Juarez Travel Guide (Chihuahua (state)/Northern Mexico/Mexico/North America)

Juarez, located in the state of Chihuahua in Northern Mexico, is a city full of cultural and natural attractions, outdoor adventures, and delicious food and drink. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, a foodie, or just looking to explore new places, Juarez has something for everyone. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll take you through the best things to do, places to stay, and tips for staying safe during your trip to Juarez.

Introduction to Juarez

Juarez, also known as Ciudad Juarez, is a border city located across the Rio Grande from El Paso, Texas. The city has a rich history and is known for its cultural and natural attractions. Juarez is also a manufacturing hub, with many factories and plants producing goods for export to the United States and other countries.

List of Places to Visit in Juarez

If you’re wondering where to begin your trip to Juarez, start with these must-visit places:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Museo de la Revolución en la Frontera (Museum of the Revolution on the Border): A museum dedicated to the Mexican Revolution and its impact on the border region.
Museo Arqueológico de El Chamizal (El Chamizal Archeological Museum): A museum showcasing the history and culture of the area’s indigenous peoples.
Centro Histórico (Historic Center): A neighborhood in downtown Juarez filled with historic buildings and churches.

Natural Attractions of Juarez: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Parque Central Hermanos Escobar (Hermanos Escobar Central Park): A park in downtown Juarez with walking paths, green spaces, and a fountain.
Parque Nacional de Juarez (Juarez National Park): A national park outside of Juarez with hiking trails, scenic views, and opportunities for bird watching and wildlife spotting.
Cumbres de Majalca National Park: A mountainous national park outside of Juarez with hiking and biking trails, scenic views, and opportunities for camping and picnicking.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Juarez

For outdoor enthusiasts, Juarez offers plenty of opportunities to hike and bike. Some popular routes for hiking and biking include:

Sierra de Juarez (Juarez Mountains): A mountain range on the outskirts of Juarez with several hiking and biking trails, including the Las Misiones Trail.
Ruta Luminosa: A nighttime hiking and biking route through the mountains outside of Juarez.
Parque Central Hermanos Escobar: A park in downtown Juarez with walking and biking paths.

Best Things to Do in Juarez: Activities and Tours

In addition to outdoor adventures and cultural attractions, Juarez offers several activities and tours that are worth checking out:

Tequila and mezcal tastings: Juarez is known for its high-quality tequila and mezcal, and several establishments offer tastings and guided tours.
Lucha Libre matches: Lucha Libre, or Mexican professional wrestling, is a popular form of entertainment in Juarez. Catch a match at Arena Coliseo.
City tours: Several companies offer guided tours of Juarez’s cultural and historical landmarks.

Week-Long Itinerary for Juarez

If you’re planning a week-long trip to Juarez, consider this itinerary:

Day 1: Explore the historic center of Juarez, including the Cathedral and the Museum of the Revolution on the Border.
Day 2: Spend the day hiking or biking in Juarez National Park.
Day 3: Take a city tour of Juarez and learn about the city’s history and culture.
Day 4: Visit El Chamizal Archeological Museum and learn about the area’s indigenous peoples.
Day 5: Go on a tequila or mezcal tasting tour.
Day 6: Catch a Lucha Libre match at Arena Coliseo.
Day 7: Spend the day relaxing at Hermanos Escobar Central Park or Cumbres de Majalca National Park.

Food and Drink Scene of Juarez

No trip to Juarez is complete without sampling some of the city’s delicious food and drink. Here are some must-try dishes:

Must-Try Dishes

Carne asada: Grilled beef served with tortillas and salsa.
Chiles en nogada: Stuffed poblano peppers with a walnut-based cream sauce and pomegranate seeds.
Tacos al pastor: Pork cooked on a spit and served with pineapple and onions.

Local Beverages

Tequila: Juarez is known for producing high-quality tequila.
Mezcal: A distilled alcoholic beverage made from the agave plant.

Where to Stay in Juarez: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Juarez has accommodations to fit any budget. Here are some options:

Hotel Lucerna: A luxury hotel in the heart of Juarez with a pool, spa, and restaurant.
Hotel Villa del Sol: A mid-range hotel with comfortable rooms and a convenient location.
Hostal Catedral: A budget-friendly hostel located in the historic center of Juarez.

What to Buy in Juarez: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for souvenirs or gifts to bring home, consider these local products:

Handcrafted pottery and ceramics
Artisanal candy, including cajeta (a type of caramel made with goat’s milk)
Textiles, including blankets and rugs

Local Culture and Customs of Juarez

In Juarez, it’s important to be respectful of the local culture and customs. Some tips to keep in mind:

Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.
Be polite and courteous to others.
Be aware of your surroundings and avoid traveling alone at night.

Best Time to Visit Juarez

The best time to visit Juarez is during the fall and winter months, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for outdoor activities. Spring and summer can be hot and humid, with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Do’s and Don’ts of Juarez

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Juarez:

Do:

Try the local food and drink.
Learn some basic Spanish phrases.
Be respectful of the local culture and customs.

Don’t:

Travel alone at night.
Wear flashy jewelry or carry large amounts of cash.
Drink tap water without boiling or filtering it first.

Safety and Health

While Juarez can be a safe city for tourists, it’s important to take precautions to avoid any potential safety or health issues.

Safety in Juarez

Avoid traveling alone at night, especially in less populated areas.
Be aware of your surroundings and avoid flashing valuables.
Use caution when withdrawing money from ATMs and avoid using them at night.

Health in Juarez

Drink bottled water or water that has been filtered or boiled.
Use insect repellent to avoid mosquito bites, which can transmit diseases like dengue fever.

Getting to Juarez: Transportation Options and Logistics

Juarez is easily accessible by several modes of transportation. Here are some options:

Airports Near Juarez

Abraham González International Airport
El Paso International Airport

Bus Stations Near Juarez

Juarez Bus Station
El Paso Bus Station

Other Options

Driving: Juarez is accessible by car from major cities in Mexico and the United States.
Train: The Chihuahua-Pacific Railway offers scenic train rides through the Sierra Madre Mountains and stops in Juarez.

How to Get Around in Juarez

Getting around Juarez is relatively easy, with several transportation options available:

Taxis and Uber: Taxis are widely available in Juarez, and Uber also operates in the city.
Buses: Local buses run throughout Juarez and are an affordable way to get around.
Walking: Many of Juarez’s attractions are within walking distance of each other.

Where to Go Next from Juarez: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have extra time to explore the surrounding area, consider some of these nearby destinations and excursions:

Chihuahua City: The capital of Chihuahua state, with a rich history and culture.
Copper Canyon: A natural wonder and popular ecotourism destination.
El Paso, Texas: Cross the border to explore the museums, restaurants, and attractions of El Paso.

Conclusion

Juarez is a vibrant city with something to offer every type of traveler. Whether you’re looking for cultural attractions, outdoor adventures, or delicious food and drink, Juarez has it all. By following the tips and recommendations in this comprehensive travel guide, you’re sure to have an unforgettable trip to this Northern Mexican gem.

Juarez Image Gallery

Centro

Ciudad Juárez cathedral

Revolution in the Border Museum.