Juliaca is a bustling and vibrant city set high in the Peruvian Andes, known for its rich historical heritage and folkloric traditions. Located in the Puno Region of Southern Peru, Juliaca offers an authentic Peruvian experience as it is less frequented by tourists than many other Peruvian cities. It boasts an energetic market culture and is famous for its lively Carnaval de Juliaca, a festival imbued with traditional music, dance, and colorful costumes. Noteworthy landmarks include the spectacular Santa Catalina church, while nearby natural attractions like Lake Titicaca and the amazing Uros Floating Islands present breathtaking vistas and unique cultural experiences. Whether indulging in the local cuisine, exploring the dynamic street markets, or soaking up the rich historical ambiance, Juliaca provides a compelling slice of Peruvian life.

3.5 /5

Based on our research

Meet new people

Get the Travel Ladies app to meet new people, find travel buddies, share solo travel experiences and stay with locals through couch surfing.

Safety:Safe

Juliaca can be considered fairly safe for solo female travelers. While it's generally peaceful during the day, it’s advised to maintain vigilance as pickpocketing and bag snatching incidents occur. Women aren't typically singled out, but it's essential to exercise standard precautions. Avoid roaming the city late at night and stick to crowded, well-lit areas. Also, make sure to have reputable transportation options at your disposal.

Transport:Moderate

Navigating Juliaca can be challenging at times, as not all places have clear signs. Locals are usually helpful in providing directions but language barrier can be a problem if you don't speak Spanish. It's good to have a map or GPS. While the city is generally safe for solo female travelers, it's advisable to be cautious, especially at night.

Things to do:Moderate

Juliaca is a traditional Peruvian town with a slower pace than other major cities. Its charm lies in everyday local life, surrounded by rural scenery and beautiful landscapes. The city acts as a gateway to explore other parts of the region. Notably, you can visit important archaeological sites nearby, such as Sillustani. Shopping enthusiasts would love the local markets offering a wide variety of traditional handwoven textiles and crafts. For food lovers, there are many restaurants where you can try the local cuisine. It doesn't offer a wide range of activities compared to other touristy cities in Peru, but for those who enjoy off-the-beaten-tracks, Juliaca could be relatable.

Food:Above average

Juliaca offers a great variety of traditional Peruvian cuisine, with a special focus on Andean food. Their dishes incorporate a lot of locally-grown superfoods such as quinoa and a variety of native potatoes. Street food is also popular and you can experience some unique and exciting flavors. The culinary scene may not be as diverse as some larger cities, yet the quality, authenticity and richness of flavors make up for it. Street markets popular among locals are a must-visit to enjoy the real taste of Juliaca.

Budget:Affordable

Juliaca is rather budget-friendly for the most part, with reasonable accommodation, cheap local meals, and affordable public transportation. However, some popular tourist activities and attractions may come with a slightly elevated price tag.

Solo travel experience

I solo travelled to Juliaca to get to Lake Titikaka. Not too sure about safety as I already had a driver arranged. But there were definitely many taxi drivers advertising their rides to Puno. I think it's best to just ask your airbnb host to organize transport for you, just in case.

Posted: November 23, 2023

Things to do: 4/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 3/5

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0