text:
Jounieh

Jounieh (Arabic: جونيه) is a city in Lebanon. It is closely associated with Beirut, the capital. Jounieh is located 16 km to the north of Beirut.

Get in
From Beirut take bus #6 going from Cola station to Byblos (Jbeil). Ask to get off in Jounieh. It is possible to catch the bus anywhere on its route, including at the Barbir intersection in central Beirut. The ride takes between 20 and 45 minutes depending on traffic and costs around 2,500 LL.

From the Rafic Hariri International Airport your best bet is to take a taxi for around 25,000 LL.

Get around
Public transportation in the city of Jounieh is just like any other city in Lebanon. It's quasi absent. Your best bet would be the famous "service" which is some sort of public cheap car share system. Service cars usually have red plate colours with the letter P.

Otherwise, a car is essential in order to move around comfortably although Jounieh is a pretty walkable city with well maintained sidewalks and green areas.

See
Jounieh's main sights include: The old port and bay of Jounieh, the old stone souks, Our Lady of Lebanon & Casino du Liban.

Do
You can do all sorts of things day or night ranging from visiting the city's several restaurants with all kinds of cuisines from Italian to Japanese cuisine or just sitting at one of the many coffee shops to relax and have some narguileh or visiting the bars and night clubs.

Jounieh has a special culture of chillaxing by sea. There are many resto-pubs all along the bay coast that offer a wide selection of alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks and appetizers to enjoy the sea and the mountains at one single place.

Buy
Jounieh is a relatively big residential and commercial city. All sorts of shops are open everywhere especially in the old stone souks. You can buy clothes and shoes, artifacts, souvenirs, fishing equipment, agricultural products, etc...

Eat
There are tons of street food kiosks scattered all over the city. There's a main parking lot in the Kaslik neighbourhood of Jounieh with dozens of street food kiosks. The old town also has a nice selection of restaurants and the resto-pubs along the bay all offer fine food with a wide selection.

The ATCL district of Jounieh is a nice drive with wide sidewalks that is dotted with restaurants: Rassifouna, Provincial, Al-Baladi, etc...

Some popular restaurants in jounieh: Saniour sea view (Sahel Alma district), La crêperie (high end - Kaslik district), Crepaway (Kaslik and Sahel Alma highway), Sushi Star (Ghazir highway), Malak el Taouk (popular street food chain - several locations: fouad chehab, chir, zouk mosbeh highway).

Drink
As mentioned before, Jounieh is a popular nightlife destination. Most places are located in the city center around the old stone souks.

Some popular clubs/pubs: fertil, hooligans, etc...

Sleep
Being a top touristic destination, Jounieh harbours a lot of hotels. Many lie along the sea and others are more inland. The Maameltein district is known for having many cabarets.

Popular hotels: Bel Azur, Reston hotel, Burj on bay, etc...

title: Jounieh


text:
Joutseno

Joutseno (population 11,000) is a town in South Karelia, Finland, by the lake Saimaa, some 50 km from Vyborg, Russia. Jouseno is nowadays part of Lappeenranta.

By car
Joutseno is on national road 6 from Koskenkylä (between Helsinki and Loviisa on national road 7) to Imatra and through eastern Finland to Kajaani. The road goes by the south shore of Saimaa, with Joutseno being between Lappeenranta and Imatra. Lappeenranta and Imatra both have a border crossing to Russia, Nuijamaa/Brusnichnoye and Imatra/Svetogorsk (Enso), respectively. The latter was closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

By bus
There are buses along road 6 between Lappeenranta and Imatra about hourly, see Matkahuolto. The Onnibus services from Helsinki stop at 2 km west from the centre, at a highway crossroads.

By plane
Nearest airport (about 22 km) is the Lappeenranta Airportthat is situated close to the centre of Lappeenranta city. It provides regular and effective flight connections to Helsinki several times a day. From Helsinki there are fast flight connections to all continents.

By train
From Joutseno to Helsinki or Joensuu advance couple train in a day (check more at VR )

By boat
Saimaa is a popular boating destination, reachable from abroad through the Saimaa Canal.

By scooter
You can rent electric kick scooters for use in the centre from Finnish Joe Scooter.

By taxi

 * Smartphone app: Valopilkku

See

Buy

 * Arabia, Hackman, Iittala factory shop

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Joutseno


text:
Joya de Ceren

Joya de Ceren is an archaeological site in Western El Salvador. It was a Mayan village that was buried under tons of lava when the nearby San Salvador Volcano erupted in 600 AD. The site is often compared to Pompeii in Italy because of the remarkably well preserved state of the ruins that were encased in a protective layer of volcanic stone for centuries before being excavated by archaeologists. Joya de Cerén is a.

Understand
The ruins were discovered in 1976 when a bulldozer working on a government agricultural project cut a pathway through the site, unearthing buildings and artifacts.

The 1,400-year-old village is estimated to have had a population of about 200 when the volcano blew. Remarkably, not a single set of human remains were found at the site. Scientists believe that geological warning signs prior to the eruption gave the villagers time to escape, although there were signs that the people left in a hurry, leaving dinner on the table, etc.

Excavations were done in the late 1970s under the supervision of Anthropology Professor Payson Sheets of the University of Colorado. Sheets and his team abandoned the project when civil war broke out in the early 1980s, but excavations resumed in 1988. Only a portion of the site is open to the public, as of 2024.

Joya de Ceren is remarkable for preserving a common Maya village, giving anthropologists a view of how typical Mayan communities lived. Most Maya sites showcase tombs and palaces of the nobility or the temples of the religious elite. Joya de Ceren is the only significant site that focuses on common lives in a Mayan village.

Get in
Joya de Ceren is located 36 km northwest of the capital city of San Salvador. The most convenient way to get there for most tourists is to take a taxi or Uber all the way to the site (not usually very expensive), though it's more of an adventure to take the bus as far as you can and then only use a taxi for the "last mile" (or in this case, the last 10 km). A direct taxi will get you to Joya de Ceren in about 30 minutes. Taking a bus then a taxi will be about an hour and a half (hour on the bus, the rest putzing around finding a taxi then 10 minutes for the drive).

By bus
From San Salvador, take the Ruta 201 bus (Seisabus) toward Santa Ana and get off at Puente Seco (Cd. Arce). From there, you can take a taxi the last 10 minutes to Joya de Ceren.

See
More than 20 structures have been documented and somewhat restored, along with gardens and other infrastructure. As seen in the site map, buildings and gardens were clustered by household. Areas of the map labeled "milpas" indicate fields where food was grown. Some of the highlights of the site include:

 * Plaza: Open central courtyard area with households at its periphery.
 * Structure 12: This is a religious ceremonial center. Rooms in this structure are thought to have been used by women for their own gender-specific rituals.
 * Structure 10: This is thought to have been a community ceremonial center with many rooms, including areas for food preparation and other social functions.
 * Structure 9: This was a tamazcal, which is a type of steam bath or sauna that was common in Mesoamerican cultures. Water would have been poured over heated volcanic rocks to produce steam.
 * Structure 1: Presumed to have served as a kitchen and support area for ceremonies held in structure 12.

Eat
Best options are in San Salvador, but there is one small local place about 100 meters from the archaeological park.

Sleep
Lodging and camping are not available at the parque arquelogico.

A large selection of hotels are available in nearby San Salvador and Santa Tecla.

Go next

 * El Boqueron National Park - San Salvador Volcano
 * San Salvador
 * Santa Tecla
 * Los Volcanes National Park

title: Joya de Ceren


text:
Juan de Fuca Provincial Park

Juan de Fuca Provincial Park is on the south-west coast of Vancouver Island, in British Columbia, Canada.

Understand
There are four main areas to the park: the China Beach Campground, the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail, the China Beach day-use area and Botanical Beach.

A major feature of this park, the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail, follows 47 kilometres of wilderness stretching along the western shoreline of the southern Island. There are four trailheads to the Juan de Fuca Trail at Juan de Fuca East (China Beach), Sombrio Beach, Parkinson Creek and Botanical Beach. Although most of the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail is designed for strenuous day or multi-day hiking/camping in this rugged and isolated area, some easy to moderate day hiking opportunities to the beach or along the trail are available starting from the trailheads.

History
The Juan de Fuca Marine Trail was created through the Commonwealth Nature Legacy to commemorate the 1994 Commonwealth Games in Victoria, BC. The park is approximately 1,500 hectares (about 3700 acres) with a continuous wilderness hiking trail following about 47 km (29 miles) of coastline.

This general area of Vancouver Island was known as the "Graveyard of the Pacific" for the number of shipwrecks that occurred here. Both the Juan de Fuca Trail and the West Coast Trail (which begins just to the north of the Juan de Fuca) were part of the lifesaving trail scratched into this rocky coastline.

The trail takes its name from Juan de Fuca, the Greek maritime pilot who served the Spanish king Phillip II. Juan de Fuca is also the name of the strait separating Vancouver Island from Washington State.

Landscape
As its name implies, the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail follows the coastline of Vancouver Island. Primarily second-growth trees, there is the occasional old-growth. The coast is rock--often sandstone--carved into shape by the ocean. Beaches are primarily pebble or rock, although some, like Sombrio, are sandy.

Flora and fauna
This is bear country, and it borders on whale country. Expect black bears and cougars while hiking. You may see bears, but it is unlikely that you will see a cougar as they are very good at remaining out of sight.

Juan de Fuca Provincial Park offers ample opportunity to view larger marine mammals, including Grey and killer whales, which can often be spotted feeding just off the points. The best time to see Grey whales is during their migration from the Mexican coast to Alaska in March and April. Seals and sea lions can also often be seen playing offshore. Occasionally Orca (or "Killer") whales can be seen.

Climate
Temperate rain forest. In this area, daily temperatures rise above 30°C (86°F) on an average of one or two days per year and fall below -5°C (23°F) on an average of only 2 nights per year. During the winter, the average daily high and low temperatures are 8.2°C (47°F) and 3.6°C (38°F), respectively. The summer months are equally mild, with an average high temperature of 19.6°C (67°F) and low of 11.3°C (52°F).

This may seem like mild weather, but hikers can feel very chilled especially if soaked by rain or waves. Hypothermia is a very real possibility.

Nearly two-thirds of the area's rainfall occurs between November and February, with July being the driest month on average. August and September frequently experience morning fogs.

