First things first: "Taos" rhymes with "house" or "mouse," as pronounced in "American" English.The town of Taos itself is one of several places with "Taos" in their name, all part of the region and contributors to its attractiveness but differing in just what the attractions are. '''Ranchos de Taos''' is a small village south of Taos proper that is notable for a spectacularly scenic and much-photographed church. '''Taos Pueblo''' is just north of town, an ancient American Indian community (and UNESCO World Heritage List | UNESCO World Heritage Site) in a particularly beautiful setting. '''Taos Ski Valley''', also known as Twining, is about 20 miles (30 km) north of town in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Finally, the '''Taos Box''' is a section of the nearby Rio Grande known for its superb whitewater. Before setting out for an attraction, know exactly which Taos you're visiting; attractions outside Taos proper but in Ranchos de Taos, Taos Pueblo or Taos Ski Valley are covered below with those for the town, while more distant attractions are under '''Get out'''. http://wikitravel.org/en/Taos