Ciudad Juárez

Understand

Juarez is a large Mexican city in the middle of the Chihuahuan Desert. It is named for 19th-century president and popular hero Benito Juarez, the first Mexican president of indigenous descent. Juarez is nowhere near the tropical Mexico with beautiful beaches and Aztec and Mayan culture many people expect. You will be more likely to encounter people resembling cowboys than any other vision of a Mexican one might have. This can be more charming and realistic than the culture of other locales that are not off the beaten path in Mexico. However, special attention must be paid to criminal activity in Juarez, as well as the city and state of Chihuahua in general; there has been police corruption in the area, some incidents quite violent in nature as they pertain to the border area's prevalence in illegal drug and human trafficking. Also, visitors, especially females, should be aware of the sexual violence and murder rates amongst the female populace; since 1993, perhaps earlier, hundreds of women, most of them underpaid workers at sweatshops known as "maquiladoras," have been killed by persons unknown, their bodies found beaten, raped, tortured and murdered in and around Juarez. As most of the victims are local women, deemed by their killers and indeed quite often by those investigating their deaths to be disposable. Foreign visitors should not have much to worry about as long as they follow common sense; if you avoid venturing out alone into suspicious areas of town, particularly after dark, making obvious your personal wealth to strangers, and staying well clear of any illegal activity, particularly involving drug purchase/smuggling, you should be fine. Just remember that Mexican police are notoriously lacking in concern for those whose activities are considered "high-risk". The U.S. Border Patrol can also be quite mercurial about these matters, and neither American nor Mexican prisons are very enticing places to spend one's vacation. Juárez experienced over 2300 murders in 2019 (out of a population of 1.7 million). While many of the victims have been connected with drug trafficking, the random nature of this violence requires precaution.

Getting there

Juárez is part of Mexico's zona frontera, and no visa or passport is required for U.S. citizens to enter from the United States. (A passport is required to return to United States from Juárez.) Pedestrians are rarely stopped or asked for identification, so if you are not a U.S. citizen, make sure you proactively seek out Mexican immigration to get stamped in when you cross the border, or you risk getting arrested for illegal entry. Vehicles may be stopped at random: usually indicated by a red light at the border crossing. Your vehicle may be searched if stopped, and the most serious matter is to carry a firearm or ammunition without a permit to do so: even one spent shell casing may result in serious charges. Highways exiting Juárez towards the Mexican interior have checkpoints that do require foreigners to present a visa. If you do not have one, you may fill out a tourist card at the checkpoint.

By car From the rest of Mexico, Juarez is accessible by Mexican Federal Highway 2 which runs along the United States border and Mexican Federal Highway 45 which heads south to Chihuahua. From the United States, US Highways 62 (Stanton Street in El Paso) and 54 (also known as the Patriot Freeway) end at the Mexican border and are the main international crossings from the United States. Interstate 10 is the major highway leading to El Paso. Near the Stanton Street bridge in downtown El Paso, most visitors that come for a single day choose to park on the US side of the border and walk across the bridges as to avoid dealing with traffic, lack of parking in the city center, and long waits for vehicles reentering the United States. Parking is generally US$3 near the bridges.

By plane 1 Abraham González International Airport (CJS IATA). Offers flights to several destinations in Mexico, including Chihuahua, Monterrey, and Mexico City. 2 El Paso International Airport (ELP IATA). The most convenient airport for U.S. travelers.

By bus Long-distance buses arrive at 3 Central de Autobuses Ciudad Juarez, located on Blvd. Oscar Flores 4010. The following bus companies serve the terminal from other cities in Mexico:

Grupo Estrella Blanca, ☏ +52 55 5729-0807, toll-free: 800-507-5500. They also operate the Chihuahuanese, Elite, Elite Plus, Futura and the Rojos de Las Altos brands. (updated Aug 2016) ETN (Enlances Terrestre Nacionales); Turistar, ☏ +52 322 290-0996, toll-free: 0800 8000-386. (updated Aug 2016) Grupo Senda, toll-free: 0800 890-90-90. They also operate the Del Norte brand. (updated Aug 2016) Omnibus De Mexico (ODM), ☏ +52 55 51-41-43-00, toll-fr