Get in
On the west coast of southern Vancouver Island, Juan de Fuca Provincial Park extends from China Beach, just west of the community of Jordan River, to Botanical Beach near Port Renfrew. The park is accessed by vehicle at various points along West Coast Highway 14 between Jordan River and Port Renfrew. The China Beach campground is adjacent to Highway 14 just east of the China Beach day-use, 35 km west of Sooke and 36 km east of Port Renfrew. Nearby communities include: Port Renfrew, Sooke, Victoria, Duncan.

The southern trailhead is at China Beach, the northern at Botanical Beach. There are two others midway at Sombrio Beach and Parkinson Beach. Most of the beaches have access trails, but they have no parking other than roadside, and are poorly marked and not intended for general use.

See and do
At the west end of Juan de Fuca Park is, one of the richest tidal areas along the west coast. Botanical Beach also has a unique shoreline framed by ridges of shale and quartz, which jut up through the black basalt to form huge tableaus. Botanical Beach is the western terminus for the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail and a popular day trip destination for visitors wishing to observe this sensitive and unique ecosystem. Wildlife viewing is best done at low tide, when visitors can walk out across the flat sandstone and granite outcroppings to view tide pools filled with brightly coloured marine life.

When visiting Botanical Beach, please look in the tide pools only – do not touch the marine life. Do not remove, collect or disturb any tide pool life, shells, plants, flowers, kelp, etc. Even touching the water in a tide pool with sunscreen on your hands can create an “oil slick” that could kill the vulnerable creatures in this sensitive ecosystem. Remember to bring your camera, as photographs make great souvenirs.

Special Features: This park contains numerous special natural features, including waterfalls, grottos, old growth forest, estuaries, tide pools and shale and quartz rock formations.

Hiking

 * The western section of the park around Botanical Beach has two smaller trails: Mill Bay and Botanical Loop. The Mill Bay Trail accesses a small pebble and shell beach; portions of this trail are steep. Parking for this trail is at the Mill Bay Trailhead, beside the road to Botanical Beach. Botanical Loop Trail connects Botanical Beach and Botany Bay. This is an easy to moderate walk.
 * China Beach trail: A scenic 1 km trail leads from the parking lot through mature forest to the beach. A large viewing deck offers views of the beach and Juan de Fuca Strait. This is an easy to moderate, fairly steep trail.
 * Second Beach Trail: Second Beach can be reached from the China Beach campground via stairs and a 1 km long fairly steep gravel trail. The 15-20 minute hike (each way) through the mature forest of Sitka spruce, Douglas fir and Western red cedar leads visitors to the great rolling breakers of the sea.

Fees and permits
Vehicle accessible camping fee: $20 per party/night. You can reserve sites online.

Backcountry camping fee: $10 per person/night (16 years of age and older), $5 per child/night (6-15 years of age). You can buy a backcountry permit online.

Camping
At the east end of the park is the vehicle-accessible and the China Beach day-use area. The campground is in a forested area with open understory, about 1 km east of the China Beach day-use area and the Juan de Fuca East (China Beach) Trailhead. Trails connect the campground to China Beach and the adjacent smaller Second Beach, located east of the larger China Beach day-use.

Most beach camping sites have food caches available. There is no camping at Botanical Beach. Vehicle camping is allowed at Parkinson, Sombrio, and China beaches, and camping fees do apply to overnight camping in the parking lots.

Forest camping is permitted (always check before hiking) at Little Kuitsche Creek and Payzant Creek. No open fires are permitted at either site.

Beach camping is permitted at Mystic, Bear, Chin, and Sombrio beaches. Fires are permitted below the high tide line only.

Backcountry
Sections of the Juan de Fuca are rated at "difficult" and "very difficult". These ratings are meant to be taken seriously. Between Chin and Sombrio beaches, hikers can expect climbs of 160 vertical metres (over 500 vertical feet) on a 7-km hike. The hike from Chin to Bear beach is rated as "very difficult".

This is the west coast of Vancouver Island, so there is water everywhere. But filter, boil, or treat any water taken from streams or rivers. Giardia ("beaver fever") is a real possibility.

Do not feed bears either intentionally or unintentionally. This means caching food properly, not disposing of garbage in the pit toilets, and packing out everything you pack in. A fed bear is a dead bear.

Stay safe
Some beaches are cut off at high tide. Information and tide charts are posted at the trailheads. Be aware that rogue waves have been experienced on the west coast and can easily sweep a person into the water.

This is backcountry, so have first aid supplies and skills. Weather can change rapidly, so be prepared. In many places, rocks remain slick year round.

Guided tours with experienced back country guides increase your safety. Guides take care of all the organization, know the trail, and know the best times to make this hiking trip.

Go next
Most beaches are connected to Highway 14. These trails are not always easy or well-marked, and can involve climbs of 180 vertical metres (600 feet). On the plus side, this means that you can exit the trail at regular intervals.

title: Juan de Fuca Provincial Park


text:
Juan de Nova Island

Juan de Nova Island is an island in the Indian Ocean off East Africa, about one-third of the way from Madagascar to Mozambique. It is part of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands. It has no permanent population.

Understand

Named after a famous 15th-century Spanish navigator and explorer, the island has been a French possession since 1897. It has been exploited for its guano and phosphate. A small military garrison oversees a meteorological station.

Climate
Tropical.

Landscape
Low and flat. The island is about 6 km (3.7 mi) long and 1.6 km (0.99 mi) at its widest.

Get in
There is no public transportation to the island.

Anchorage is possible off the northeast of the island, and it has a 1,300-m (4,300 ft) unpaved airstrip.

See
The island is a nature reserve surrounded by reefs which enclose an area (not a true lagoon like in an atoll) of roughly 40 km² (15 sq mi). Forests, mainly of Casuarinaceae, cover about half the island. Sea turtles nest on the beaches around the island.

The island has been identified as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International because it supports a very large colony of sooty terns, with up to 100,000 breeding pairs. It also has a much smaller colony of greater crested terns (with at least 50 breeding pairs recorded in 1994). Of at least seven species of landbirds present, most are probably introduced.

Buy
There is no economic activity on Juan de Nova Island.

Sleep
There are no public accommodations on Juan de Nova Island.

title: Juan de Nova Island


text:
Juan Dolio

Juan Dolio / Villas del Mar is a city in San Pedro de Macoris, in the Dominican Republic.

Located at the south coast of the Dominican Republic and in a distance of 60km from the capital Santo Domingo and 30km from the International Airport of "Las Americas" (SDQ). Juan Dolio and the new part of Juan Dolio, named "Villas del Mar" are the biggest touristic centers on the south coast.

The area is experiencing an enormous building boom and is being converted from an all inclusive hotel area to a luxury apartment resort with Caribbean beaches, yacht harbours, golf courses, and all one would expect.

Get in

 * Airport of Santo Domingo
 * Airport of La Romana

Get around

 * Motoconcho (motorcycle taxi)

See

 * The beaches are beautiful and protected by coral reefs.
 * San Pedro de Macoris

Do

 * Swim
 * Vacation
 * Tennis
 * Horseback Riding
 * Motorbike
 * Motorbike

Drink
Aqua Sorrentina distributed by Aqua Napoli. Natural water from the hills of Hato Mayor. Pure and refreshing

title: Juan Dolio


text:
Juan Fernández Islands

Juan Fernández Islands is a small archipelago 670 km off the coast of Central Chile. They are remote islands, home to about 900 people who survive on lobster fishing and several hundred tourists who make the obscure islands a vacation destination each year. The rugged, mountainous islands are quite attractive, but you won't find white sand beaches, and the water is much colder than the weather might indicate, owing to the northerly Humboldt Current.

Understand
The islands consist of Robinson Crusoe Island, Alejandro Selkirk Island and Santa Clara Island, with the entirety of their small population residing on Robinson Crusoe Island.

The islands are in the same time zone as mainland Chile.

History
The archipelago was discovered on 22 November 1574, by the Spanish sailor Juan Fernández. He called the islands Más Afuera, Más a Tierra, and Santa Clara.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, the islands were used as a hideout for pirates, were the site of Alexander Selkirk's four-year marooning, and provided a location for a penal colony.

In Lord George Anson's book 'Voyage Around the World in the Years 1740 - 1744, J.M.Dent and Sons Ltd, it is described how having lost 600 of his 950 seamen to scurvy, what remained of his squadron recuperated on the Island of Juan Fernandes for some months. The book has interesting and detailed descriptions of the island as it was at that time.

During the maritime fur trade era of the early 19th century, the islands were a source of fur seal skins, and the Juan Fernández fur seal was nearly driven to extinction. In his book, Two Years Before the Mast, Richard Henry Dana, Jr. described the islands as he found them around 1834. At this time the main island was being used as a penal colony.

Late in 1914 the islands were the rendezvous for Admiral Maximilian von Spee's East Asiatic Squadron as he gathered his ships together before defeating the British under Admiral Christopher Cradock at the Battle of Coronel. Following the Royal Navy's victory at the Battle of the Falkland Islands a month later, the only surviving German cruiser, SMS Dresden, was hunted down and cornered at Más a Tierra early in 1915, where it was scuttled after a brief battle with British cruisers.

In 1966 the Chilean government renamed Más Afuera as Alejandro Selkirk Island and Más a Tierra as Robinson Crusoe Island, in order to promote tourism. Selkirk never set foot on Más Afuera, only on Más a Tierra.

On 27 February 2010, a tsunami following the 8.8 magnitude earthquake off Maule, Chile struck the islands causing at least 8 deaths. Eleven people were reported as missing. The tsunami wave was 3 m (10 ft) high. Most of the town of San Juan Bautista on Robinson Crusoe Island was destroyed.

The national park has been on the UNESCO World Heritage tentative list since 1994.

Climate
The islands have a subtropical Mediterranean climate, moderated by the cold Humboldt Current, which flows northward to the east of the islands, and the southeast trade winds. Temperatures range from 3 °C (37 °F) to 34 °C (93 °F), with an annual mean of 15.4 °C (60 °F). Higher elevations are generally cooler, with occasional frosts on Robinson Crusoe.

Average annual precipitation is 1,081 mm (42.6 in), varying from 318 mm (12.5 in) to 1,698 mm (66.9 in) year to year. Much of the variability in rainfall depends on the El Niño-Southern Oscillation. Rainfall is higher in the winter months, and varies with elevation and exposure; elevations above 500 m (1,640 ft) experience almost daily rainfall, while the western, leeward side of Robinson Crusoe and Santa Clara are quite dry.

