Juliaca and nearby attractions

Juliaca is the largest city in the department of Puno, and is the major commercial centre in the southern highlands. However, it is also very unattractive, and competes with Chimbote on the northern coast for the title of most unpleasant city in Peru. Most of the buildings in the city are very ugly and appear to still be under construction, and the bitter cold winds make being out at night almost unbearable.

Very few travellers do any more than pass through here, and that is generally a very wise choice. However, it is occasionally necessary to enter the city for transport connections (the airport for Puno is here, for example, although even when taking a flight there is no need to enter the city), and visiting some of the highland towns is only possible via Juliaca.

There are no real attractions in Juliaca itself, although the colonial church on the Plaza de Armas is of minor interest. There are a couple of markets selling alpaca goods more cheaply than in Puno, including a market on Plaza Bolognesi.

Unlike most Peruvian cities, the Plaza de Armas is not the main centre of the city, even though the main church and the town hall are here. Most restaurants, hotels and banks are located around Plaza Bolognesi, where the train station is. Jr. San Roman and Jr. Nunez, off the Plaza Bolognesi, are the main streets.

Introducation of Juliaca

Juliaca is a city in the Puno Region, Peru. It is the region’s second-largest city and capital of the San Roman province. Juliaca is on the Altiplano, 3824 meters above sea level. It is located in the Collao Plateau and close to Lake Titicaca. Cattlebreeding creates a strong trade in leather goods and textiles, also wool trading is big in this area. Also close are the ruins of Sillustani. Lacking the glorious lake views and cultural fanfare of Puno, Juliaca has assumed the role of commercial travel conduit.

What it lacks in cultural attractions, however, it makes up for in convenience. Despite its unattractive appearance, Juliaca has the closest airport to Lake Titicaca and rail and highway connections to Puno, Arequipa, and Cusco. The roads originating from Juliaca are also conducive to making the trek to Bolivia along the serpentine backroads winding their way along the northern shores of Lake Titicaca. If you decide to spend the night here, the best hotels and services are located near Plaza Bolognesi, where you can also find the train station.

Culture buffs, have no fear, the town does offer a few attractions that will tide you over until you can reach your next destination. Sited in the Plaza Bolognesi is the Iglesia La Merced, and a few blocks northwest is another colonial church, the Iglesia Santa Catalina.

If you happen to be in town on a Sunday, make your way to Plaza Melgar, which boasts a huge market where you can browse (or buy) cheap alpaca wool sweaters. A more touristy market is held daily in the plaza outside the railway station, but keep an eye on your valuables as pickpockets frequent this area.