Getting around

There is a public bus system in Juarez; however, it is not very easy to use and is often overlooked by tourists. In general, buses have their final destination on a board in the front window. They make frequent stops, and often run in close succession to one another; if you miss a bus, another of the same route is likely to appear in a matter of minutes. Many routes continue to run overnight: exercise extreme caution on buses at night and buses that go into poorly policed barrios of the city (especially to the west and south). Buses have been targeted in attacks, mainly aimed to collect protection money for route operators. Taxis are abundant and inexpensive, but always ask for the ride fee and if possible ask two different drivers to get the best fare. Taxis are not metered, and initial fares may be given based on one's perceived ability to pay (a tourist or wealthier Mexican may be quoted a higher fare). However, most sites of touristic interest in Juarez can be reached by walking in the historic center. Upon arrival in Juarez, it is likely that most foreigners will be greeted by a plethora of taxi drivers offering to drive them to the market. While the market cannot be seen from the border crossing, it is a relatively short walk: after crossing the Santa Fe street bridge, walk down Avenida Juarez to 16 de Septiembre, turn left and then walk about seven blocks (street blocks are much smaller in Juarez than in neighboring El Paso). Driving in Juárez, while less chaotic than in Mexico City, is not recommended for a casual visitor. While the lack of high-speed freeways means many accidents that happen in the central parts of the city are relatively minor, fender benders in Mexico may involve frustrating red tape. If you do drive in Juárez, make sure you have Mexican automobile insurance, as not having Mexican insurance may result in criminal charges and a visit to jail.

Most larger businesses have parking lots with attendants that will ask for a nominal fee (US$0.25, or M$2-3). Watch where you park; cars that are illegally parked on streets may have their license plates removed by a transit cop. The idea is to ensure you will pay the fine before leaving the country (and your plates should be returned after doing so). If this happens to you, the ticket should indicate where to pay your fine, should you chose to do so (you should be able to re-enter the United States in any event, but you may face some added complications with a missing plate). If you ever get disoriented, one landmark that may help you out is the gigantic message made of whitewashed rock

See

1 Juarez Cathedral (Catedral de Ciudad Juárez). Neoclassicist cathedral built in the 1940s. 2 Guadalupe Mission (Misión de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe), Av Vicente Guerrero. The oldest standing building in Juárez, from the 17th century. Continuously used by the Catholic Church, restored in 1970s. 3 Benito Juárez Monument (Monumento a Benito Juárez). Commissioned by national subscription in 1906, restored in 1930 after the revolution, with fountains and flower beds. Elegant Porfirian structure. 4 Monument to the Mexicanity (Monumento a la Mexicanidad). 5 Chamizal Federal Public Park. Demarcates the bottomlands area that was the source of strained border relations between Mexico and the US because the Rio Grande shifted course, chamizal being the common scrub brush that was about the only thing going on there. There's also a small archeology museum on site, Museo de Arqueología e Historia de El Chamizal. 6 Juan Gabriel's mansion, 16 de Septiembre 157A (downtown). 7 Plaza de la Mexicanidad. Catch an outdoor event and take a striking photo of The X.

8 Revolution in the Border Museum (Museo de la Revolución en la Frontera MUREF). Showcases the history of the Mexican Revolution and the history of Juarez. Large, well-presented museum close to the border crossing. Well worth a visit. Free. 9 San Agustín Regional Museum (Municipio de Ciudad Juárez Museo Regional del Valle de Juárez), ☏ +52 656 621 4179. 10 Samalayuca Dune Fields (Los Medanos). 11 Museo de Arte de Ciudad Juárez, Av Benjamin Franklin y S Mejia (on northwest corner of Plaza of the Americas), ☏ +52 656 146 1630. Tu-Sa 10ː00-18ː00, may be open Su. Small art museum of paintings mostly, surrounded by a moat of dirty water outside. Just 100 m or so east at the junction of Av Abraham Lincoln and Av Benjamin Franklin, you'll find a statue of Abe himself. (updated Dec 2020)

Do

Juarez is unlike many border towns in that it is a major city with over a million inhabitants. However, most foreign tourists will still enjoy the same elements of stereotypical Mexican culture that they do in other border towns such as Nogales, Tijuana, and Nuevo Laredo.

