Travel Guide CIUDAD JUAREZ Contents

DESCUBRA CIUDAD JUAREZ 01

CIUDAD JUAREZ PROFILE 03

CIUDAD JUAREZ ATTRACTIONS 04

CIUDAD JUAREZ DINING 09

CIUDAD JUAREZ SHOPPING 13

CIUDAD JUAREZ NIGHTLIFE 15

THINGS TO DO IN CIUDAD JUAREZ 17 CIUDAD JUAREZ DISCOVER

Ciudad Juarez, officially named Heroica Ciudad Juarez, is a city located along the Rio Grande River, which serves as the border between the United States and Mexico. Together with its sister city of El Paso, Texas, it comprises a single metropolitan area of more than two million people. This stretch of border is well-served by four bridges that connect the two countries. Ciudad Juarez is the most important manufacturing city in Mexico, and along with commerce, it makes up a fundamental part of the economy.

This iconic city is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes and wildlife areas. Arriving in this prosperous border city you’ll find the vast white expanse of the Salamayuca Desert to the south and the imposing Rio Grande River to the north. Here you can also admire colonial buildings, such as the Guadalupe Mission, the beautiful city cathedral, and the monumental former customs building. In addition to being a great place to do business, Ciudad Juarez is also an excellent cultural and adventure tourism destination, thanks in large part to its close proximity to the desert.

BUSINESS IN CIUDAD JUAREZ

Hundreds of multinational corporations have established a presence in Ciudad Juarez to take advantage of easy access to the United States and a skilled labor market. Today, Japanese, U.S., and European companies are already part of the panorama of this city, which maintains high quality standards due to ongoing training and international certifications. Similarly, it acts as a research center for new materials and all the latest technology.

Ciudad Juarez has an international airport with regular flights and connections to major cities in Mexico and the United States. This city has become an important destination for business travelers seeking to establish relationships with world-class companies located along the border. It offers excellent infrastructure, numerous hotels, vibrant nightlife, great restaurants, and wonderful attractions.

1 A BRIEF HISTORY

The area that is now Ciudad Juarez was originally inhabited by indigenous semi-nomadic tribes, including the Sumas, Mansos, and Sumanos, whose culture made it possible for them to adapt to the harsh desert conditions. The Spanish arrived during the sixteenth century, and together with the Franciscan congregation, they founded the town called “Mision de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe de los Mansos del Paso del Norte,” with the aim of evangelizing the region.

In the late sixteenth century, the city was called Villa del Paso del Norte and became the capital of . It acquired its main historical significance between 1865 and 1866 when President Benito Juarez established it as the seat of the national government. In commemoration of that event, President Porfirio Diaz renamed it Ciudad Juarez.

It wasn’t until after WWII that Ciudad Juarez took advantage of its close proximity to the most powerful country in the world to increase commerce and began to export industrial products. Today, manufacturing and business tourism are the city’s main economic drivers.

2 CIUDAD JUAREZ PROFILE

Prime destination for international business.

Numerous factories that manufacture all types of products.

Four bridges connecting the city with the United States border.

Excellent infrastructure for hosting events at hotels and convention centers.

Climate with seasonal temperatures throughout the year.

Opportunity to go shopping in the United States.

Sporting and cultural activities.

3 CIUDAD JUAREZ ATTRACTIONS

Ciudad Juarez is primarily a business destination, though it still offers numerous tourist attractions that travelers can take advantage of while staying in the city. In this city you can find everything from archeological sites, ecological parks, and white sand dunes, to historical monuments and buildings. There are also several attractions with important historical significance that you’ll want to visit during your stay in Ciudad Juarez.

CATHEDRAL

The beautiful city cathedral lights up the downtown area with its neoclassical style fluted towers and high ceilings made of regional and imported materials. At the beginning of the twentieth century the growth of the parish was such that the priest Baudelio Pelayo proposed the construction of a temple annex to the Guadalupe Mission. Construction of the cathedral began in 1935 and was completed in 1957, when it was converted into the headquarters of the Diocese of Ciudad Juarez.