By plane
Fly from Eulogio Sanchez Airport, also known as Tobalaba Airport, in eastern Santiago. 1½ hr. There are flights to Robinson Crusoe twice a week. Contact Aerolineas ATA. ATA offers flight and lodging packages for 4 days, 3 nights for 685,000-1,045,000 pesos per person (May 2021), with accommodation at the Crusoe Island Lodge.

Flora and fauna
The Juan Fernández islands are home to a high percentage of rare and endemic plants and animals, and are recognized as a distinct ecoregion. The volcanic origin and remote location of the islands meant that the islands' flora and fauna had to reach the archipelago from far across the sea; as a result, the island is home to relatively few plant species and very few animal species. The closest relatives of the archipelago's plants and animals are found in the Temperate broadleaf and mixed forests ecoregions of southern South America, including the Valdivian temperate rain forests, Magellanic subpolar forests, and Desventuradas Islands.

Do

 * Trekking
 * Horseback riding
 * Diving
 * Birdwatching
 * Snorkeling
 * Sport fishing

Eat and drink
There are a few restaurants and bars in San Juan de Bautista town.

Go next

 * Santiago

title: Juan Fernández Islands


text:
Juarez

Juarez (Spanish: Ciudad Juárez) is a city in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico. It stands on the Rio Grande, across the United States border from El Paso. Juarez is rich in the northern culture of Mexico, and is home to the Mexican vaquero (cowboy) culture.

Understand
Juarez is a large Mexican city in the middle of the Chihuahuan Desert. It is named for 19th-century president and popular hero Benito Juarez, the first Mexican president of indigenous descent. Juarez is nowhere near the tropical Mexico with beautiful beaches and Aztec and Mayan culture many people expect. You will be more likely to encounter people resembling cowboys than any other vision of a Mexican one might have. This can be more charming and realistic than the culture of other locales that are not off the beaten path in Mexico.

However, special attention must be paid to criminal activity in Juarez, as well as the city and state of Chihuahua in general; there has been police corruption in the area, some incidents quite violent in nature as they pertain to the border area's prevalence in illegal drug and human trafficking. Also, visitors, especially females, should be aware of the sexual violence and murder rates amongst the female populace; since 1993, perhaps earlier, hundreds of women, most of them underpaid workers at sweatshops known as "maquiladoras," have been killed by persons unknown, their bodies found beaten, raped, tortured and murdered in and around Juarez. As most of the victims are local women, deemed by their killers and indeed quite often by those investigating their deaths to be disposable.

Foreign visitors should not have much to worry about as long as they follow common sense; if you avoid venturing out alone into suspicious areas of town, particularly after dark, making obvious your personal wealth to strangers, and staying well clear of any illegal activity, particularly involving drug purchase/smuggling, you should be fine. Just remember that Mexican police are notoriously lacking in concern for those whose activities are considered "high-risk". The U.S. Border Patrol can also be quite mercurial about these matters, and neither American nor Mexican prisons are very enticing places to spend one's vacation.

Juárez experienced over 2300 murders in 2019 (out of a population of 1.7 million). While many of the victims have been connected with drug trafficking, the random nature of this violence requires precaution.

Get in
Juárez is part of Mexico's zona frontera, and no visa or passport is required to enter from the United States. (A passport is required to enter the United States from Juárez.) Pedestrians are rarely stopped or asked for identification. Vehicles may be stopped at random: usually indicated by a red light at the border crossing. Your vehicle may be searched if stopped, and the most serious matter is to carry a firearm or ammunition without a permit to do so: even one spent shell casing may result in serious charges.

Highways exiting Juárez towards the Mexican interior have checkpoints that do require foreigners to present a visa. If you do not have one, you may fill out a tourist card at the checkpoint.

By car

 * From the rest of Mexico, Juarez is accessible by Mexican Federal Highway 2 which runs along the United States border and Mexican Federal Highway 45 which heads south to Chihuahua.
 * From the United States, US Highways 62 (Stanton Street in El Paso) and 54 (also known as the Patriot Freeway) end at the Mexican border and are the main international crossings from the United States. Interstate 10 is the major highway leading to El Paso. Near the Stanton Street bridge in downtown El Paso, most visitors that come for a single day choose to park on the US side of the border and walk across the bridges as to avoid dealing with traffic, lack of parking in the city center, and long waits for vehicles reentering the United States. Parking is generally US$3 near the bridges.

By bus
Long-distance buses arrive at, located on Blvd. Oscar Flores 4010. The following bus companies serve the terminal from other cities in Mexico: There are additional cross border connections from El Paso with Los Limousines, Los Paisanos/ODM, and Autobus Americanos without using local public transport through Cd Juarez to here.

By train
While there has not been service to Juarez since the early 1990s, neighboring El Paso is served thrice-weekly by Amtrak trains running between Chicago, New Orleans and Los Angeles.

Get around
There is a public bus system in Juarez; however, it is not very easy to use and is often overlooked by tourists. In general, buses have their final destination on a board in the front window. They make frequent stops, and often run in close succession to one another; if you miss a bus, another of the same route is likely to appear in a matter of minutes. Many routes continue to run overnight: exercise extreme caution on buses at night and buses that go into poorly policed barrios of the city (especially to the west and south). Buses have been targeted in attacks, mainly aimed to collect protection money for route operators.

Taxis are abundant and inexpensive, but always ask for the ride fee and if possible ask two different drivers to get the best fare. Taxis are not metered, and initial fares may be given based on one's perceived ability to pay (a tourist or wealthier Mexican may be quoted a higher fare). However, most sites of touristic interest in Juarez can be reached by walking in the historic center. Upon arrival in Juarez, it is likely that most foreigners will be greeted by a plethora of taxi drivers offering to drive them to the market. While the market cannot be seen from the border crossing, it is a relatively short walk: after crossing the Santa Fe street bridge, walk down Avenida Juarez to 16 de Septiembre, turn left and then walk about seven blocks (street blocks are much smaller in Juarez than in neighboring El Paso).

Driving in Juárez, while less chaotic than in Mexico City, is not recommended for a casual visitor. While the lack of high-speed freeways means many accidents that happen in the central parts of the city are relatively minor, fender benders in Mexico may involve frustrating red tape. If you do drive in Juárez, make sure you have Mexican automobile insurance, as not having Mexican insurance may result in criminal charges and a visit to jail. Most larger businesses have parking lots with attendants that will ask for a nominal fee (US$0.25, or M$2-3). Watch where you park; cars that are illegally parked on streets may have their license plates removed by a transit cop. The idea is to ensure you will pay the fine before leaving the country (and your plates should be returned after doing so). If this happens to you, the ticket should indicate where to pay your fine, should you chose to do so (you should be able to re-enter the United States in any event, but you may face some added complications with a missing plate).

If you ever get disoriented, one landmark that may help you out is the gigantic message made of whitewashed rock on a southwest that reads "Cd Juarez La Biblia es la verdad, leela." ("The bible is truth, read it.") It is supposedly a contender for some sort of world record. Some even climb this, though it would be kind of ironic to get robbed on a hill that has been turned into a religious marquee.

Do
Juarez is unlike many border towns in that it is a major city with over a million inhabitants. However, most foreign tourists will still enjoy the same elements of stereotypical Mexican culture that they do in other border towns such as Nogales, Tijuana, and Nuevo Laredo.

 * Enjoy a drink at a patio cafe with some chips and salsa at reasonable prices.
 * Shop the markets for typical Mexican wares.
 * Attend a bullfight at the Plaza de Toros when in season.
 * Drive through the city and enjoy the scenery.
 * Gambling – the city has many casinos. Most are within the more popular malls (Las Misiones, Plaza Sendero, Galerías Tec) or in high-transit and safe streets (Ejército Nacional, Blvd. Gómez Morín).
 * Gambling – the city has many casinos. Most are within the more popular malls (Las Misiones, Plaza Sendero, Galerías Tec) or in high-transit and safe streets (Ejército Nacional, Blvd. Gómez Morín).
 * Gambling – the city has many casinos. Most are within the more popular malls (Las Misiones, Plaza Sendero, Galerías Tec) or in high-transit and safe streets (Ejército Nacional, Blvd. Gómez Morín).
 * Gambling – the city has many casinos. Most are within the more popular malls (Las Misiones, Plaza Sendero, Galerías Tec) or in high-transit and safe streets (Ejército Nacional, Blvd. Gómez Morín).

Buy
Typical Mexican souvenirs such as blankets, pottery, and trinkets themed in Mexican culture.

Make sure to haggle as it will be expected. If you act uninterested, or begin to walk away, you should get quoted a lower price. The merchants speak English and are constantly encountering Americans, so you will not seem very foreign to them if you are not Mexican yourself. Goods may range from kitschy trinkets to high quality artisan-made glassware, pottery, jewelry, leather goods, and woven cloth. Most markets also have good food and drink, and musical entertainment.

If one cannot live without US-style retail, Juarez has many shopping areas featuring familiar retailers such as Home Depot, Sears and Wal-Mart. Most US (and even some Canadian) banks have branches in Juarez as well.

Eat

 * Juarez has a great selection of restaurants that specialize in authentic Mexican cuisine. The cuisine in Juarez is not very different from the food that is eaten on the other side of the Rio Grande in El Paso. A great dish to try for those not experienced in Mexican cuisine would be Steak Ranchero.
 * Juarez also offers a very international selection including everything from great seafood at Los Arcos, incredible Chinese at Shangri-La, Brazilian at Fogueira, and the list continues. Try Maria Chuchena for a nice semi-expensive eclectic meal, afterwards walk out to La Cantera where you can find restaurant/bars to have a few drinks with the locals.
 * There are also many small stores and carts that make tacos using fresh tortillas, vegetables, and your choice of several meats such as beef, chicken, pork, and chorizo (a spicy Mexican sausage). As long as you can see the meat being cooked you should feel fine eating this food, although it may be outside of some inexperienced travellers comfort levels.  Tacos are served "by the order" and you should not expect to pay more than M$30 or US$3 for an order of 4.
 * As Juarez is a major city there are some very nice steakhouses where you will be pampered by an exceptional waitstaff in a luxurious setting. However, expect to pay about half of what you would stateside.  A delicious steak dinner with all the fixings can be had for around M$100, US$10.
 * Try fine dining on Blvd. Tomás Fernández.

Don't forget the burritos.