Enjoy a drink at a patio cafe with some chips and salsa at reasonable prices. Shop the markets for typical Mexican wares. Attend a bullfight at the Plaza de Toros when in season. Drive through the city and enjoy the scenery. 1 The Tumbleweed Interactive Space, Blvd. Teófilo Borunda 6632 Jarudo, Del Nte, ☏ +52 656 257 0909. Sa-Su 11ː00-19ː00, M-F 09ː00-17ː00. Interactive museum sort of geared for the youngster with science and desert and local lore exhibits (e.g. dino skeleton reconstructions, archeology dig, prairie dog town, Old West set, visiting shows). Has food court. M$50. (updated Dec 2020) 2 Parque Central Hermanos Escobar. Daily 08ː00-21ː00. A rather intriguing city park in that it has a hodgepodge of giraffe, peacock, and ostrich enclosures, a dirty duck pond, and a cactus garden. But given that it's one of the few greenspaces in Cd Juarez, it is a good place to go to relax and exercise. (updated Dec 2020) 3 Paseo del Norte cultural center, Anillo Envolvente del Pronaf. Both indoor and outdoor events are hosted here. Gambling – the city has many casinos. Most are within the more popular malls (Las Misiones, Plaza Sendero, Galerías Tec) or in high-transit and safe streets (Ejército Nacional, Blvd. Gómez Morín). 4 Estadio Olímpico Benito Juárez, Av. Heroico Colegio Militar 51, Chamizal, ☏ +52 656 612 7417. Built as a multi-purpose stadium, it is best known as the home field for Fútbol Club Juárez, a top-tier professional soccer team in the Liga MX. The stadium was built in 1981 and seats 19,700 cheering fans. (updated Apr 2024)

Buy

Typical Mexican souvenirs such as blankets, pottery, and trinkets themed in Mexican culture. Make sure to haggle as it will be expected. If you act uninterested, or begin to walk away, you should get quoted a lower price. The merchants speak English and are constantly encountering Americans, so you will not seem very foreign to them if you are not Mexican yourself. Goods may range from kitschy trinkets to high quality artisan-made glassware, pottery, jewelry, leather goods, and woven cloth. Most markets also have good food and drink, and musical entertainment. If one cannot live without US-style retail, Juarez has many shopping areas featuring familiar retailers such as Home Depot, Sears and Wal-Mart. Most US (and even some Canadian) banks have branches in Juarez as well.

1 Plaza de las Americas, Av. Benjamín Franklin 3220, ☏ +52 656 629 0853. Daily 09ː00-20ː00. A bit dated, but this mall features some restaurants, a movie theater, and ice rink, if you are craving the mall experience. (updated Dec 2020) 2 Happyland (Plaza Las Misiones), Blvd. Teófilo Borunda 8760. This seems to be the happening place for the mall life in Cd Juarez. Theater, gym, restaurants here. (updated Dec 2020)

Eat

Juarez has a great selection of restaurants that specialize in authentic Mexican cuisine. The cuisine in Juarez is not very different from the food that is eaten on the other side of the Rio Grande in El Paso. A great dish to try for those not experienced in Mexican cuisine would be Steak Ranchero. Juarez also offers a very international selection including everything from great seafood at Los Arcos, incredible Chinese at Shangri-La, Brazilian at Fogueira, and the list continues. Try Maria Chuchena for a nice semi-expensive eclectic meal, afterwards walk out to La Cantera where you can find restaurant/bars to have a few drinks with the locals. There are also many small stores and carts that make tacos using fresh tortillas, vegetables, and your choice of several meats such as beef, chicken, pork, and chorizo (a spicy Mexican sausage). As long as you can see the meat being cooked you should feel fine eating this food, although it may be outside of some inexperienced travellers comfort levels. Tacos are served "by the order" and you should not expect to pay more than M$30 or US$3 for an order of 4. As Juarez is a major city there are some very nice steakhouses where you will be pampered by an exceptional waitstaff in a luxurious setting. However, expect to pay about half of what you would stateside. A delicious steak dinner with all the fixings can be had for around M$100, US$10. Try fine dining on Blvd. Tomás Fernández. Don't forget the burritos.