4 GUADALUPE MISSION

This beautiful building features strong adobe walls and beams carved with indigenous motifs. It is home to the lovely gilded wooden statues of “The Immaculate Conception” and “The Pain,” both of which were carved in Europe and are older than the mission itself. This mission was built along the border between Mexico and the United States. It was inaugurated in 1668 with a ceremony during which nearly 100 indigenous believers were married and baptized.

SALAMAYUCA DESERT

The stunning white sand dunes of the Salamayuca Desert ebb and flow at the will of the wind and create a unique visual crystal curtain effect when the moon is full. Hundreds of visitors come from the surrounding areas to appreciate the grandeur and beauty of this desert landscape. It’s located just 29 miles from Ciudad Juarez and makes a great destination for extreme sports enthusiasts, with activities like sandboarding and sand-biking.

5 PAQUIME

This city has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its unique architecture and its ancient commercial export of turquoise, shells, parrots, feathers, and polychrome pottery, which made it the most important archeological region in northern Mexico. It is located 176 miles from Ciudad Juarez and can be visited on one of the available tours.

The site is made up of fascinating ruins of an almost unknown civilization that were abandoned in the late fifteenth century. Tall, thick adobe walls formed part of a long chain of interconnected rooms with T-shaped doors in what appears to be a huge labyrinth located in the middle of the desert. The structures in Paquime tower six or seven stories high, with walls and towers for protection and defense.

BENITO JUAREZ MONUMENT

This architectural jewel with its 8.2 ft. tall main statue was cast in Florence, Italy. It was inaugurated by President Porfirio Diaz in 1909, one year before the centenary celebration of Mexican Independence. White marble from Carrara, Italy, dark marble from Durango, and quarry stone from were all used in the construction of the monument, which honors the life and work of Don Benito Juarez Garcia.

6 REVOLUCION EN LA FRONTERA MUSEUM

This museum, also known as the former Customs Building, has been the site of several of the country’s important historic events, including the resignation of Porfirio Diaz, and houses the office where Don Benito Juarez served for a year in the Mexican government. This beautiful building dates back to the nineteenth century and was inaugurated on September 10, 1889, as the border checkpoint between Mexico and the United States. This distinctively French-style building has red-brick walls and decorative features, such as columns, chandeliers, and elegant drapery. It features an exhibition depicting various stages of history in the region, such as the Conquest, the Viceroyalty, the Independence, the Paquime culture, the Reform, the Porfiriato, and the .

ARCHEOLOGY MUSEUM

The Archeology Museum is located in Chamizal Park and showcases various items from the country’s pre-Hispanic cultures. On display in the gardens are beautiful large-scale replicas of original works from distinct cultures throughout Mexico, including the Tula warriors, Aztec jaguars, Mayan masks, Olmec heads, and Mixtec reliefs. It also features temporary painting and sculpture exhibits.

7 CHAMIZAL PARK

This lovely outdoor park has extensive green areas, a skating rink, open spaces for playing ball games, jogging paths, and a swimming area, as well as monuments and an archeological museum that show- cases Mexican culture. It sits on land that has been the subject of controversy for more than 100 years, ever since the Rio Grande River, which serves as the border between Mexico and United States, changed its course which resulted in the park ending up on the U.S. side.

HERMANOS ESCOBAR CENTRAL PARK

This park opened in 1967. It has an artificial lake where you can go for a boat ride, which is truly a luxury in this dry desert region. It’s also a great place for sports and outdoor recreational activities for all ages.

8 CIUDAD JUAREZ DINING

The restaurants in Ciudad Juarez are a great place to spend a relaxing afternoon or conduct important business meetings. Fine dining restaurants, casual eateries, taverns, fast food places, and street food stalls can be found all over this city, and they all add something unique to the tastes, sights, and smells of the city.