Drink
Be aware that you can't drink in public places or in the street, ask before.
 * Basically beer and tequila will be the alcoholic drinks of choice. Remember, although you are in Mexico, you are in the middle of the desert and not a beach resort so Piña Coladas and Strawberry Daiquiris are unlikely to be at your disposal. However due to the large amount of Texans crossing the border some places will have margaritas ready.
 * Most people arrive in Mexico expecting Corona to be free flowing, but this beer is not really drunk in Mexico. If you are in a tourist place you will find Corona (Modelo is essentially the domestic version of Corona), but outside of touristy Juarez, the local beer Carta Blanca is the beer of choice. This beer is definitely worth a try as it is a favorite of the locals. The most popular beer with locals is a dark beer called "Indio" and for locals, other brands you can try are "Sol" or "XX lager". If you are thirsty, try a "Caguama" in a 1L bottle. "Victoria" beer is also a special treat, as it is never exported from Mexico.
 * Visit the, one of the oldest bars in Juarez, where many famous people like John Wayne, Steve McQueen, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, and Jack Dempsey have walked out on all fours. Kentucky Bar is supposedly the birthplace of the Margarita and is across the Santa Fe bridge; it is only a few blocks down on the strip.
 * For non-alcoholic tastes, try "horchata," a refreshing rice-based drink or "agua de jamaica," a sweet punch made from dried hibiscus flowers. "Licuados" or milkshakes are also very good.
 * For those wishing not to partake in alcoholic beverages, stop in at any store with the words "La Michoacana" or any reference to "Michoacan" in its name. It sells fruit flavored ice creams, popsicles, and fruit flavored drinks that come in many flavors and are very refreshing under the hot desert sun.
 * Even soft drinks such as Coca-Cola have a flavor in Mexico that sets them apart from their American counterparts: they use cane sugar and not corn syrup.

Sleep
Juarez has its fair share of local and international hotels. However, many travellers will find it easier, and much safer, to spend the night across the Rio in El Paso, as it is a large American city with all the usual American services.

Stay safe
The crime situation in the state of Chihuahua is of concern. Though authorities in Ciudad Juárez and El Paso have tried to curb underage drinking, the downtown districts fill with intoxicated club and bar patrons at night, many of these patrons being under 21 and sometimes under 18. A drunken fight or barroom confrontation can escalate into serious violence, so be careful. High-end clubs will very openly discriminate against anyone who looks like "trouble" (shaved heads, tattoos, gang clothing, or even a working-class appearance), and despite this type of profiling, these venues cannot guarantee your safety as well.

At times, there will be suspicious activity in high-end clubs and bars. If you see this going on, turn the other way. In traditional Mexican bars or cantinas, unaccompanied women may be seen as "fair game" or may even be rather unwelcome: bars known as "ladies bars" are more accepting and tolerant of female patrons.

If you are in a nightclub or bar, be very cautious when other men or women approach you. They may be friendly, very good looking, and professional. They can gain your trust easily by inviting you to their table for drinks, or a smoke where you would meet their other "friends." Do not be fooled by this; chances are they are expecting to get you intoxicated, and as a team they will attempt to discreetly steal your valuables. This is a way certain groups related to the drug cartel and/or local gangs operate. They will then sell your stolen valuables in electronics or jewelry stores where they would get a commission of the sale. Hot items are cell phones (#1), watches, and cash. They will even invite you to their place or not mind staying over with you. Do not be fooled if they are very clean and good, and/or rich looking. Once your valuables are gone, they're gone. Always travel with a trustworthy friend.

While sampling Mexican beer and tequila is highly recommended for a tourist, it is probably wise to avoid heavy drinking in an unfamiliar border city. It is also best to keep a close watch on drinks in nightclubs, as they may be laced with date rape drugs by strangers, in order to initiate a robbery.

Juárez is patrolled by the Mexican army in an attempt to crack down on crime. Mexican military personnel are generally professional (in comparison to the police), if intimidating with their automatic weapons.

Stop at any roadblocks. Driving through a checkpoint may result in gunfire. Juarez municipal police are to be avoided, as most are tied to criminal gangs and engage in extortion, kidnapping, rape and contract murder. Federal police are perhaps just as corrupt, but are less likely to engage in "petty" crime directed at tourists. If you are in danger, actual military personnel are the best option.

Juarez is notorious for police setting up traps to pull over motorists or, sometimes, question people leaving bars and clubs. This is done so "mordidas" or bribes are offered. While bribes are widespread, a US$20 bill may not get you out of any situation (especially with military agents). Most police officers will at least go through the formality of writing a ticket, asking questions, or writing a report before any "arrangement" takes place.

If for some unfortunate reason you are eyewitness to public violence and/or shootouts (as many in Juarez have been), immediately follow what everyone around you is doing. The people of Juarez have the routine down to a T, and it will behoove you to follow everyone else. If alone, look for cover under cars, in alleyways, garbage cans, wherever. Do not knock on a random house or business; many of these lock their doors during gunfire exchanges and open them for no one. Do not record or photograph any violence or any suspicious behavior. Sicarios, or hitmen, have absolutely no scruples and won't hesitate to assassinate any person they suspect of playing for the other side.

One serious word of caution: Do not be caught with any type of weapon in Mexico. This can include a small pocket knife, or even ammunition or bullet casings. American motorists have been jailed for driving into Mexico with spent ammunition casings in their car trunk.

In the early 2010s, the situation changed dramatically in Ciudad Juarez. The police started patrolling the streets again. The homicide rate fell from 3,500 in 2010 to 311 in 2015. However, this does not mean you should feel completely safe. Continue to travel with caution, and expect the unexpected at any time.

Downtown is a mixture of safe and seedy areas during nighttime. Both the street of Av. Juárez and the neighborhoods surrounding it are the safest to be around at night. Oddly enough, the main streets are the ones that may be more unsafe at night. Small neighborhood streets are oftentimes lively with the activity of the residents – nowadays it's common to see people outside just hanging out, on a barbecue or other outdoor activities.

Avoid traveling south and southeast of the International Airport, outside of situations where you're leaving the city, going to Cerro Bola through Camino Real or to the Samalayuca Dunes. There really isn't anything noteworthy down there, and Valle de Juárez (the general name of the area) is the one hit most by remaining cartel violence.

If you feel unsafe in an area, it's best to trust your gut instinct and leave.

Consulates

 * 🇺🇸 United States

Go next

 * Taking a drive eastboud along Mexican Federal Highway 2 is a fun drive that stops in many idyllic Mexican towns along the Rio Grande. You can escape the hustle and bustle of Juarez and slow down a little, as people expect to do in Mexico. (Note, the Valle de Guadalupe southeast of the city is one of the most violent drug war zones).
 * You will need to have documentation in order to reenter the United States. The United States Government requires that all travelers entering the United States from all Mexican points of entry have a valid passport.

title: Juarez


text:
Juayúa

Juayúa is a town in Western El Salvador. It is known for its weekly gastronomic festivals and is a popular stop along El Salvador's Ruta de las Flores.

Get in

 * From Santa Ana, Bus 210 leaves every 15 minutes from the bus terminal to Ahuachapán, $0.50. Ahuachapán is where the beautiful Ruta de las Flores begins and bus 23 goes all the way to Sonsonate stopping at Juayúa. You can also take bus 18A from its terminal, three blocks east from the southeast corner of the parque. Both take about 50 minutes and cost $0.75.
 * From Sonsonate, Bus 249 leaves regularly and stops in Juayúa (45min, $0.50)
 * From Guatemala take a bus to Jalpatagua, e.g., from Guatemala City, Q25, 3h. From the terminal buses go to the calm border (Q8, 30min). (Most moneychangers here have rigged calculators.) Across the border, bus 11-AH ($0.50, 45min) takes you to the parque in Ahuapachán.

Get around
Juayúa is small enough to walk around in. Also there are tuk tuks throughout the town.

See
Los Chorros de la Calera is a nice area with waterfalls and swimming holes just outside of the town. The water is crystal clear and fresh and there is often a police officer there for security.

To get there, you can take a tuk tuk or walk. It's about 20 minutes from the main square. Take the street Mercedes Caceres one block north of the parque and follow it east until you get to a fork in the road with a statue of a mermaid and also a sign, from here take a right and follow the signs.

Do

 * 7 Waterfall hike; 6 hour hike past several waterfalls. Rappel down a 40m waterfall. Swim in another one. Very rugged terrain. Will get quite wet and dirty. $12-$20pp depending on group size @ Casa Mazeta

Eat
There are plently of cheap eats at the comedores in and around the market right next to the church, Iglesia Cristo Negro. For $2-3 you can get a tasty meal and a drink.

A bit more expensive is the Restaurante R&R "Cocina Autor", C. Mercedes Pte. 1-2, they have great steaks and service, meals $6-10. +503 2452 2083
 * Pupuseria Esmeralda, a little west in alley along 5 Calle Oriente from Avenida Daniel Cordon Norte between, offers some of the tasty Salvadorian staples. +503 2452 2931

Drink

 * Pitonga Bar & Grill, 2a Ave Sur between RN 12W and 2 Calle Oriente, is a cozy place based on the theme of the Central American legend, the Cadejo. Cadejos are good and evil spirits which resemble dogs and protect or try to kill people travelling at night. Great desserts and coffees. Live music on Saturday nights. Av Pbtre Luis Martinez.

Sleep

 * Casa Mazeta, 2 Ave Norte 22, is a chillaxed hostel with 3 private rooms ($25/night) and 6 dorm beds ($9pp). Each room sports its own flair. Beautifully kept garden with plenty of seating, hammocks and even a turtle. Large communal kitchen and indoor sitting area with instruments and films. Cooking classes offered ($1pp + food costs) and waterfall tours ($12-$20pp). Owner Suzanna is friendly and a wealth of local knowledge. +503 7252 8498
 * Casa Mazeta, 2 Ave Norte 22, is a chillaxed hostel with 3 private rooms ($25/night) and 6 dorm beds ($9pp). Each room sports its own flair. Beautifully kept garden with plenty of seating, hammocks and even a turtle. Large communal kitchen and indoor sitting area with instruments and films. Cooking classes offered ($1pp + food costs) and waterfall tours ($12-$20pp). Owner Suzanna is friendly and a wealth of local knowledge. +503 7252 8498

Go next

 * Concepción de Ataco
 * Apaneca
 * El Imposible National Park

title: Juayúa


text:
Juazeiro

There is more than one place called Juazeiro:

Brazil

 * Juazeiro (Bahia) - A town in Bahia.
 * Juazeiro do Norte - A town in Ceará.

title: Juazeiro


text:
Juazeiro do Norte

Juazeiro do Norte is a city in Ceará, Brazil, one of the largest pilgrimage sites of South America. It forms a larger urban area, dubbed CraJuBa, with neighbouring Crato and Barbalha containing some 400,000 people. Another 100,000 from smaller towns join in Cariri.

