As far as border towns go, El Paso is one of the largest. There’s no mistaking the fact that Mexico is a few feet away. Spanish is heard as often as English, and, while Spanish skills are not necessary for those visiting, knowing some of the absics will prove quite helpful.

The Chihuahua Desert, Franklin Mountains, and the Rio Grande make El Paso a place of diverse natural landscapes. Guides can take you through the mountains on foot, horseback, or in air-conditioned vehicles. A trip on the Rio Grande will put the starboard side of the boat in Mexico and the port side in the US. The beautiful and rugged valley surrounding the river is a sight to behold.

The fusion of Mexican and Texan culture is unique in El Paso. Of course, for an authentic Mexican experience, you can easily head over to Juarez. It is even possible to cross the border on foot and do some shopping in Mexico before returning to downtown El Paso.

The food is great in El Paso, but it is not a place for vegetarians. Steakhouses rub elbows with taco joints, and small trucks selling tacos and burritos cruise the way ice cream trucks do in other parts of the country.

Lest you forget, Texas is cowboy country. Locals will constantly be reminding you of this fact in one-way or another. Rodeos are a popular event in El Paso. Bull riding usually takes center stage at these meetings. Of course, another bovine related event occurs across the border in Juarez: Bullfighting. The bullfighting arena is located in downtown Juarez.

The mix of cultures and the landscape makes El Paso a unique place to visit. Where else in the US can you walk to Mexico for a shot of tequila and then return stateside for a piece of lime.