Wright is a vivacious, friendly, and amazingly fact-filled guy--literally a walking encyclopedia. His particular strength is history: who did what to whom when, and how the buildings and roads of Juarez became what they are today. He feeds you all this through a mixture of photos in a binder, museum exhibits, and the actual sites. He has been walking through downtown Juarez for decades and has accumulated many acquaintances there, who greet him and bestow occasional favors on his tours. When we saw a squad of masked Federal police holding rifles gather around the building we were at, without Wright we might have wondered whether we were about to be caught in a firefight. Wright knew it was a routine gathering and made small talk with the officers. If you want in-depth social tourism, such as a visit to a working maquiladora or watching refugees requesting U.S. asylum or journalists protecting themselves from assassination, you won't get that, but this tour will provide a general orientation to the city and its society, and some comfort as you prepare to explore on your own or with more specialized experts. read more

Rich is an awesome guide and will work with you to make sure you can experience exactly what you want. I highly recommend reaching out to him if you want to walk into Juarez. read more

This was such a fun day for me and my friends that went on the tour. The change in perspective is dramatic enough from El Paso that it felt like a mini-vacation. We all live in El Paso but hadn't been to Juarez for years. Rich is a great guide, knows practically everyone and took us to some great places. He has a standard route but will accommodate special requests if there's something you want to see. Handmade custom boots? He can take you to the right place. Lucha libre masks? He's the guy to ask. This tour should be required for everyone in El Paso, whether you've lived here forever or are newly arrived. I'm ready to go again! read more

As a French tourist visiting El Paso, I really wanted to cross the border and experience Mexican border culture. However, I was a bit uneasy going to Juarez alone for the first time: I really look like the gringo who's killed first in the old western movies, my Spanish isn't quite good, as is my knowledge of the city. Then, some people recommended me the tour organized by the well-famous Rich Wright, and I decided to have a go for it. My god, that was fun! We toured downtown, visited some nice little shops, had great chats with locals and really digged into Mexican border culture. I'd done it again in a heartbeat, thanks Rich! I love the sense of freedom you have when visiting Juarez (especially if your girlfriend if staying home hehe) read more

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This was an awesome experience. My dad and I drove to El Paso just to take this walking tour into Mexico. We started at 11 and got back into the US a little after 4! We saw historical sites, Rich told us the history, and we ate some good food. I had a lot of fun, and would definitely recommend this place. You should go. read more

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I took a Sunday late morning/early afternoon walking tour of Juarez with Richard Wright, and it was great! Juarez has a very negative reputation because of the huge spike in cartel related violence from around 2008 - 2012. Don't let that scare you away! Visiting the downtown (especially during the day, and especially with someone who knows what they're doing) is completely safe. Rick M.'s review gives a nice overview of the basics of the tour. Our tour included: lots of cool information about the city, a lovely stroll around a plaza near the cathedral and mission, a walk through a market, some cool murals, a stop for street food, a great and informative (and air conditioned!) visit to a museum about the Mexican Revolution, and a trip to a hidden "speakeasy" type bar, where we tried sotol, a spirit made from an agave type plant. Prices south of the border are a lot lower than they are north of it: I exchanged $10 USD to pesos after we crossed the border (which Rich can help with), and had about $3 of pesos leftover after buying a huge agua fresca, some mango with chamoy, a beer and a shot of sotol, a plate of tacos, and a big hunk of cheese to eat. All tours are private, and scheduled personally with Rich over phone or email. As of April 2019, he charges $25/person (or $50 as a flat rate for a tour with a single person.) But you should tip him, cause the tour is worth much more than that! We spent around 4 hours on the tour, and could have spent longer had I not needed to head back to catch a flight out of El Paso. A word for those (like me) who are really into advance planning: last minute scheduling is okay for this tour. I first inquired about booking a couple of months in advance, when I learned I'd be in El Paso for a work trip. Rich said he couldn't schedule something so far in advance (which I found a bit frustrating at the time, since I was deciding whether to schedule my return flight for the morning or evening of the day after my work business was done), but that he expected he'd be available, and I should contact him again a couple of weeks before the date I wanted. I did so, and we set up the tour by email. Rich was also flexible with the number of people - I said it would be anywhere from just me to a small group, and he was fine with me showing up with a group of 3. Finally: be sure to bring your passport: you don't need it crossing into Mexico, but you need it to return. Wear comfortable shoes, and I recommend a wide-brimmed hat, as it was very hot when I visited in late April. Bring water, or plan to buy some (it's safe to drink in Juarez). What are you waiting for? Check it out! read more