By bus
The bus station is 3 km from the centre. Guanabara has most departures. Taxi to the centre is R$ 10.
 * To Fortaleza, 6 hours
 * To Crateús by TransCeará/Pernambucana, 3 daily, 7-8 hours, R$ 35.
 * To João Pessoa(11 hours), via Sousa (3 hours), Patos and Campina Grande(9 hours) by Guanabara

By plane
Daily flights to Fortaleza, Petrolina, Recife, Brasília and São Paulo by Gol.

Get around
A great number of buses pass by the western corner of Praça Padre Cicero, particularly at the terminal-like structure there.

See
Most of the sights revolve around the religious character  Padre Cicero:
 * On Horto, a hill some 7 km nortwest of the centre, stands the statue of Padre Cicero, together with other dedications. Take bus Horto from Praça Padre Cicero, every hour on the hour.

Do

 * The last few days of October has 500 000 people coming to town, in a religious festival known as the  Romaria.

Buy
There must be hundreds of tiny shops loaded with religious trinkets. Why not buy a two-inch Padre Cicero?

Drink
A few simple, open-air spots at Praça Padre Cicero.

Sleep
Dozens and dozens of pousadas in the center, particularly near Praça Padre Cicero. The cheapest (from R$ 10 per person) are on a strip of Rua São José, one block off the square.

Cope

 * Internet at several places along Rua Padre Cicero, uphill from the square, R$ 1/hour.
 * Internet at several places along Rua Padre Cicero, uphill from the square, R$ 1/hour.

title: Juazeiro do Norte


text:
Juba

Juba is the largest city and capital of South Sudan. Juba is on banks of the White Nile River. In 2017, it had a population of 525,000 people.

The city has been growing quickly since it was named capital of South Sudan in 2005.

By plane

Direct commercial flights from Nairobi (Kenya Airways and others) and Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airways) to Juba are the most popular entry routes. Multiple daily flights from Khartoum, Sudan (costing around US$200) and Entebbe, Uganda are also available. Charter and UN flights are also available from Lokichokio. Egyptair has direct flight twice per week from Cairo.

Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways and Egypt Air provide the most convenient single carrier routes from Europe, usually not requiring a lengthy stopover.

By bus
If overlanding, daily buses run from Kampala taking a minimum of 12 hours if the roads are dry, but it only takes one broken down truck or deep flooded muddy pothole to add hours to the journey. Departure at 03:00 (Nile Coach near Gateway in the city center of Kampala) with an overnight stop in Yumbe. No regular buses run to Kenya although some trucks run the route, most Kenyan traffic runs through Uganda as the roads are in better shape.

If flying down from Khartoum, bring your passport, although you don't need a separate visa in addition to the standard Sudanese one your passport will be checked for a Sudan visa at Juba airport.

If overlanding from Kenya or Uganda, it is still advisable to get your travel permit/visa for southern Sudan (GOSS office in Nairobi or Kampala, 100 USD and only a one-month, single-entry visa is available), it will save you a lot of hassle at the border.

Also: daily buses run from Kampala with Sudanese ownership (LOL brand). About 12 hours. No overnight in Yumbe. Through Gulu and Atiak.

Unless cost is an issue, take the plane from Entebbe to Juba. The bus is a great cultural journey, secure-but-dusty, and the southbound trip in daylight affords great views of the countryside. The northbound trip during night-time offers police checkpoints and pee stops in desolate places.

Visa
Visas are required by most people entering South Sudan. In theory, visas are available on arrival at Juba airport for US$100. However the rules surrounding their issue are unclear. Immigration officials will often invent rules to suit their own needs. At the very least, you should have an invitation letter from a local company/organisation and you will need someone with local connections to be sure of getting a visa. It is better to obtain one in London, Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Washington DC, Paris, Berlin, Geneva, Brussels, Delhi, Beijing, or other cities with South Sudanese embassies before arrival.

All visitors must register their presence in the country within 72 hours of arrival. Procedures have changed by February 2019. Visitors must now do this in person. A passport photo is needed and a fee must be paid. The Juba registration office is no longer near the Rainbow hotel. It is in an unmarked office on the first floor of a commercial building. Look for the crowd on the pavement outside where they fill out the form and have a photocopier.

Get around
Juba is a small town with big plans. You can walk through most of it in a few hours - however, the town is quite spread out in to 3 areas - Juba Town, Government ministries, and the Nile camps - and it's a long, hot, dusty walk between the three. It is also not recommended to walk because of the high risk of crime. If you are coming here to live and work, a car is essential to get around - although there are a lot of boda bodas (motorbike taxis) running during the day.

The roads are mostly unsealed, but you can get by in a saloon - although after a heavy rain it's 4x4 only. However, the roads are improving rapidly with much grading and tarring going on.

A really great map of Juba town is available in Jit Supermarket and online at OpenStreetMap.

Do
Plan to entertain yourself as there is not much to see or do. However, due to the many expats including many Kenyans, Ugandans and the hundreds of westerners there are numerous bars, restaurants and nightspots. There is something going on most weekends. You can also take a boat trip on the Nile, go fishing, go jogging, and there's a Hash House Harriers in Juba.

But even then if coming here to work for an extended period, bring out lots of books, DVDs, etc.

Buy
Everything is trucked in from Uganda, hence things are expensive - however, as more traders set up shop in Juba so supplies are increasing and prices are falling - but still expect most things to cost 30% - 100% more than it would cost in Kampala.

The Customs Market is the prime shopping area, with fresh fruit, over-priced building materials and the usual mix of consumer goods.

The air-conditioned JIT supermarket is next to Juba Raha Hotel. Jit advertises to have ‘everything under one roof’ and it almost does. Open to the public, Jit stocks a large number of toiletries including good quality soaps and shampoos and, perhaps more importantly for some, alcohol including beer, wine and spirits. Prices are reasonable given the alternative cost of having to bring things in by air yourself (and usually paying for excess luggage) and the owners promise to increase their stock with electronics/home appliances, cigarettes and perfumes. There is a decent selection of wine starting from US$8 a bottle.

Everywhere will accept Sudanese pounds, even if prices are quoted in US dollars. You can change British pounds and Ugandan shillings at the Kenya Commercial Bank in town for rates in line with those in Khartoum (and at better rates than those quoted on xe.com)

Eat
The Village and Da Vinci camp are battling over who cooks the best pizza in town. Home and Away has some average food at western prices in western-ish surroundings. Numerous tent camps line the Nile, and all look the same, buffets tend to be the norm. Prices vary widely. Worth seeking out Rock City for the views over Juba.

Drink
A cold beer is easy to find in Juba, in strong contrast to the North, but the best stocked bar in Juba is Fresh Freddies - everything from a 20yr old malt whisky to sambuca shots to vodka slush puppies.

Sleep
The accommodation boom is finally impacting on prices - tents are becoming less popular with air conditioned prefabs now the norm (many 'hotels' are simply a collection of prefabs). Prefabs with a/c are around $150 per night, safari-type tents US$80 to $100. However demand, and hence prices rise, when a big conference is in town. Most accommodation is full-board, with breakfasts, lunches and dinners 7 days a week. In Juba, hotel-land hot showers are now the luxury to seek out, rather than air conditioning, which is easy to find.

 * Beijing Juba hotel is expensive, but clean and efficient.
 * Bros Hotel (on the Nile). Secure, clean, older manufactured housing (two hotel rooms per unit). 84 units with ensuite bathrooms. Air-conditioned. Power is on all night; may vary during the day. Good restaurant and grounds. US$50/night for double bed.
 * Mango camp is popular.
 * Bros Hotel (on the Nile). Secure, clean, older manufactured housing (two hotel rooms per unit). 84 units with ensuite bathrooms. Air-conditioned. Power is on all night; may vary during the day. Good restaurant and grounds. US$50/night for double bed.
 * Mango camp is popular.
 * Mango camp is popular.
 * Mango camp is popular.
 * Mango camp is popular.
 * Mango camp is popular.
 * Mango camp is popular.

Stay safe
See the warning at the South Sudan article for information on the security situation.

There have been instances of armed robbery and muggings of foreign nationals. Take extra care with any travel at night.

Landmines remain outside in some areas the city.

Connect
Radio broadcasts are available from BBC World Service in English on 88.2MHz and Arabic on 90.0MHz.

Embassies and consulates

 * 🇫🇷 France
 * 🇩🇪 Germany
 * 🇳🇱 Netherlands
 * 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
 * 🇺🇸 United States

Go next
Daily flights to Nairobi, Khartoum, Entebbe and Addis Ababa are available.

There are weekly barges from Juba to the north. It will take 10 days to 2 weeks from Juba to Kosti (250 km south of Khartoum), it is hot, bring your own food and water and something to create some shade. From Kosti, there are daily busses and minibuses to Khartoum.

Other than flying, it is quite difficult to get out of Juba without your own transport (hired vehicles come with a driver who is instructed not to leave Juba). Even walking out of town into the countryside is difficult as the semi-rural sprawl of Juba extends for miles of shacks and squatter housing (even on the eastern side of the Nile). Lots of paths out of town end up at one of the many army camps, who are not keen on trespassers.

title: Juba


text:
Judaean Desert

The Judaean Desert is a desert in Israel and the West Bank that lies east of Jerusalem and the Judean hills and west of the Jordan Valley and Dead Sea.

Cities and villages
Notable cities and villages throughout the Judaean Desert:
 * – the only city in the Judean desert outside the Palestinian territories, located on the border of the Negev
 * – Palestinian city in the West Bank, located 10 km north of the Dead Sea. It is believed to be one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world - archaeological remains have been found of settlement in that area which dates back 11,000 years (9000 BC).
 * – Israeli city in the West Bank. It is the third largest Israeli settlement in the West Bank.

Understand
Despite its desert climate, many streams flowing from the Judaean hills and the Jerusalem hills have carved beautiful canyons and ravines through the soft rocks in the region.

Most of the attractions and sites throughout the Judaean Desert are located along the western shores of the Dead Sea. In addition to information about the attractions and sites in the Judaean Desert, this article provides expanded details regarding the various hiking trails in the Judaean Desert.

History
Though hostile and arid, the Judaean Desert was settled since before recorded history. Jericho, which was founded over 11,000 years ago (around 9,000 BCE), is one of the oldest continuously-inhabited cities in the world, and it is the first city in the world that had walls built to protect it. Another notable place is Ein Gedi, a large oasis that had cities built around it for over 6,000 years. Inside the desert itself there are numerous isolated monasteries, many are still active to this day.