Drink & nightlife

Be aware that you can't drink in public places or in the street, ask before.

Basically beer and tequila will be the alcoholic drinks of choice. Remember, although you are in Mexico, you are in the middle of the desert and not a beach resort so Piña Coladas and Strawberry Daiquiris are unlikely to be at your disposal. However due to the large amount of Texans crossing the border some places will have margaritas ready. Most people arrive in Mexico expecting Corona to be free flowing, but this beer is not really drunk in Mexico. If you are in a tourist place you will find Corona (Modelo is essentially the domestic version of Corona), but outside of touristy Juarez, the local beer Carta Blanca is the beer of choice. This beer is definitely worth a try as it is a favorite of the locals. The most popular beer with locals is a dark beer called "Indio" and for locals, other brands you can try are "Sol" or "XX lager". If you are thirsty, try a "Caguama" in a 1L bottle. "Victoria" beer is also a special treat, as it is never exported from Mexico. Visit the 1 Kentucky Bar, one of the oldest bars in Juarez, where many famous people like John Wayne, Steve McQueen, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, and Jack Dempsey have walked out on all fours. Kentucky Bar is supposedly the birthplace of the Margarita and is across the Santa Fe bridge; it is only a few blocks down on the strip. For non-alcoholic tastes, try "horchata," a refreshing rice-based drink or "agua de jamaica," a sweet punch made from dried hibiscus flowers. "Licuados" or milkshakes are also very good. For those wishing not to partake in alcoholic beverages, stop in at any store with the words "La Michoacana" or any reference to "Michoacan" in its name. It sells fruit flavored ice creams, popsicles, and fruit flavored drinks that come in many flavors and are very refreshing under the hot desert sun. Even soft drinks such as Coca-Cola have a flavor in Mexico that sets them apart from their American counterparts: they use cane sugar and not corn syrup.

Sleep

Juarez has its fair share of local and international hotels. However, many travellers will find it easier, and much safer, to spend the night across the Rio in El Paso, as it is a large American city with all the usual American services.

1 Fiesta Inn Ciudad Juárez, Paseo Triunfo de la República 3451, ☏ +52 656 686 0700. (updated Apr 2015) 2 Hotel Santa Fe Juarez, Calle Tlaxcala 268, ☏ +52 656 207 1767. A cheaper hotel, close to the border crossing. (updated Apr 2015) 3 Hotel Lucerna Ciudad Juárez, Av. Paseo Triunfo de la República 3976, ☏ +52 656 629 9900. A fairly modern hotel tower with inviting circular pool, spa, and big breakfast. Kind of spendy though. M$1292. (updated Dec 2020) 4 Hotel Maria Bonita Consulado Americano, Av. Paseo de la Victoria 4451 (across from Happyland), ☏ +52 656 406 6400. This hotel is highly stylized in Mexican colonial architecture, though it kind of looks like an Embassy Suites. It has a pool and complimentary breakfast, wifi, and a/c. M$974. (updated Dec 2020)

Go next

Taking a drive eastboud along Mexican Federal Highway 2 is a fun drive that stops in many idyllic Mexican towns along the Rio Grande. You can escape the hustle and bustle of Juarez and slow down a little, as people expect to do in Mexico. (Note, the Valle de Guadalupe southeast of the city is one of the most violent drug war zones). You will need to have documentation in order to reenter the United States. The United States Government requires that all travelers entering the United States from all Mexican points of entry have a valid passport.