As a result of its climate, history, agriculture, and many other factors, the traditional cuisine of Ciudad Juarez is very similar to what you might find in the state of Chihuahua. It is based on products like corn, chili peppers, and meat, and influenced by local indigenous groups, such as the Tepehuanes, the Conchos, the Raramuris, and the Tobosos. Important dishes of Juarense cuisine include, (grilled meat), flour tortillas, , and of course, Sunday barbecues, but there’s lots more that you should try when you visit Ciudad Juarez.

BURRITOS

This delicious Mexican dish is considered by many to be part of Tex-Mex culture, but it’s actually a traditional dish that originated in Ciudad Juarez. You can find it with avariety of fillings all wrapped in flour tortillas, which are only made in this region.

9 FLOUR

This delicious dish from Chihuahua is prepared with a variety of fillings. In Ciudad Juarez, you’ll also find desserts in the form of cookies that are made with cinnamon or vanilla and cooked on a (a smooth, flat griddle).

MORCILLA OR

This delicious dish is commonly found on the menu at many restaurants in Ciudad Juarez. It is a spicy sausage made of pig’s blood that is served in . It’s a delicacy that the people of Ciudad Juarez prepare in a unique way that you’ll love.

TORTAS DE COLA DE PAVO

In Ciudad Juarez the (sandwiches) or lonches (subs) are often prepared with turkey tail meat, cut from the rump and roasted or fried in butter until the meat is red. The turkey tail subs are filled with avocado, mayonnaise, lettuce, and tomato. They’re a local tradition!

FONDA DE DONA CHOLE

This small eatery in the Cuauhtemoc Market is a tradition in Ciudad Juarez. Delicious and affordable, it is recognized as one of the best dining options in the city. Don’t pass up the opportunity to eat at Fonda de Dona Chole! You’ll be following in the footsteps of politicians, artists, and connoisseurs of the best Juarense cuisine.

10 LOS ARCOS

Los Arcos is a chain of seafood restaurants founded in 1977 in Mazatan, Sinaloa. It is renowned for its excellent regional cuisine, prepared with fresh fish and seafood of the highest quality. This restaurant is considered among the best in the city. Try the delicious frog’s legs, fried mojarras, or crispy fried fish skins. This restaurant has two rooms for hosting private events or important business meetings.

VIVA MEXICO

This colorful and picturesque restaurant serves the very best of . It has the feel of a small village with rustic colonial homes and lively Mexican decor that creates a festive atmosphere. Tall cast iron street lamps with yellow bulbs light up the place and colorful pinatas hang from the ceiling, adding to your dining experience.

11 DULCE DE PINOLE

Pinole is a type of blue or chia that is typically prepared as a drink or as flour used in delicious pancakes. Dulce de pinole is bread sweetened with sugar or piloncillo (brown sugar), often served with cinnamon and fruit or cocoa to give it distinct flavors.

MARGARITAS

The classic margarita is a drink that many say originated in Ciudad Juarez, which is why it’s considered the most traditional drink of the city. Legend has it that in 1942, a customer at a bar ordered a drink called a “Magnolia,” which is made with orange liquor called Cointreau, but the bartender didn’t know the recipe and prepared it with tequila instead, thus forever changing the history of cocktails. Margaritas come in a variety of flavors, including tamarind, peach, and chamoy (a type of savory sauce made from pickled fruit and spiced with powdered chili peppers).

SOTOL

This is a unique drink made from wild agave that’s similar to tequila, but with a flavor that’s less sweet and stronger, requiring a five-year maturity. Rumor has it that Al Capone traveled to Ciudad Juarez to buy sotol during prohibition, when the sale of alcohol was banned in the United States. There are even some tours that will teach you about the process of making this drink in the sotolerias.