The Judaean Desert played an important role in the Jewish kingdoms in Israel during the biblical times, and also during the Greek and Roman times.

Due to its rough terrain and climate, the Judaean Desert was known as a hiding place for refugees and rebels. In one famous Biblical story, King David fled here with his soldiers after King Saul ordered to have him killed. During the Greek and Roman times, the Hasmonean dynasty and the roman client King Herod the Great built and fortified many forts, strongholds and even palaces in the Judaean Desert, most famously, Masada. During the Roman-Jewish wars, the Jewish rebels fled to the Judaean Desert and fortified in the strongholds there. The last free standing Jewish stronghold in Jewish history, prior to the establishment of the modern state of Israel, was Masada.

Climate
The coast of the Dead Sea offers many cold and hot springs.

The Judaean Desert has an average annual rainfall of 47mm. This is due to the fact that the rains in Israel, which comes from the Mediterranean Sea, are blocked by the Judaean mountains, creating a rainshadow desert over the eastern slopes of the mountains (the Judaean Desert), while the western slopes (the Shfela) receive an average annual rainfall of about 500mm. Because of that, the Judaean Desert contains a relatively large amount of oases, which are fed by the groundwater from the western slopes of the Judaean mountains.

Almost every year various travelers find themselves stuck in certain streams in the Judaean Desert when flash floods appear abruptly due to rain that occurred recently in the nearby Judaean hills and the Jerusalem hills. Some of these abrupt flash floods can be quite dangerous and even lead to deaths. Therefore, before hiking on the narrow streams in the Judaean desert, always make sure that no rain is expected to fall in the Judaean Desert or the nearby mountains.

Geography
The Judaean Desert is an array of hills and canyons, falling from the heights of around 1,000 meters in the Judean Mountains, to the Dead Sea which is, at -421 meters below sea level, the lowest place on earth. At its eastern edge, the Judaean Desert dramatically drops into the Dead Sea in cliffs of up to 500 meters, and waterfalls in the dry canyons fall in heights of 50-330 meters.

This cliff line was created as a result of the Great Rift Valley and the movement of the tectonic plates. The movement of the tectonic plates have created the valleys of the region, including the Dead Sea valley. This movement also created the sharp cliffs located at the eastern edge of the Judaean Desert, above the Dead Sea Valley.

Get in
The majority of the Judaean Desert is either in the Palestinian territories of Judea, or stretches along the Dead Sea. The only other civilized area is the town Arad.

Most of the Judaean Desert is undeveloped and inaccessible, consisting of either nature reserves or Israeli military firing zones. The very north end of the region can be accessed easily by Route 1 from Jerusalem to the Dead Sea. The very south, in Israel, can be accessed by roads 31 and 80 in the Negev. In between, access is restricted. You'll probably need permission from the Israeli military, and when you arrive there will be no paved roads, only jeep trails. Road 90 runs along the Dead Sea, but there is a cliff separating it from the rest of the Judaean Desert except in a couple locations.

By car
Route 90 crosses the entire Dead Sea basin from the Lido junction in the north to the Arava junction down south, and passes through almost all settlements that are not in Palestinian territories.

From the north the route can be accessed by driving southwards on route 90, that begins in Qiryat Shemona and passes by Beth Shean.

From Jerusalem and the coastal plain it can be accessed by driving eastwards on route 1, the road that goes from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Pass by Jerusalem following the road signs to the Dead Sea. In the Lido junction, turn right and you're on route 90, driving along the Dead Sea. Alternately, you can drive southwards towards Be'er Sheva on route 40 (or on the toll-road Route 6, which then connects to route 40), then take a left either on route 31 (going through Arad and connecting to route 90 in Zohar junction) or on route 25 (through Dimona to the Arava junction, on the southern end of the Judaean desert).

From the south, reach the Arava road (also part of route 90) and drive northwards, passing the Arava junction.

By bus
All following lines drive on route 90. All of them pass through the Ein Bokek hotel complex. The most frequent buses are from Jerusalem.

 * From Jerusalem: lines 486, 487, 444
 * From Be'er Sheva through Arad: lines 384, 386
 * From Tel Aviv: line 421, going only once a day each way and very crowded during high season, departing from the bus terminal near the central train station.Line 389 from the central bus station goes through Arad and departs only a few times each day.
 * From the Arava junction: line 444 arriving from Eilat, line 321 arriving from Dimona.

Get around
Best accessed by car, but some sites, especially along the western shore, can be reached with the bus.

See
Most tourist attractions in the Judaean Desert are located near the Dead Sea – look there for further information.

Do
See hiking in the Judaean Desert as well as the Ein Gedi nature reserve. Hiking in the region is recommended all year long except for the summer season and the exceptionally hot days. In addition, it is important to keep up to date with the weather forecast in advance, and to be aware of any flood warnings issued for the Judaean Desert.

Sleep
Arad has several accommodation options. Also Hebron, Bethlehem, Jerusalem and Jericho in the West Bank and at the border of the Judaean Desert offer a variety of places to stay.

Stay safe

 * There are scattered Jewish settlements along highways 1 and 90, and the entire area (except around Jericho) is under Israeli military rule, making you feel at times as if you are in Israel. Nevertheless, one should always be aware that in the northern part of the Judaean Desert, which is located in the West Bank, there are various Palestinian towns and nomads, some of which are hostile to Israel. Still, the coastline of the Dead Sea and the areas around and south of Ein Gedi are quite safe.
 * Sink holes exist along the Dead Sea coast. Do not walk anywhere east of route 90, unless there's a road or trail that leads there, as you might find the earth suddenly dropping beneath your feet as you step.
 * The weather in the Judaean Desert tends to be very hot in the summer. Settlements are few and far-between, and no information exists on whether the (few) natural water sources are potable. Hence, travelers should dress appropriately and bring along water supplies.
 * Flash floods can occur in the Judaean Desert rivers. The floods can be caused by rains falling in the Jerusalem area which would not be initially noticeable for the travelers at the Judaean Desert, and therefore it is important to check the weather forecast alerts regarding the Judaean Desert in advance.
 * Large areas on the Judaean Desert plateau are closed Israeli military zones used for military training. No signs exist on hiking trails to warn travelers off these areas. Therefore, when planning a trip to any of the wilderness areas here, you must check in advance on an updated map of the region whether your intended route passes through a military zone. Entry is freely allowed to these areas only on Saturdays and on Jewish holidays (note that not all official vacations in Israel are actual Jewish holidays!). On all other days, one must pre-coordinate their entry to these regions with the responsible military unit, . Note that you might not find an English speaker on the line!
 * The Israeli Society for Nature operates the – an education and travel information center for the Judaean desert area. Before traveling in the wilderness in the area, it's highly recommended to either visit the place or contact them by phone as they can supply you with all viable and up-to-date information about any traveling route.

Go next

 * Dead Sea – to the eastern side of the Judaean, one of the most famous things to see/do in Israel and Jordan, including several other attractions
 * Negev – a desert covering southern Israel, featuring amazing sites and desert landscapes, including Mitzpe Ramon at the edge of the Ramon Crater, and Eilat, a holiday town in the far south with border crossings to Jordan and Egypt
 * West Bank – most parts of the Judaean Desert lie within the West Bank, most of which, in turn, is part of the Palestinian territories including destinations like Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Jericho and Nablus

title: Judaean Desert


text:
Juffureh

Juffureh is a small town in the Gambia on the North Bank of the Gambia River, most famous as the reputed origin of Alex Haley's ancestor Kunta Kinte, as described in Haley's novel Roots.

Get in
The ferry to Barra from Banjul goes about twice an hour and take 40 minutes. Juffureh is a short ride away.

See

 * Fort Jilifree
 * Fort Jilifree

Go next

 * Karang and the Fathala Reserve in Senegal are just north of the North Bank.

title: Juffureh


text:
Juigalpa

Juigalpa is the capital of the department of Chontales in Nicaragua.

Understand
Juigalpa is a mid-size city along the Careterra Norte. It is a pleasant city to pass a short time but becomes crowded in August when the annual Ascension festival is held. Juigalpa is not a significant destination for travelers, offering few attractions of touristic interest.

Get in
By bus or car from Managua.

By car
Follow the Rama Carretera east out of Managua.

By bus
All of the bus routes connecting Juigalpa and Managua can be found at Mercado Mayoreo in Managua. Juigalpa is approximately three hours by bus in an ordinary route and two hours in an express bus. There are also charter helicopters available from Managua as well. All buses connecting San Carlos and Managua pass through Juigalpa. There is also direct bus service to and from Rama with connecting service to Managua.

Get around
Taxi Cabs are the predominate means of transportation within the city. Taxis within the city limits cost C$10 per person. Costs increase for places outside the concentrated part of the city.

There are also several bus routes that cost C$3 per person.

See

 * Parque Central, Parque Palo Solo and Parque Ruben Dario are three well-maintained parks within the city.
 * Thomas Belt Zoo, a rather impressive selection of animals considering the size of the community.
 * Gregorio Aguilar Barea Museum, features several stone carvings and other artifacts found in the Amerrisque Mountains. Many of these artifacts are from the Chontal natives.
 * Cinema Popular, a movie theater located one block west of the central park.

Do
Come for the patron saint festival. The patron saint celebrations on the week of August 15 celebrate the Assumption of Mary. This patron saint festival is renowned as one of the best in Central America, drawing people from neighboring countries. Much of this celebration takes place in the Plaza de Toros near the center of town. Here the highlighted event is bull riding. On average five people die every year from bull related injuries. As a result, there is a saying in Juigalpa, “It is not a good patron saint festival if nobody dies”. There are two fairs during the patron saint festival. One is put on by the mayor’s office in the center of town. The other, and larger of the two, is organized by a microfinance NGO, PRODESA, and takes place in the PRODESA fairgrounds located on the western side of town. Plaza Taurina de Chontales, located on the north end of town, has a rodeo every middle weekend of the month. The design of this arena was inspired by the rodeo arena in Houston, Texas.

Buy
There are two markets in town. One is the municipal market in the center of town, east of the central park. The other market “Mercado Nuevo” is located along the Rama Carretera at the southern end of town near the hospital.