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So, we had read an article that there had been organized walking tours between El Paso and Juarez in early 2019, to promote the idea that Juarez was once again safe to visit. Upon contacting the tourism agencies that had organized and promoted it, I received hit and miss communication about whether they would do tours on demand. Frustrated, I searched once more to see if there was another outfit that provided a tour to Juarez. Enter Richard. I found his website and the Yelp reviews for his tour, and admittedly ... was a bit reserved. This is not a formal operation or business venture, and the website, for all we knew, could have been entirely made up out of thin air. But, we decided to put our trust in fellow Yelpers and reached out. Rich was very communicative, the only slight quibble being that he wouldn't book for certain more than a week out. But he responded to messages quickly, and before we knew it, we had an agreement to meet at the pedestrian bridge across the border for a few hours in Juarez. Happy to say, he showed us a great time. He knows his stuff about the people and history that make up the fabric of the city ... as well as great spots to grab food, a drink (or three ... ), both of the hole-in-the-wall variety as well as up and coming and hip. Plus, he's a total character, with personality to spare. Given the more casual nature of this tour, expect a little give and take as you hit spots for food and beverage. After he bought a round of beers for us at the first spot, I thought it was appropriate to pay at the next, and that sort of back and forth played out for the rest of the tour ... you know, just like it would with a good friend. Beyond that, his suggested fee is on his website, and I found it more than worth the price to have someone who knows the place inside and out, the language, and, clearly, the locals, who also greeted him like an old friend. If you're in El Paso and considering going to Juarez, but have any qualms, don't - contact Rich, and get over to what is a beautiful, fascinating, and tasty city. read more

Rich is an excellent guide who really knows the history and culture of Juarez. I have taken his tour twice and each time he tailored it to the interests of the specific group. I'd highly recommend anyone visiting the area take a tour with Rich. read more

If you have an extra day in the El Paso area you should spend it with Rich. My daughter and I spent a day in October with him and It has been one of the highlights of our trip to the Southwest. He has a complete itinerary that includes, museums, cultural sites, restaurants, bars, and more. We learned a ton about Mexico and Juarez. The history is very interesting. We had one of the best burritos I've ever had ... and folks in the Bay Area think they know burritos. We went to some cool bars and drank a new drink (to me) called Sotol. We also had some Margheritas. What we didn't have was anything to fear. Some people advised me not to go to Juarez. I'm sure glad I didn't listen. Rich provided us with a safe, fun, interesting day. At the end of the tour, I was sad to stagger across the bridge back to El Paso. read more

Richard's tour went beyond my expectation! Richard is extremely knowledgeable about the city and can tell you whatever stories about the wonderful city you would like to hear. He also caters to his clients' preferences well. As I let him know that I am very interested in history, he brought with him old photos of the city and shared with me the evolution of Juarez. He knows all the little-known shops and spots in the city- tell him what you'd like to see, he'll take you there. I felt absolutely safe throughout the trip as Richard speaks good Spanish and knows quite a lot of people in town. Overall, I highly recommend Richard's tours to anyone visiting El Paso. Even if you find nothing about Juarez that interests you online, Richard will certainly still be able to plan a wonderful trip for you. I wish there were similar tours in other Mexican border towns as well! read more

Touring Juárez with Rich was an absolute pleasure. Our tour took place on Saturday, June 3rd, 2023. We met Rich, who was perfectly on time, in the pedestrian plaza adjacent to the bridge entrance on S Santa Fe St in El Paso and walked into Mexico together. While we were not asked to present a passport, we had it ready just in case since a document is 100% required to re-enter the US anyways. Rich took us through some of his favorite bars, to a cafe, and to a delicious burrito restaurant for lunch. He also took us to the museum, the cathedral, the public square, a city park, and the outdoor market for some shopping. Throughout the tour Rich will provide history on the city and show you photos of then/now to provide some context. He is very knowledgeable and many of the locals know him well. For anyone who is afraid of going to Juárez, or Mexico in general, this tour alleviated the scare entirely. I cannot say enough how safe the day trip felt and there were so many hospitable locals to make you feel comfortable too. Almost everyone in El Paso was telling us to not go across the border, and if you are against a day packed with fun, knowledge and culture then please take that advise. If you're in the area, take a tour with Rich! read more

While recently in El Paso the family wanted to spend a day exploring Juarez through a guided tour. We found Rich on Yelp and didn't know what to expect beyond his good reviews. The trip across the bridge into Mexico was easy and we had a great 5+ hours there with Rich as our guide. His knowledge of the local area and history was invaluable and we always felt safe. Along with seeing a lot of local sights and meeting some interesting people, we got to see a couple of museums devoted to Mexican history and toured an old nightclub from the prohibition era that was closed that Rich was able to get us into though his connections. If we're back in El Paso, we'll do this again. Thanks Rich! read more