12 CIUDAD JUAREZ SHOPPING

Ciudad Juarez has a wide variety of shops, thanks to the great mix of cultures that surround this border area. You’ll find everything from large shopping malls to small market stalls, boutiques, gift shops, and stores selling local handicrafts. Don’t pass up the opportunity to visit the Rio Grande Mall, Plaza de las Americas Mall, Juarez Avenue, or Lincoln Avenue, where you’ll find unique pieces of art made by the Tarahumara, as well as (colorful wooden figurines representing imaginary creatures), ceramics, Talavera, tablecloths, shawls, blown glass, and pottery.

The large volume of trade that exists between the cities of El Paso, Texas and Ciudad Juarez has substantially increased the number of people who visit the city from different areas of the country. Tourists often stay at one of the many hotels and cross the border to shop for clothing, perfume, footwear, and electronics at discount prices.

MATA ORTIZ POTTERY

Located 22 miles south of the town of Paquime, the Juan Pottery and Craft Center is the most important of its kind in northern Mexico. They make all kinds of beautiful multiform and polychrome pots using ancient techniques rediscovered by the master potter Juan Quezada, whose work is internationally renowned. He is a visionary who first taught his family and later his community how to produce original pieces that have gained him, as well as some other members of the center, recognition and awards from reputable organizations, such as UNESCO.

13 EL PASO, TEXAS

In El Paso, Texas, you’ll be able to find just about anything you want. Take advantage of bargain prices at the shopping malls, outlet stores, and outdoor markets. Bassett Center Mall, Sunland Park Mall, and Crossroads Shopping Village are some of the major shopping malls. One of the best shopping areas is El Paso Saddleback, which offers blankets, rugs, shawls, Tarahumara handicrafts, and various Mexican items.

RIO GRANDE MALL

This mall is considered to be one of the most traditional shopping malls in Ciudad Juarez. It has numerous local shops and boutiques, a large department store, and a supermarket.

PLAZA DE LAS AMERICAS MALL

Plaza de las Americas is the main shopping mall in Ciudad Juarez. It has a wide variety of stores selling souvenirs, gifts, decorative items, and clothing, as well as a food court with restaurants and fast food places.

14 CIUDAD JUAREZ NIGHTLIFE

After a hard day at work, there’s nothing better than a night out on the town with friends. All of the best nightlife in Ciudad Juarez is located in the same area, offering a variety of music and entertainment for all tastes. The city’s close proximity to El Paso, Texas, results in a blend of cultures that makes for a fantastic atmosphere.

The many nightclubs in Ciudad Juarez are equipped with state of the art lighting and sound systems. To fully enjoy the city’s nightlife, it’s advisable to go out in pairs or groups. Several of the hotels in Ciudad Juarez have bars with dance floors so you can enjoy the nightlife without having to travel far.

15 LINCOLN AVENUE

Just minutes from the border with El Paso, Texas, this avenue is home to several of the most popular nightclubs in the city and it’s where you’ll find some of the best DJs and live bands. Located nearby are several stands, perfect for grabbing a bite to eat before heading home after a fun night out.

PASEO TRIUNFO DE LA REPUBLICA AVENUE

All kinds of restaurants, shops and nightclubs are clustered here. This area is frequented by many Mexicans and U.S. tourists every weekend. It has a traditional festive atmosphere and excellent service. You’ll find options for all tastes; everything from live bands to the most avant-garde electronic music.

16 THINGS TO DO IN CIUDAD JUAREZ

Go shopping in El Paso, Texas.

Savor a delicious soup or regional dish at the Cuahtemoc Market.

Try the local drink, sotol, or a refreshing margarita at your hotel bar.

Host unforgettable events at any of the city’s convention centers.

Enjoy adventure sports like sandboarding or riding an ATV in the desert.

Visit the museums in the historic center.

17 www.BestDay.com

Viajes Beda S.A de C.V 2017. All rights reserved. Contact Us: [email protected]