Things to Do in Juliaca

Climb the bell tower of Juliaca's main cathedral for panoramic views over the city and the surrounding altiplano. The cathedral itself is a striking pink stone structure.

🕐 Daily 9am-5pm, but tower access depends on staff availability

💡 Go late afternoon when the light softens. Ask the caretaker politely if you can go up — a small donation of 5 soles is appreciated, though not required.

Juliaca's main square with a central fountain, statue of Manco Cápac, and surrounding colonial-style buildings. A good spot for people-watching and getting your bearings.

🕐 Open 24 hours

💡 Beware of pigeon scratch — but the benches are free. Best visited early morning before the traffic noise picks up. The cathedral bell chimes at noon.

A modest local museum displaying pre-Columbian ceramics, textiles, and artefacts from the Puno region, including some from the nearby Tiahuanaco culture.

🕐 Tue-Sat 9am-1pm, 2pm-5pm; closed Sun-Mon

💡 It's usually quiet — the staff love to explain the exhibits. Ask to see the mummy in the back room. Open Tuesday-Saturday only.

A large, tree-lined park with fountains and benches, popular with locals for weekend picnics and evening strolls. Has a small pond with ducks.

🕐 Open 24 hours

💡 Best on Sunday mornings when there's often an artisan market. Bring your own snack — no good food stalls nearby. Watch for uneven paving after rain.

The southern shore of Lake Umayo, a high-altitude lake known for its totora reed beds and birdlife. No entry fee for the public access area. See flamingos, Andean geese, and grebes.

🕐 Always accessible, though best daylight hours 6am-5pm

💡 Walk from the roundabout near the airport — it's 20 mins on a dirt track. Bring binoculars and a windbreaker. Ignore locals offering 'boat tours' — stick to the free shore path.