Oh my gosh. This was the best tour ever. I rode an uber to my hotel from the airport having booked a hotel downtown. I ask the driver , a native young lady born and raised in El Paso about Ciudad Juarez. She never been there. She advised me not to go. Too dangerous. I wanted to see the city and hired Rich from Juarez Walking Tours. He was right on time at our agreed meeting point. He literally knew everything about the city and gave a great tour. I felt safe the whole time. He was an excellent guide. Many people will have opinions about something they know nothing about. Just having him there as a navigator was very reassuring. I was a group of one person. We had a great time. A great man showing a great city. He is doing a great service helping people discover Juarez. I think it is like any other city - there are bad parts and you need a few basic street smarts. I highly recommend this tour for your first time. Give him a call! read more

Juarez Walking Tour - Border on the bridge - Walking Tours Near Me

Rich was great. It was like touring a new place with and old friend. Worth the price of admission and then some. Would recommend to a friend. Thanks for a great day! read more

Rich was a gent and very knowledgable about the area. Showed us a lot of cool things we wouldn't have found without him and shared loads of local history. Great value for money. And Rich if you're reading this we were serious about meeting you for that pint when you come to Dublin. You showed us some great bars it's our turn now! Sinead read more

While the words "Juarez" and "Walking Tour" don't seem like they'd go together, under Richard's guidance, they most certainly do! Richard took my wife and I on an afternoon-long tour of what he calls "the best part of El Paso", and were thoroughly impressed, not only with this very old border city, but with Richard's breadth of knowledge and love for Juarez. Along the way we visited the plaza honoring Mexican music icon Juan Gabriel, enjoyed delicious relleno burritos from a streetside shop, learned about Juarez's two (now one) bullrings, and were introduced to sotol at the "most exclusive bar in Juarez". We stepped inside the remains of the Victoria Theater, walked through the Plaza Cervantina, honoring the author of "Don Quixote", learned about the early 20th century Mexican Revolution at the Museo de la Revolucion (where Richard impressed us by helping explain some of the exhibits to some local visitors), and quenched our thirst over a cagua of cerveza at one of the oldest bars in Juarez. We also paid our respects to the statue of Juarez's favorite son, actor Tin Tan in Plaza de Armas, visited the mission and cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe, perused the wares at the incredible Mercado Cuauhtemoc, patiently took us to a number of joyerias in search of a gift to take home, and finished our tour over margaritas at the Kentucky Club, serenaded by an outstanding Norteno band. Did I leave anything out? Probably, as we spent over five hours together on a journey through Juarez that, as Richard's website says, was the highlight of our trip. Not once did we feel uneasy about our surroundings, and the people of Juarez were friendly, and genuinely happy to see visitors from the U.S. Richard is an outstanding guide and ambassador for Juarez, and is well-known there, as everywhere we went, people on the street would stop and greet him by name. His knowledge is broad enough that he can easily arrange a tour around your interests. Richard's tour of Juarez is a terrific way to be introduced to a city that has lately fallen on hard times, but is proud and very much alive, and waiting for you just a short walk from El Paso. read more

This is a must do when visiting Ciudad Juarez and El Paso. I think locals will also benefit both from Mexico and the U.S. by joining Rich for a few hours. You can go by yourself to Ciudad Juarez, but you will miss out on so much without Rich! We went on a three hour walking history tour and learned a ton. Rich's explanation of the Mexican Revolution was the best I've heard! He has endless knowledge about the history of this region and a genuine love and respect for the history and the people. Rich is easy going, kind, and intelligent. Put this on your list immediately! read more

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I can't rate this tour highly enough. Rich took my wife and I on a fabulous and very safe journey into Ciudad Juarez. He showed us many highlights of the downtown Juarez area including the Museum of the Revolution, Tin Tan museum, the Kentucky Club, a hidden bar, some markets, outdoor zoot suit dancers and more. If you're concerned about safety, don't worry. Rich knows his way around, and has friends all over the downtown area. Thank you so much to Rich for sharing his time with us and for opening up the beautiful people of Juarez to us. read more

Richard is a wonderful guide. He took my wife and I with my mother in-law for a tour of Juarez. We decided on the tour despite being border habitants ourselves, first because of our mother in-law, but also to inform ourselves. He was very attentive to our interests and informative about the history. He showed us places we never would have found on our own, such as the gayborhood and old bars from prohibition that are off the beaten path. We felt very safe the whole time and are even more enchanted with Ciudad Juarez. read more