The Rio Grande runs sluggishly from Texas into Mexico, not so grand a river at it's best. Ciudad Juarez sprawls around the river on the Mexican side of the Rio Grande, El Paso on the US side. Infamous for a string of murders and a point of entry for drugs into the United States, Ciudad Juarez is more a transit point than major tourist destination.
Should you end up with a day or two in Ciudad Juarez to spare, head to the markets. Bargain for clothing, crafts and other souvenirs or take a quick trip around the cathedral. Stop for the artifacts on display at the Museo de Arte e Historia and a history lesson at Museo Historico before lunching on local specialties.
For those continuing on to explore the rest of Mexico equipped with wheels, pick up a vehicle permit in Ciudad Juarez. Foot loose and car free travelers can hop a bus out of town. Nuevo Casa Grandes is a four hour ride. Dedicated historians can circle the Adobe ruins of a long-abandoned trading settlement in nearby Casas Grandes.
Ciudad Juarez is 367 miles north of Chihuahua.
