Located in southern Peru at 12,549 feet above sea level, this commercial center has grown from a small Andean town into a major trading hub, known for its weekly street markets.
Juliaca, at 3,825 meters above sea level in southeastern Peru, is the commercial center of the Puno region. Strong winds sweep across the Collao Plateau year-round, while local artisans work in small workshops producing traditional textiles and crafts. You can browse through the busy market near Plaza Bolognesi, climb Waynaruqi hill for views across the Altiplano, or join thousands of dancers during the February carnival celebrations.
Climate and When to Visit
The high-altitude location keeps temperatures cool to cold throughout the year. Winter nights drop below freezing, while afternoons warm up to around 15°C. The wet season runs from December to April, bringing 610 millimeters of average rainfall. Plan your visit between May and November when dry, clear weather makes walking through markets and exploring nearby lakes more comfortable.
Getting Around
The city's domestic airport connects you to Lima and Cusco, while frequent buses run to Puno (45 minutes), Arequipa (5 hours), and Cusco (6 hours). Trains depart from the central station to these major destinations. Many travelers use Juliaca as a gateway to Lake Titicaca, just 45 minutes away.
Markets and City Life
A large daily market fills the streets around the train station near Plaza Bolognesi. Local artisans sell alpaca wool socks, sweaters, and traditional textiles - a trade so significant it earned Juliaca the local nickname "Sock City." The area concentrates most of the city's restaurants and shops.
Colonial Churches
The 1649 Santa Catalina Church stands on the Plaza de Armas, its baroque facade incorporating both Spanish and indigenous design elements. Inside, you'll find colonial-era paintings and sculptures. Walk to Plaza Bolognesi to see another colonial-period church, creating an easy walking route between the two main squares.
Lakes and Viewpoints
Chacas Lagoon sits 10 kilometers northwest of the city center. The 6.2-square-kilometer lake draws local and migratory birds to its shores, with the Iquinito peak rising behind it. For city views, climb Waynaruqi hill, marked by its white Christ statue, where you can see across Juliaca and the surrounding Altiplano.
Festivals
The city carnival, held between February and March, brings traditional Collao Plateau dances to the streets. Dancers perform in colorful costumes while bands play Altiplano music. On January 20, the feast of Saint Sebastian adds another day of music and dancing to the city's calendar.
