This beautiful Peruvian city has many tourist attractions that draw hundreds of people to Juliaca every day.
It's located in the department of Puno, at 3,824 meters above sea level, which makes its climate cold and windy. However, this doesn't stop visitors from enjoying its beautiful landscapes, iconic architecture, and delicious food.
Below, let's look at seven things you must do when you travel to Juliaca.
1. La Merced Temple
Also known as the Church of Our Lady of Mercy, this marvelous work of architecture was inaugurated in 1955 at the request of a group of devotees and is usually visible from Plaza Bolognesi, near the train station.
The building was renovated in 1995 and its interior is decorated with artifacts representing the local culture and traditions. Outside, you can admire its solitary bell tower and a large clock with four circular faces.
Near the church, you can enjoy numerous cafes, restaurants, and accommodations, and you can visit it any day of the year.
2. Llachón and Capachica
Llachón is a small town located on the Capachica Peninsula on the edge of Lake Titicaca. There are many activities and places to visit in Llachón:
Take a ride on handmade sailboats on Lake Titicaca;
Rent a kayak;
Go fishing;
Visit the islands of Amantaní, Uros Titino, and Taquile;
Go to the viewpoint to see the mountains of Bolivia and Taquile Island;
Or simply enjoy Llachón beach.
In Capachica, you can also visit the small beaches and traditional houses on Ticonata Island, and visit Taman, Chillora, Escallani, Ccolpa, and Ccotos beaches. And on the latter, you can walk the Ancasayana Pucusan Saiwanu panoramic trail, which will take you past unique sites such as a Colla fortress and pre-Inca tombs.
3. Tikonata Island
This island is southeast of the capital of Capachica and offers a variety of ancient and natural attractions, such as viewpoints with panoramic views over Lake Titicaca, small beaches and reefs, and ancient square or rectangular structures called putucos that date back hundreds or even thousands of years.
There are several activities you can do on Tikonata Island, such as artisanal fishing, dancing to the rhythm of traditional dances and music (or watching locals do so), witnessing traditional ceremonies, rowing and sailing, exploring some of the numerous trails, and visiting the Cultural Interpretation Center.
4. Melgar Square
When traveling to Juliaca, you can't miss visiting this important public square where much of the city's work is done. Above all, you should visit it on a Sunday, when a large, varied and popular local market takes place.
And since it's right in the center of Juliaca, you can stop for breakfast or lunch at the many restaurants, bars, and cafes near the square.
5. Santa Catalina Church
Located on the east side of Juliaca's Plaza de Armas, this beautiful church was completed in 1774, 125 years after its construction began.
This church was originally going to be called Santa Cecilia, but its name was changed to Santa Catalina in homage to the Christian martyr who lived during the 4th century. Every November 25th, a festival is held in honor of her name, in which the Little Soldiers of Santa Catalina perform a dance with religious and military overtones that imitates the hierarchical organization of the Spanish army.
Interestingly, its distinctive appearance, having only one tower, is due to the difficulties encountered during its construction. A detail that adds a touch of originality to the city.
6. Amantaní Island
38 km inland from Lake Titicaca and near the Capachica and Chucuito peninsulas, Amantaní Island is part of the group of islands found in this distinctive lake.
On this island, you can enjoy other activities such as artisanal fishing, sailing trips, handcrafted stone carving, nature trails, and enjoy pizzas, vegetarian and vegan dishes, traditional dishes, delicious desserts, and all kinds of drinks in the various restaurants on the island.
7. Typical Dishes
And speaking of food, when you travel to Juliaca, you can't miss trying its delicious traditional dishes:
Caldo de cabeza (Head Broth): prepared with lamb, alpaca, or cow's head, potatoes, whole chuños (fish), parsley, and salt to taste;
Cancacho (Steamed Pork), prepared with pork, lamb, or beef, seasoned with red peppers and other spices, and accompanied with whole potatoes and salad;
Pesque de quinua (Quinoa Fish): a typical dish made with quinoa served with milk and grated cheese;
Chairo (Chairo): a delicious soup made with lamb, ground chalona or chuño (fish), chopped vegetables, potatoes, and salt;
Pescado frito (Fried Fish): in Juliaca, it's prepared with trout and silverside fish, chopped into pieces and seasoned with salt and garlic. The fish is then coated in flour and fried in oil. Once cooked, it's served with boiled potatoes, salad, moraya (a type of fish stew), and pepper and salt to taste; Karachi stew: also called thimpu, it's prepared with silverside, mauri, or karachi fish and served with whole chuños, potatoes, onion, muña, garlic, and chili.
Here we come!
Juliaca is a wonderful tourist destination with many different options for a fun and unique family time. When you decide to visit this beautiful city, remember to bring warm clothes and sunscreen.
