Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua: A Complex Border City

Located just south of El Paso, Texas, on the Rio Grande, Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, is a city with a rich history, rapid growth, and a complex modern identity. Known as El Paso del Norte when it was founded in 1659, the city was renamed in 1888 to honor Benito Juárez, a Mexican national hero. Today, Juárez is a bustling metropolis with a population of approximately 1.4 million people.

“It is difficult to drive through Juarez without thinking of the 1000 women that have died there – cases unsolved.

You really want to believe that the city has cleaned up it’s act but I certainly would feel a lot more confident if the authorities caught the criminals in question.

Until they do, I will feel sorry for the residents but continue to drive straight through without spending my tourist dollars. Sad but true.”

Dorothy Bell

A Brief History

Ciudad Juárez’s story began when Franciscan Friar García de San Francisco established The Misión de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe as the Spanish sought a route through the Southern Rockies. The location, nestled between Santa Fe and the city of Chihuahua, allowed Juárez to flourish in its early years as a thriving community, reaching over 5,000 residents by the 1700s.

However, the region was not without its challenges. In 1750, the Apache launched attacks that disrupted the area’s peace. Later, the 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo following the Mexican-American War established the Rio Grande as the border between the United States and Mexico, further shaping the city’s strategic significance.

During the reign of Maximilian, Benito Juárez and his army used El Paso del Norte as a base before relocating to Chihuahua City for his government in exile. The city saw significant growth in the 1880s with the advent of the Mexico Central Railroad and President Porfirio Díaz’s free-trade policies. Commerce thrived, leading to the establishment of banks, telegraphs, telephones, and trams, and by the early 20th century, the city had developed a modern infrastructure with schools, markets, hotels, and restaurants.

Juárez’s prominence made it a focal point during the Mexican Revolution in 1910. Federal troops defended the city against Francisco Madero, who eventually laid siege. The conflict left Juárez battered, and many residents abandoned it during this turbulent period.

Recovery came slowly through the late 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s as gambling, tourism, and manufacturing brought workers from across Mexico. The construction of the city’s cathedral in 1950 marked a period of renewed growth and optimism.

Present-Day Juárez

Today, Ciudad Juárez is a city of contrasts. Rapid growth from maquiladora plants drew a large influx of people seeking work, leading to urban sprawl and slum housing. Like many border cities, Juárez has faced challenges with drug-related crime and violence, earning a notorious reputation from 1993 to 2003 when over 1,000 young women were murdered, with many cases remaining unsolved.

Efforts are underway to shed the “Murder Capital of the World” label, as the city works to rebrand itself as a vibrant place to visit. The downtown area is being remodeled to attract tourists, and the end of the Juárez and Sinaloa drug cartel war has resulted in a significant drop in the murder rate. However, the path to changing public perception is long, and the city continues to work toward restoring its reputation.

Climate

Ciudad Juárez experiences hot summers and cool winters.

January: Average highs of 13.7°C (56.7°F) and lows of -1.9°C (28.6°F).
July: Average highs of 35.5°C (95.9°F) and lows of 19.5°C (67.1°F).

The arid climate and elevation of 1,137 meters (3,730 feet) make for dry, sunny days, which are typical of this northern desert region.

Amenities

The city offers modern conveniences with hospitals, clinics, doctors, and dentists available. Financial services include banks and ATMs, making it easy for visitors to access money during their stay.

Safety Precautions

Travelers to Ciudad Juárez should take the following safety precautions:

Stay Informed: Keep up to date with local news and safety advisories before and during your visit.
Travel During Daylight: Try to travel during daylight hours and avoid unfamiliar areas at night.
Stick to Well-Travelled Areas: Stay in well-traveled areas, such as popular tourist spots, and avoid isolated regions.
Secure Valuables: Keep your valuables secure, and avoid displaying expensive items in public.
Use Trusted Transportation: Use reputable taxi services or rideshare apps rather than hailing cabs on the street.
Avoid Discussing Politics: Refrain from discussing local politics or sensitive topics with strangers.
Emergency Numbers: Have emergency numbers handy, such as local police and your country’s embassy or consulate.
Health Precautions: Stay hydrated and use sunscreen due to the hot climate, and consult with a healthcare professional about necessary vaccinations.
Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance that includes health coverage.
Local Advice: Listen to locals or hotel staff for advice on safe areas to visit and areas to avoid.

Getting There

From El Paso, Texas: Take Highway 10, exit onto Highway 54 South to Exit 20A, and follow the road across the border into Juárez.
From Santa Anna, Mexico: Drive east on Highway 2 for approximately 600 kilometers, which takes about 7.5 hours.

Conclusion

Ciudad Juárez is a city of resilience, with a rich history and an ongoing journey toward renewal. While it faces challenges, the determination to reinvent itself as a vibrant border city continues. Visitors who venture into Juárez will find a place full of history, potential, and the enduring spirit of its people. With proper precautions, tourists can safely explore and appreciate what this complex city has to offer.