Eat

 * Cafe Iguana offers food and drinks by the pool side bar and also has a private restaurant area, it serves one of the best churrascos and variados (a variety of local side dishes) in the area.
 * La Embajada is located 100 meters west and 200 meters south of the Esso gas station. Meat is sold by the pound (2 pound minimum) and a proportionate amount of avocado, cuajada, tortilla, and onion salad is included.  The recipe for the marinade has been passed down for generations.
 * La Quinta is located along the Carretera on the southern side of town and serves many typical Nicaraguan platters in a clean atmosphere with decent service.
 * Pollos La Toya is located 200 meters east of the cemetery’s east entrance. It is famed for its “Pollo Asado con Chile” (grilled chicken with chile).
 * Restaurante Palo Solo is located in Palo Solo Park and serves many typical Nicaraguan platters but with more creative modifications.

Juigalpa is also home to the only beef jerky producer in Central America. Casey Welch’s Carne Seca can be found at Esso and Texaco.

Drink
Juigalpa has three discotecas:

Café Iguana is a two story complex with a pool and wet bar located on the western part of town.

Hotter’s (Caracoles Negros) is a discoteca on the northern end of town along the Rama Carretera. It is most popular on Thursday nights (Ladies’ Night).

La Quinta is located along the Rama Carretera on the southern part of town. It is most popular on Saturday nights and occasionally features a mechanical bull (especially during the Fiesta Patronale)

There are a few popular bars as well:

Sleep

 * Hotel Los Arcángeles, just east of Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Ascension. With dining. +505 2512 0847

 * Hospedaje Nueve Milenio is available for budget accommodations near the municipal market, in the center of town. Offering amenities such as air conditioning, fan, private or communal baths, and it is open 24 hours a day. Depending on accommodations price rages are from US$4-15 per day.

 * Hotel Quintanilla is located in the western part of town along the street leaving for Puerto Diaz. It includes private parking and breakfast.

 * Hotel La Quinta offers simple, yet air conditioned rooms and is connected to a restaurant and discoteca.

 * Las Miradas is a boutique hotel with many amenities. There is air conditioning, internet in all of the rooms, gym, spa, and an excellent view of the Amerrisque Mountains.  The price is about US$50 per night.

Stay safe
Take care if walking at night in Nicaraguan cities, including Juigalpa. It is better to stay in groups or take taxis from one destination to another. There is an increasing amount of violence caused by groups of delinquents due to a rising crack cocaine problem. Avoid the barrios on the northern end of town. Also, avoid unpaved streets as these are typically poor neighborhoods outside the center that are not as well patrolled by the police.

Go next
You can leave through the domestic bus routes from the municipal market or catch any bus heading north to Managua on the Rama Carretera. Or you can go south to San Carlos. Buses to El Rama (with boat connection to Bluefields and Big Corn Island) leave once daily.

title: Juigalpa


text:
Juiz de Fora

Juiz de Fora is a city in Southern Minas Gerais, close to the state border with Rio de Janeiro. According to the 2006 estimate the population was 509,125 inhabitants. The area of the municipality is 1,437 km².

The location is strategic for economic growth, between the three most important centers of southeast Brazil: Rio de Janeiro (189 km), Belo Horizonte (260 km) and São Paulo (486 km). Major highways connect Juiz de Fora with these three metropolitan areas, the most important being the BR 040, which connects Brasília with Rio de Janeiro, passing through Belo Horizonte.

Often referred to only as "JF", this traditional city is located in the deep Paraibuna river valley, a major tributary of the Paraíba do Sul, in the Paraíba do Sul basin, between the Órgãos and Mantiqueira ranges.

Juiz de Fora is a gay friendly city, homophobia is punished by law since 2000.

By bus
Juiz de Fora is on the way between Belo Horizonte (4.5 hours) and Rio de Janeiro (3 hours). São Paulo is approximately 8 hours away. The city is also a regional bus hub and has frequent links to nearby cities.

From Belo Horizonte Buser offers the ride for R$60 (Dec 2021), Atual goes for R$104 (Dec 2021).

From Petrópolis Única Facil lets you join the trip for R$42 (Dec 2021).

Buses arrive at the main bus station (rodoviária) at Av. Brasil, 9501. (32) 3215-7696. The bus terminal is connected to the downtown area by taxis and frequent regular buses that drop passengers near the very central corner of Av. Getulio Vargas and Av. Rio Branco.

Get around
The city center is compact and can be crossed on foot. For longer distances, the bus system is quite effective, with frequent and clean buses. Most lines converge to the central Rio Branco Avenue. Tickets cost R$ 3,10.

Taxis are also widely available and not expensive for larger city standards.
 * Albatroz Rádio Táxi - Phone: +55 32 3215-4400 / 3215-5418
 * Tele Táxi - Phone: +55 32 3215-4410 / 3217-7102

See

 * Morro do Imperador
 * Morro do Imperador
 * Morro do Imperador

Events

 *  Festival Internacional de Música Colonial Brasileira e Música Antiga - International Festival of Colonial Brazilian Music and Antique Music (July)
 * Miss Brasil Gay  - The biggest event in the city. Self-explanatory (August).
 * Rainbow Fest  - Several events (parties, debates and a parade) targeting the LGBT community. In the same week of Miss Brasil Gay (August).
 * Goa Trance  - Rave in outskirts of city (November)
 * Celebra Open Air  - Electronic music festival with some foreign attractions (March)
 * Primeiro Plano - Independent movie festival (November)

Budget

 * Pastelaria Mexicana - Installed on a truck between Independência and Rio Branco Av. Classic street food.
 * Pastelaria Mexicana - Installed on a truck between Independência and Rio Branco Av. Classic street food.
 * Pastelaria Mexicana - Installed on a truck between Independência and Rio Branco Av. Classic street food.
 * Pastelaria Mexicana - Installed on a truck between Independência and Rio Branco Av. Classic street food.
 * Pastelaria Mexicana - Installed on a truck between Independência and Rio Branco Av. Classic street food.
 * Pastelaria Mexicana - Installed on a truck between Independência and Rio Branco Av. Classic street food.
 * Pastelaria Mexicana - Installed on a truck between Independência and Rio Branco Av. Classic street food.
 * Pastelaria Mexicana - Installed on a truck between Independência and Rio Branco Av. Classic street food.
 * Pastelaria Mexicana - Installed on a truck between Independência and Rio Branco Av. Classic street food.
 * Pastelaria Mexicana - Installed on a truck between Independência and Rio Branco Av. Classic street food.

Mid-range

 * Churrascaria Estrela Grill, Ladeira Alexandre Leonel, 180 - Cascatinha. Phone: +55 32 3217-1146 / 3232-9060
 * Churrascaria Estrela Grill, Ladeira Alexandre Leonel, 180 - Cascatinha. Phone: +55 32 3217-1146 / 3232-9060
 * Churrascaria Estrela Grill, Ladeira Alexandre Leonel, 180 - Cascatinha. Phone: +55 32 3217-1146 / 3232-9060
 * Churrascaria Estrela Grill, Ladeira Alexandre Leonel, 180 - Cascatinha. Phone: +55 32 3217-1146 / 3232-9060
 * Churrascaria Estrela Grill, Ladeira Alexandre Leonel, 180 - Cascatinha. Phone: +55 32 3217-1146 / 3232-9060
 * Churrascaria Estrela Grill, Ladeira Alexandre Leonel, 180 - Cascatinha. Phone: +55 32 3217-1146 / 3232-9060
 * Churrascaria Estrela Grill, Ladeira Alexandre Leonel, 180 - Cascatinha. Phone: +55 32 3217-1146 / 3232-9060

Splurge

 * Giramondo Pizzeria - Rua Tenente Paulo Maria Delage 386 - Borboleta - "32" 3218-1450
 * Giramondo Pizzeria - Rua Tenente Paulo Maria Delage 386 - Borboleta - "32" 3218-1450
 * Giramondo Pizzeria - Rua Tenente Paulo Maria Delage 386 - Borboleta - "32" 3218-1450
 * Giramondo Pizzeria - Rua Tenente Paulo Maria Delage 386 - Borboleta - "32" 3218-1450
 * Giramondo Pizzeria - Rua Tenente Paulo Maria Delage 386 - Borboleta - "32" 3218-1450
 * Giramondo Pizzeria - Rua Tenente Paulo Maria Delage 386 - Borboleta - "32" 3218-1450
 * Giramondo Pizzeria - Rua Tenente Paulo Maria Delage 386 - Borboleta - "32" 3218-1450
 * Giramondo Pizzeria - Rua Tenente Paulo Maria Delage 386 - Borboleta - "32" 3218-1450

Stay safe
Juiz de Fora is considered a safe city for Brazilian standards. Just take the common sense precautions and you will be fine.

 * Police : 190
 * Emergency (paramedics/firefighters) : 193

Go next

 * Ibitipoca
 * Tiradentes
 * Petrópolis
 * Rio de Janeiro
 * Ouro Preto

title: Juiz de Fora


text:
Jujuy

Jujuy is a Province in the Andean Northwest region of Argentina.

Cities

 * – The provincial capital with colonial architecture and strong indigenous presence, but mostly a city of not much interest to tourist.
 * – A laid back western town with many cheap hostels and the nearby impressive Serranias del Hornocal rock formations.
 * – A beautiful mountain village in the Quebrada de Humahuaca just north of the Humahuaca. The road to Iruya is one of the most impressive and breathtaking trips in Argentina.
 * – A less touristed border town on the way to Bolivia.
 * – A popular but somewhat overpriced tourist destination with the famous Hill of Seven Colors. Good for taking a picture, hiking the Los Colorados trail behind the town and leaving again.
 * – An inexpensive town in the Quebrada de Humahuaca with the popular Pucará de Tilcara, an Omaguaca archaeological site of indigenous culture.
 * – A tiny town in the Quebrada de Humahuaca with a little old church.
 * – Another tiny town, also famous for its old church.

Other destinations

 * – biologically diverse Yungas forest

Understand
The region has always been a crossroads for economic, social and cultural communication. It has been populated for 10,000 years, since the settlement of the first hunter-gatherers, which is evidenced by substantial prehistoric remains. It was a caravan road for the Inca Empire in the 15th century, then an important link between the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata and the Viceroyalty of Peru, as well as a stage for many battles of the Argentine War of Independence.

Talk
Most people you will encounter in the Jujuy region will speak only Spanish. There are however large numbers of people from Bolivia and Peru who speak Quechua.

Get in
Buses run from Salta to most destinations in the province. From Salta to San Salvador de Jujuy is only a two-hour bus journey.

From Bolivia, the main border crossing is at Villazón (Bolivia) and La Quiaca (Argentina). You can get to the border by bus or train from elsewhere in Bolivia, and then catch a bus from the La Quiaca bus terminal to other parts of Jujuy.

