Juliaca

Juliaca is a commercial city on the Collao Plateau in Puno Region, roughly 40 kilometers from Lake Titicaca. Roads lead northwest toward Cusco, southwest toward Arequipa, and east toward the Bolivian border.

The community arose on the site of the Qaluyo culture, which settled here from 1000 BC onward and developed farming and weaving. Spanish colonial rule transformed the settlement and led to the establishment of a new administrative structure in the 16th century.

The name derives from an Aymara word describing a cold climate, and visitors can meet traders in the main square selling textiles and silver jewelry following traditional patterns from the plateau. Local markets show the city's trading role between the Altiplano and the Amazon basin.

Travelers should prepare for the high altitude by walking slowly and drinking plenty of water to avoid altitude sickness. Wool clothing and sun protection are necessary because of the strong temperature changes between day and night.

The Santa Catalina Church took more than a century to build and today shows Baroque motifs mixed with indigenous plateau themes. The work ended in the late 18th century and left a building with thick stone walls and carved wooden doors.

Location: Juliaca District

Inception: 1926

Elevation above the sea: 3,825 m

GPS coordinates: -15.49083,-70.12694

Latest update: December 4, 2025 23:03