How to get to Juliaca

If you decide to visit Juliaca, you will find yourself in a major trade and transport hub in southern Peru, often referred to as the "City of Winds". The question of how to get to Juliaca is easily answered: thanks to its status as an important gateway to the region, you can travel here comfortably by plane, train, intercity bus, or car. This makes the city a convenient and accessible starting point for further travel across the high-altitude Altiplano plateau.

The main aviation hub serving the city is Inca Manco Cápac International Airport. It receives regular flights from Lima and Cusco, providing a fast and convenient connection to the region. The terminal is located very close to the city limits, so the transfer to the centre will take minimal time, which is particularly valuable after a flight.

If direct tickets are unavailable or do not suit your schedule, travellers sometimes choose to fly to neighbouring major cities. The closest alternative is often Arequipa, located approximately 180 kilometres away, or even La Paz in neighbouring Bolivia. However, it is worth noting that in such cases, the journey to Juliaca will require additional travel time on mountain roads.

Unlike many high-altitude cities, Juliaca is a vital railway junction in southern Peru. A journey here by rail is considered one of the most beautiful and atmospheric routes in the Andes.

The city is served by the PeruRail line, connecting the popular tourist centre of Cusco and the city of Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca. The famous Titicaca train stops here, offering passengers a high level of service and panoramic carriages for viewing the landscapes of the Altiplano.

The most impressive part of the journey is the train's passage directly through the city streets and the bustling market of Juliaca. The railway tracks are laid right in the middle of the trading rows: tourists can witness a unique scene as local vendors remove their goods from the rails just seconds before the train approaches and return them immediately after it passes.

Bus services connect this transport hub with key points in the region, turning the road trip into a distinct adventure amidst the mountain scenery of the Andes. One of the most popular and picturesque routes is from Arequipa: a journey of about 280 kilometres takes an average of 5–6 hours, revealing views of volcanoes and nature reserves.

For those travelling from neighbouring Bolivia, the route from La Paz is convenient, covering nearly 400 kilometres in approximately 8–9 hours, including border crossing time. Regular services are also established with the southern city of Tacna; this journey of over 400 kilometres lasts about 9–10 hours, allowing passengers to observe the changing landscapes of the high-altitude plateau.

Travelling by car offers the freedom to move across the picturesque Altiplano plateau and allows you to plan stops for photography independently. The popular road from Arequipa, spanning about 271 kilometres, usually takes just under 5 hours and passes through impressive mountain landscapes characteristic of southern Peru.

Tourists heading from the Bolivian city of La Paz will have to cover about 308 kilometres, which will take approximately 5.5 hours, excluding time for border formalities. The route from Tacna is longer: the distance of 469 kilometres can be covered in roughly 7 hours, whilst watching the natural zones change outside the window.

A trip to Juliaca requires certain preparation, as this city is located on a high-altitude plateau and lives in its own very dynamic rhythm. To ensure your journey through southern Peru is comfortable and safe, we have compiled several important recommendations.

1. Clothing and Essentials: The city is located at an altitude of over 3,800 metres, so the climate here is cold, especially at night. Be sure to bring a warm jacket, thermal underwear, and comfortable footwear. During the day, the sun can be very strong, so despite the cool air, use sunscreen and wear a head covering.
2. Transport: The most popular and affordable way to get around the city is by auto-rickshaws (moto-taxis) and cycle rickshaws (cholo-taxis). It is a quick way to get to your destination, but you should agree on the price with the driver in advance, before boarding, as they do not have meters.
3. Finances: The official currency is the Nuevo Sol (PEN). Although major supermarkets and hotels may accept cards, Juliaca is a city of trade, and cash is necessary everywhere here, especially in markets and for transport. Exchange currency only at official exchange offices (casas de cambio), avoiding street money changers.
4. Health and Safety: Due to the high altitude, altitude sickness ("soroche") is possible. Drink plenty of water, avoid heavy food in the first few days, and try the local tea made from coca leaves. In crowded places, especially markets, keep a close watch on your belongings and do not display expensive gadgets to avoid pickpocketing.
5. Communication: The main language of communication is Spanish; many locals also speak Quechua or Aymara. English is practically not spoken here, so download an offline translator or learn basic phrases in Spanish to communicate with taxi drivers and vendors.
6. Local Etiquette: Peruvians are polite and welcoming. When entering a shop or getting into a taxi, it is customary to greet people ("Buenos días" or "Buenas tardes"). If you wish to photograph local residents, especially women in traditional attire, be sure to ask for permission—this is a sign of respect.
7. What to Avoid: It is strongly recommended not to drink tap water; buy only bottled water. Also, try not to walk alone in remote areas of the city after dark, as lighting may be poor and navigation confusing.
8. Extra Tip: Juliaca is known as a huge trading hub. If you plan to buy alpaca wool products, sweaters, or blankets, local markets will offer you some of the lowest prices in the region, often significantly cheaper than in tourist-centric Cusco.

Following these simple rules will help you easily adapt to the high-altitude conditions and the bustle of this trading city. Be attentive and open to new experiences, and Juliaca will become a convenient and interesting part of your itinerary.