Arequipa to Juliaca Bus

The travel from Arequipa to Juliaca takes about 5 hours, being a distance to go through of 167 mi (269 km). Upon arrival you will be very cold, because temperatures in Juliaca oscillate from 39 °F (4 °C) to 44 °F (7 °C), even if some warmest months it can reach maximum of 62 °F (17 °C). In June and July (coldest months of winter) temperatures can drop to less than 32 °F (0 °C). If you travel to Juliaca during those cold months, bring with you thermal clothes, wool sweaters, gloves for the hands, lipstick to protect your lips and cream for your face (the huge cold can chap them).

Weather in Juliaca:

• Summer (December to March): Temperatures range between a minimum of 7°C and a maximum of 18°C. It is a rainy season, with moderate rainfall mainly in the afternoon.

• Winter (June to September): Temperatures can drop to -5°C at night, while during the day, they usually reach an average of 15°C. This season is characterized by dry weather and clear skies.

• Precipitation: Juliaca experiences rainfall mainly between November and March, with an annual average of 800 mm, and January and February being the rainiest months.

• Humidity: Due to the city's high altitude, the weather remains cold throughout the year with intense sunlight during the day and significantly lower temperatures at night.

Hotels in Juliaca:

• Royal Inn Hotel

Location: Near the Plaza de Armas.

Services: Restaurant, bar, gym, rooms with heating.

Cost: From $80 per night.

• Suites Don Carlos Hotel

Location: A few minutes from the airport.

Services: Restaurant, breakfast included, shuttle service.

Cost: From $50 per night.

Restaurants and Bars in Juliaca:

• La Picantería

Location: Av. Circunvalación, Juliaca.

Specialties: Traditional Peruvian dishes such as rocoto relleno and pachamanca.

Price Range: $$ - $$$

• Sabor Andino

Location: Downtown Juliaca.

Specialties: Andean cuisine, including dishes based on quinoa, trout, and lamb.

Price Range: $$

Tourist Attractions in Juliaca:

• Puno and Lake Titicaca

Location: About 45 minutes by bus from Juliaca.

Description: The highest lake in the world, home to the floating islands of the Uros and the islands of Taquile and Amantaní. It is one of the main tourist attractions in the region.

• Juliaca Market

Location: In the city center.

 Description: A traditional market where you can find local products, textiles, crafts, and typical foods from the region.

Important Dates in Juliaca:

• Virgin of Candelaria Festival (February): One of the most important religious celebrations, with traditional dances and processions in honor of the Virgin.

• Juliaca Carnival (February): A celebration full of music, dances, parades, and local traditions that attract thousands of tourists.

How to Get Around Juliaca:

• Taxis: A comfortable option for getting around the city, but it is also advisable to use mobile apps for greater safety.

• Buses and combis: Several public transport routes connect different parts of Juliaca.

• Mototaxis: Very common and useful for shorter trips.

Typical Dishes and Drinks from Juliaca:

• Quinoa Soup: A traditional dish, especially served in winter. It is made with quinoa, vegetables, and often chicken or beef.

• Lamb's Trotter: Slow-cooked and served with rice, this is a popular dish in the region.

• Chicha de Jora: A fermented corn drink, very common throughout the Andean highlands, especially during festivities.

Things to Buy in Juliaca:

• Alpaca Textiles: Sweaters, scarves, ponchos, and blankets made from alpaca wool, very representative of the region.

• Sillar Stone Crafts: Carved figures and other decorative items made from this stone, typical of the Andean region.

• Woolen Blankets: Often handwoven, these blankets are highly valued for their quality and design.

How to Get to Juliaca from Arequipa by Bus

The Arequipa-Juliaca route covers approximately 280 km, with a travel time of 5 to 6 hours, depending on the bus operator and traffic conditions.

Bus Operators for the Arequipa-Juliaca Route

• Transzela
• Turismo Zolorzano
• Destinos San Martin
• Nobleza
• Real del Sur
• Sur Oriente

Boarding Terminal in Arequipa:

• Terminal Terrestre Arequipa, Av. Arturo Ibañez 202.

Arrival Terminal in Juliaca:

• Terminal Terrestre Juliaca, Jr. Guillermo Valencia 120.

You can also time-to-time redBus offers while booking your bus tickets online from Arequipa to Juliaca. Follow a simple, fast and secure bus booking procedure. This helps save time and also helps to create a joyful travel experience!

The name Arequipa comes from the quechua word “ari-que-pay”, that refers to a legend about the inca Mayta Cápac; in the legend his subjects, impressed by the beauty of the place, asked him to stay and the inca answered: “yes, stay” (ari-que-pay).In the inca period the incas left the Arequipa territory in search of new places to conquer. The official foundation of the city took place in 1540, by the Spanish who arrived there to take advantage of the mines of the area in the colonial period.The city prospered quickly due to its advisable location in the mining transit path, becoming the most important commercial city, and standing out for its loyalty to the Spanish crown.During the republic, Arequipa was the place where concentrated most of the uprisings and social and political conflicts, what (later on time) would deserve its title of “Hero city of the free people of Arequipa”. Nowadays the city of Arequipa is one of the metropolis of higher economic, cultural and touristic importance inside the country.