Get around
The towns in the province are well connected by buses. To see some of the more remote natural attractions, though, you'll need to drive or pay for a private car or tour.

See
This province has stunning nature – staggering mountains and desert, sprinkled with cacti. A drive or bus ride through the region's highways will bring you past beautiful mountain views, and a couple of towns in the region (Humahuaca and Purmamarca) are known for their distinctive colorful mountains.

Eat
There are so many different price ranges to choose from and one of the most upscale is Miralejos facing the Plaza Belgrano. Not only is the food the best in Argentina, so is the wine and the conversation. If you want to try some of the sweetest desserts go to Casa Bindo. You might never finish your dessert but it's worth it for the sugar high at least.

Sleep
There are quite a few hostels in Jujuy.

Stay safe
In this largely rural, tourist-friendly area, the biggest concern is altitude sickness. Take it easy when ascending to high altitudes.

Go next

 * Bolivia – the main crossing is at La Quiaca
 * Salta Province to the south and east

title: Jujuy


text:
Jukkasjärvi

Jukkasjärvi is a town of around 600 citizens in Kiruna Municipality in northern Sweden. While the town has been a meeting point for the Sami, Finnish and Swedish cultures since the 17th century, it is today best known for the Ice Hotel.

Get in
The only connection is by road. Jukkasjärvi's main street Marknadsgatan connects with the European Highway E10 some west of Jukkasjärvi. Kiruna, the nearest town, is some 20 km away, but E10 continue towards other towns much farther, such as Gällivare, Narvik and Luleå. From Troms, Finnmark and Finnish Lapland a route via Karesuando or Pajala may be convenient.

There are regular buses from Kiruna. The trip takes some 20 minutes and will cost you 44 kr. Kiruna is connected with major cities further south, like Stockholm and Gothenburg, by train.

Kiruna airport, located about west of Jukkasjärvi, has direct flight connections with Stockholm Arlanda Airport and Umeå Airport.

Get around
It is a small village with walking distance size. For much of the year, outdoor clothing is needed even for short walks.

Sleep

Go next

 * Abisko - A village and national park
 * Kebnekaise - the tallest mountain in Sweden.
 * Kiruna - the only city in the area.
 * Riksgränsen - Sweden's northernmost ski resort.

title: Jukkasjärvi


text:
Juliaca

Juliaca is a city of 276,000 people (2017) in the Peruvian Altiplano. Juliaca is a large trade center for goods and services, and is considered the financial capital of the Puno region.

Understand
Juliaca is 3,825 metres (12,549 ft) above sea level, is located on the Collao Plateau and is northwest of Lake Titicaca (45 km). It is the largest trade center in the Puno region.

It is nicknamed "The Windy City", in its case, because of the city's location on the windy Collao Plateau. It is also called the "Sock City" or "Knitting City" because Juliaca was a major center of sock, sweater, and handicraft production. Now the production of clothes, wool and fabrics are industrial processes.

By plane

 * LATAM Peru (Lima)
 * Sky Airlines Perú (Lima).
 * Sky Airlines Perú (Lima).

By bus
The is about a 20-minute walk (2 km) (or a much faster taxi ride) east from the Plaza de Armas. Daily buses depart to and from Cusco (6 hr); Arequipa (4 hr); Puno (50 min); Copacabana and Lima (18 hr 12 min via Arequipa) with some of the following:

Do
The city hosts Juliaca's Carnival each year between February and March. During this very popular event participants, dressed in colorful costumes, gather on the streets to dance in the style of the Collao Plateau. Saint Sebastian's feast is celebrated on 20 January of every year.

Sleep
Travel to Puno for lodging.

Connect

 * Lampa, 35 km northwest of Juliaca on Carr Lampa-Juliaca, has an impressive colonial church and catacombs with an exact replica of "La Pieta" of Michelangelo, and South American camelids.

title: Juliaca


text:
Julian

Julian is a town in San Diego County, about one hour inland from San Diego.

History
Julian was founded by Confederate veterans after the Civil War, and enjoyed a boom when gold was discovered in the area a few years later.

Climate
A mountain town situated among Cleveland National Forest, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Julian gets the kind of seasonal weather that is rare in Southern California. Leaves change color in fall, snow falls in winter, flowers bloom in spring and the summer months are hot.

By car
From San Diego: take I-8 E to CA-79. Turn left onto CA-79. CA-79 goes through Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, past Lake Cuyamaca, and eventually to the center of Julian. Or, take I-15 N to Scripps Poway Pkwy. Take Scripps Poway Pkwy to CA-67N, which turns into CA-78 - which also goes through the center of Julian.

By bus
An extremely limited bus service is available via MTS. Route 891 runs once weekly, on early Friday afternoon, from El Cajon with a journey time of just under two hours. In the opposite direction, the bus departs Borrego Springs early Friday morning.

Get around
Once you arrive in Julian the best thing to do is find parking and stroll Main Street. To visit the local wineries, state parks, and Julian Train you will need to drive.

Eat
Julian is known for its apple pie. Visiting for even an hour and not having any would be a serious oversight. Most are on Main Street and cannot be missed, since there are often lines outside the store fronts.

Go next

 * Borrego Springs
 * Brawley
 * Ramona

title: Julian


text:
Julian Alps

The Julian Alps are a region of Slovenia. They are part of The Alps and extend over the border into north-eastern Italy. They were named after Julius Caesar. They offer a wonderful alpine flair, that would have you swear you were in Upper Bavaria or Tyrol on a good day's hiking.

Cities

 * — impossibly romantic mountain lake complete with castle, island and town
 * — the best starting point for hiking and climbing to Julian Alps
 * — the oldest Slovenian mining city, with more than 500 years of history
 * — historical, culinaric and sport town
 * — village and ski area
 * — old historical town, agriculture museum
 * — village with nice views of the mountains, close to Bled, Radovljica and Kropa
 * - the largest town in Soča Valley
 * — old historical town, agriculture museum
 * — village with nice views of the mountains, close to Bled, Radovljica and Kropa
 * - the largest town in Soča Valley

Other destinations

 * (Trnovo Forest Plateau)
 * (Trnovo Forest Plateau)
 * (Trnovo Forest Plateau)

Talk
Slovene is the national language. Most can speak Serbo-Croatian as a result to the Yugoslav experience (its also very similar) and many to most young people can speak some English and/or German. German also played a historic minority role in the region prior to WWII with many places having dual place names as a result. Today the Austrian and German tourists speak it.

Do
Metal Days music festival in summer: http://www.metaldays.net/

title: Julian Alps


text:
Junagadh

Junagadh is a historical city in Gujarat, in the west of India, on the Arabian Sea. The region of Junagadh became a district of Gujarat state in 1960. Junagadh used to be the state capital and is now a district administrative center. It is also a market for gold and silver embroidery, perfume, and copper and brass vessels. It is the only place where wild Asiatic lions are still found.

Understand
This city is surrounded by hills, hence an ideal place for a fort to be built.

Tourist information
The city's Tourist Information Centre is at Girnar hotel, Near Majevadi Gate 216-217, Kanishka Shopping Plaza, Ashok Road.

By plane
Rajkot is the nearest airport. One can get regular flights to Mumbai from Rajkot. Junagadh is 2½ hr from Rajkot by road.

By train
The Junagadh Railway Station is well-connected to all the major cities in India.

By car
Route from Ahmedabad to Junagadh: approximate distance 336 km; drive time about 6 hr 40 min.

Route from Rajkot to Junagadh: approximate distance 110 km; drive time about 2 hr 5 min.

Route from Vadodara to Junagadh: approximate distance 400 km; drive time about 7 hr.

By bus
State bus service from Porbandar (around 80 min journey), Rajkot and Veraval (around 90 minute journey).

Private bus companies run from many surrounding cities.

See

Uparkot Fort
As of Feb 2023 the fort (including everything inside the fort walls) is closed for long term renovation.

Mount Girnar
The highest point in Gujarat, Mt. Girnar, with its rugged slopes covered by teak forests, is considered to be sacred because of several Hindu and Jain temples scattered all over the range. Mount Girnar main feature is a group of rocky peaks rising above a plateau of volcanic origin. Each peak is topped by carved stone temples that are a major place of pilgrimage. Early in the morning, both Jains and Hindus from different sects start their journey by ascending the narrow staircases that connects the temples. It takes minimum 5-6 hours to by foot to reach the top of the hill. its a hilly, steep and difficult task for easy goers. There are around 10,000 steps, which are not built, but formed due to pilgrims' walks. You might see lions if you're lucky. If you cannot reach the top of the hill, at least have a look through binocular (₹5 for one view) which available after 50th or 100th step. you can imagine or plan whether you can reach the top.

Buy
A sealed tin of 900 grams Kesar Keri (mango pulp) costs around ₹100.

One kg of mango (Kesar, Alphonso) costs ₹200 at the max.

Eat
Dal Puri and Aaloo Puri available in various stalls near Junagadh museum. Kesar Keri (mangoes).

Drink

 * Kashmiri Lime Soda
 * Juice made of the famous Kesar mangoes of Junadadh.

Cope
Very few ATMs in the city accept international cards.

Go next

 * Gir Forest National Park - If you're staying in Junagadh, arrive early at Sasan Gir, to go on the morning safari. There is no mid-day batch. So, if you are a late riser, chances are you will have to wait long hours for the evening batch. Check the latest timings with residents a day in advance.

title: Junagadh


text:
Junction City (California)

Junction City is a city in Trinity County.

Understand
Junction City was named around 1861 while serving as a junction for several transportation routes at Canyon Creek and Trinity River, gold mining began in the Gold Rush and continued into the early 1900s.

Get in
You can get to Junction City by Highway 299, it goes right thru the town

Police
Does not have a police department but is served by the Trinity County Sheriff.

Hospitals
Does not have a hospital; the nearest hospital is in Weaverville.

Stay safe
Has a very low crime rate does not have a police department but does have a County Sherriff and the California Highway Patrol. Cell phone service is spotty as you are in the mountains. Also be wary in the wintertime as it does snow in this area and usually the roads are cleaned up rather quickly, best advice would to bring chains for your vehicles tires just in case, or call 511 and get the road conditions for the area

Go next
Weaverville about a 15-minute drive from Junction City

title: Junction City (California)


text:
Junction City (Kansas)

Junction City is the seat of Geary County, in the Flint Hills region of Kansas. It is a small city of around 23,000 people.

See

 * Church

title: Junction City (Kansas)