to be one of the only rafting outfits to start the spring season in March. A half- day rafting trip starts at $50 per person with full- day trips and overnight camping excursions available upon request.

www.losriosriverrunners.com.

Mineral Springs

If an adrenaline rush isn't on your vacation to-do list, try out the healing natural mineral springs at Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs and Spa, located 45 miles outside of Taos. Starting at $18 per person, visitors can take a break from their usual routines and escape to blissful paradise. Ojo Caliente offers a relaxing atmosphere in their mineral pools, the detoxifying remedy of their steam room, and rejuvenation at the spa's sauna and mud pool.

www.ojospa.com.

Cardboard Derby

Near Taos along the Enchanted Circle, Sipapu Ski Resort will host their 9th annual Cardboard Derby March 17, letting students express their individual creativity and get in touch with their competitive side by constructing the best vessel out of card board, duct tape and paint that will be used to slide down the icy slopes at Sipapu Ski Resort. The best cardboard vessel will win special prizes.

www.sipapunm.com.

Llama Adventures

The Taos area also boasts family fun adventures like the hiking experience in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains or along the Rio Grande Gorge with llamas starting at $99 per person. The 'Wild Earth Llama Adventures' "Take a Llama to Lunch" hike includes lunch and will be led by naturalist guide, Stuart Wilde and include lunch for all participants. Wilde will share his knowledge of the area's ecology, edible and medical plants and survival skills in the wild. Overnight camping and full day trips for groups are also made available.

www.llamaadventures.com/llamalunch.

For more information on Taos and all the activities happening spring break 2012, visit

www.taos.org/visit.