Juliaca Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Juliaca, Puno, Peru)

Founded in 1826 and now the biggest city within Peru's Puno Region, the tourist attractions of Juliaca match its size, status and age. Many of the most popular attractions surround the city and the shoreline of the adjacent Lake Titicaca, while tourists will find others in the very heart of Juliaca, surrounding its public squares, such as both the Plaza Bolognesi and the Plaza Melgar.

The churches within Juliaca are amongst the most historical tourist attractions and add much character to the city centre. Two particularly important churches are the very imposing Iglesia La Merced and the Iglesia Santa Catalina, amongst others.

Plaza Bolognesi (Bolognesi Square)

Address: Plaza Bolognesi, Juliaca, Peru, PE
The Plaza Bolognesi serves as the main square in the city and is surrounded by a multitude of hotels, cafes, restaurants, shops and banks. Each day an indoor market known as the Galeria de las Calceteras takes place on the Plaza Bolognesi and is a great place to explore if you have some holiday money to spare. The centre of the plaza features the obligatory statue, while close by are plenty of benches to sit on and pigeons to watch.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Iglesia Santa Catalina (Church of St. Catherine)

Address: Plaza Bolognesi, Juliaca, Peru, PE
The Iglesia Santa Catalina is located directly to the north-west of both the Plaza Bolognesi and the Iglesia La Merced. This church is well worth exploring if you are passing through the area and comprises a single stone tower, which is fairly sober in appearance. The Iglesia Santa Catalina dates back to the 16th century, although it was actually rebuilt in the early part of the 18th century.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Plaza Melgar (Melgar Square)

Address: Plaza Melgar, Juliaca, Peru, PE
The Plaza Melgar is an important public square in central Juliaca and where much of the action in the city takes place. This is especially so each Sunday, when the Plaza Melgar plays host to a very popular local market, brimming will vendors all trying to sell you their ways, which will be sure to include a variety of clothing knitted from alpaca wool. If something does take your fancy, don't be afraid to haggle over prices - you'll be surprised how much the traders will drop if they really want to make a sale.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Iglesia La Merced (Church of Mercy)

Address: Plaza Bolognesi, Juliaca, Peru, PE
The Iglesia La Merced church proudly presides over the Plaza Bolognesi, standing close to the train station and the Galeria de las Calceteras market, off the Nunez Butron. Many cafes and further places of interest are just a stone's throw away, while inside the church itself is an elaborate and historic interior worth exploring, with ornate stone carvings and impressive windows.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free