Major city · Peru
Juliaca
Spend 1–2 days in Juliaca to see its colonial churches, market and nearby lagoon; add a day trip to Puno or Sillustani if time allows.
Juliaca sits at 3,825 m on the Collao Plateau, 45 km from Lake Titicaca. It is a trade hub with several colonial churches, a large market, and easy bus links to Puno and other Altiplano towns. A short stay covers the main sights; longer trips add nearby archaeological sites.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- PEN
- Best months
- May–Oct (dry, milder temperatures)
- avoid Nov–Mar (cold, possible snow, Carnival crowds)
- Airport
- JUL
- Nights
- 1–2
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the fir…
- South America ↗Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the first day light; sleep lower where you can (Sacred Valley before Cusco) and descend if headache comes with vomiting or confusion.
- South America ↗A yellow fever certificate is required on arrival in French Guiana, and asked for on some routes into Bolivia, Paraguay, Suriname and Guyana, or when arriving from Amazon areas — vaccinate at least 10 days before travel and carry the card.
- South America ↗Overnight buses are the norm in Argentina, Chile and Peru, but pick top-tier companies and keep valuables on your body; on-board thefts from overhead racks are the common loss.
- Peru ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Peru's migration authority (Migraciones) or a Peruvian consulate; keep the entry record you receive, as hotels may ask for it.
- Peru ↗Machu Picchu entry is by timed ticket for a named circuit, with daily caps; in high season tickets sell out weeks or months ahead. Buy tickets only from the official Ministry of Culture seller or a licensed agency.
- Peru ↗The classic Inca Trail needs a permit booked through a licensed operator, often months ahead; the trail closes every February for maintenance.
- Peru ↗Altitude sickness is common above 2,500 m: ascend gradually, rest on day one, and ask a doctor before travel if you have heart or lung conditions.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Juliaca105 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Juliaca, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Peruvian sol (PEN, S/).Peru-wide
- SIM or eSIMClaro, Movistar, Entel and Bitel sell prepaid SIMs; register with your passport at official shops.Peru-wide
- Tap waterNot safe from the tap; bottled or filtered.Peru-wide
- TippingRestaurants: About 10% if service is not included.Peru-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/C. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 220 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Peru-wide
- SafetyJuliaca is generally safe for tourists; stay aware of pickpockets in crowded markets and acclimatise to altitude.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPaper in the bin; carry tissue and coins for public toilets.Peru-wide
- Emergency numbers105 police · 116 fire · 106 SAMU ambulance (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany museums close Mondays; strikes can shut roads and shops.Peru-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportJUL Inca Manco Cápac International Airport (5 km (3.1 mi) NW of Plaza de Armas, airlines: LATAM, Sky Airlines to Lima).JUL Inca Manco Cápac International Airport (3.1 mi (5 km) NW of Plaza de Armas, airlines: LATAM, Sky Airlines to Lima).
- Getting aroundWalking covers the historic centre; taxis are cheap (≈S/5‑10 for short trips).
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeS/3–5
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi (city ride)S/5–10
- Metro or bus rideBus ticket to PunoS/25–30
- Budget bedHotel double room, a night, per roomPEN 70
- Mid-range bedHotel double room, a night, per roomPEN 120
- High-end bedHotel double room, a night, per roomPEN 200
A day, not counting the bed: Budget PEN 30 · Mid PEN 55 · High PEN 90
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- JUL Inca Manco Cápac International Airport (5 km (3.1 mi) NW of Plaza de Armas, airlines: LATAM, Sky Airlines to Lima)JUL Inca Manco Cápac International Airport (3.1 mi (5 km) NW of Plaza de Armas, airlines: LATAM, Sky Airlines to Lima)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Feb
Avoid
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Mar
Avoid
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Apr
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
May
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jun
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Jul
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Aug
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Sep
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Oct
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Nov
Avoid
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Dec
Avoid
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Best: May–Oct. Avoid: Nov–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Jun (20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)), coolest Jan (−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C) low), wettest Nov (8 rain days), driest Jan (5). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Juliaca: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
5 rd
Feb
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
5 rd
Mar
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
6 rd
Apr
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
7 rd
May
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
6 rd
Jun
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
5 rd
Jul
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
5 rd
Aug
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
5 rd
Sep
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
6 rd
Oct
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
7 rd
Nov
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
8 rd
Dec
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
6 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Walking covers the historic centre; taxis are cheap (≈S/5‑10 for short trips). Buses from Terminal Terrestre (2 km east) run to Puno (45 km, ~1 h) and other Altiplano towns.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Puno
goDoor to door: ≈1 h 15 min
Bus from Terminal Terrestre, ~45 km (28 mi), 1 hBus from Terminal Terrestre, ~28 mi (45 km), 1 h
Lake Titicaca shoreline, markets and boat tours.
Sillustani
goDoor to door: ≈2 h round trip
Bus to Puno then local taxi, total ~1 h 30 min
Pre‑Inca burial towers on the lake shore.
Chucuito
goDoor to door: ≈2 h
Bus via Puno, ~1 h 30 min total
Historic town with colonial plaza.
Desaguadero
cautionDoor to door: ≈3 h
Bus via Puno, ~2 h total
Border market; check bus schedule.
La Rinconada
skipDoor to door: ≈12 h round
Long bus (≈6 h) from Juliaca; not recommended for day trips
High‑altitude mining town, requires overnight stay.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Hotel Sakura
Double room S/70, clean, Wi‑Fi; near Plaza de Armas
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- S/30–45 excl. bed
- Mid
- S/45–80 excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hotel double room1 × 1 night × PEN 120 | PEN 120 |
| Food, local transport, entries1 × 1 day × PEN 55 | PEN 55 |
| Bus Juliaca‑Puno round trip1 × PEN 25 · check | PEN 25 |
| eSIM data (1 week)1 × PEN 30 · check | PEN 30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | PEN 23 |
| Trip total≈ PEN 253 per person per day, bed included | PEN 253 |
2026 estimate in soles; flights and long‑distance buses excluded.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | S/3–5 |
| Meal (local restaurant) | S/10–20 |
| Taxi (city ride) | S/5–10 |
| Bus ticket to Puno | S/25–30 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Altitude: 3,800 m can cause headache; hydrate and move slowly.
- Winter nights can drop below 0 °C (32 °F); bring warm layers.Winter nights can drop below 32 °F (0 °C); bring warm layers.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 105
- Fire
- 116
- SAMU ambulance
- 106
Pocket card
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JuliacaJuliaca
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police105
- Fire116
- SAMU ambulance106
Embassy
US consulate in Lima; check for regional assistance.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- JUL → Juliaca city centre (taxi): ≈ S/10, 10 min (check)
- Bus Juliaca → Puno: ≈ S/25, 1 h (check)
Say or show
- Disculpe — Excuse me / Sorry (disˈkulpe)
- Gracias — Thank you (graˈθjas)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (kwanˈto ˈkwes.ta)
- ¿Dónde está el baño? — Where is the bathroom? (ˈdon.de esˈta el ˈba.ɲo)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Juliaca. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Oct (dry, milder temperatures) · avoid Nov–Mar (cold, possible snow, Carnival crowds) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 1 area to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 2 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 2 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Add a night in Puno for lake tours.
- Combine Juliaca with a Lake Titicaca circuit (Puno‑Copacabana).
Sources
Ask about Juliaca
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