Climate in Arequipa

Arequipa has a dry, mild climate that is characteristic of an arid temperate region, with warm days and cool nights almost throughout the year. Temperatures rarely exceed about 25 °C and seldom drop below 5 °C, and the city enjoys around 300 days of sunshine annually, which gives it the nickname “City of the Eternal Blue Sky.” The rainy season is generally short, spanning from December to March, with only occasional afternoon clouds and light rainfall, while the rest of the year remains mostly sunny and dry. This pleasant weather, influenced by Arequipa’s elevation of more than 2,300 m above sea level and low humidity, makes it comfortable for most visitors and locals alike. 

The high plain territory where is located the current Juliaca -also known as the “city of winds”- is rich in history and traditions. It was settled more than 4000 years B.C. by tribes mostly dedicated to agriculture and Andean stockbreeding (llama shepherding and guinea pig breeding).Between the years 200 B.C. and 200 A.D. the Pukara culture dominated the high plain region, leaving traces of its presence in Juliaca on the founded archaeologic remains. In the following centuries, the Tiahuanaco, Colla and Inka cultures fought for the hegemony of the high plain. The incas were the ones who prevailed over the other ones in the fight for the Andean supremacy, under the leadership of Pachacutec.With the Spanish arrival, there was a high plain lands distribution, that culminated with the Spanish foundation of the town of Santa Catalina de Juliaca. During the colonial period the city was scenary of indigenous uprisings against the Spanish domination.In the Republic period, after obtained the Independence of Peru, Juliaca was a rural city until the construction of the railway station (1873) that allowed a greater communication and exchange with the most important cities of the Andean south as Cusco or Arequipa, besides making easier the access of Peruvian and foreign visitors.In 1926 was created, by a supreme order, the province of San Roman, what allowed for the ascent of Juliaca to capital.

Climate in Juliaca

Juliaca has a cold climate with a marked temperature variation between day and night, typical of the high Andean altiplano. Daytime temperatures are usually mild, with highs around 16 °C to 18 °C, while at night they can drop below 0 °C in the coldest months, especially in June and July, even reaching average lows near −7.5 °C.

◆ Hotel Royal Inn Juliaca

Address: Jr. San Román 158, Juliaca, Puno

Services:

• Continental breakfast included

• Restaurant and café

• 24-hour front desk

• Free Wi-Fi

• Access for people with disabilities

Approximate price per night: Between S/150 and S/300, depending on the season and room type

◆ Hotel Sueños Dorados

Address: Lambayeque 222, Juliaca, Puno, Peru

Services:

• Continental breakfast (additional charge)

• Shared living room

• Front desk and luggage storage

Approximate price per night: Between S/90 and S/110

◆ Hotel Casa Suite

Address: Ignacio Miranda 340, Juliaca, Puno, Peru

Services:

• Free Wi-Fi

• Parking

• Rooms with TV

• Comfortable and central location (near the city center)

Approximate price per night: Between S/80 and S/110

Typical Dishes of Juliaca

• Chairo: A hot soup made with meat, potatoes, and vegetables, ideal for cold weather.

• Pachamanca: Meats and tubers cooked underground with hot stones.

• Cuy chactado: Crispy fried guinea pig served with potatoes and chili sauce.

• Thimpu de trucha: Trout cooked with vegetables, served with potatoes or rice.

• Alpaca chicharrón: Fried alpaca pieces cooked until golden brown, served with potatoes.

Restaurants in Juliaca

➤ Kankacho Ayavireño Doña Julia

Traditional restaurant specializing in Andean dishes such as kankacho and grilled meats, offering typical regional flavors in a simple, family-friendly atmosphere.

Address: Jr. Mariano Nuñez 538, Juliaca

➤ Restaurant Picantería Mi Perú

Local picantería with Creole and regional Peruvian flavors, ideal for trying traditional soups, stews, and Andean combo dishes.

Address: Sucre 889, Juliaca

➤ La Kantuta

Well-rated restaurant known for its homemade food with traditional influences, where you can often find typical dishes depending on daily availability.

Address: Jr. Manuel Gonzales Prada 421, Juliaca

➤ Kankachos Tinajani Riel

A popular option among locals offering traditional preparations with Andean side dishes, ideal for a hearty lunch with authentic local flavor.

Address: Libertad 131, Juliaca

Places to Visit in Juliaca

🏛️ Santa Catalina Church

A historic church located in Juliaca’s Main Square, built in an indigenous baroque style with a single stone tower that stands out for its architecture and religious art.

⛪ La Merced Church

A religious building located in front of Bolognesi Square, made of red limestone with an interesting architectural design. It is an important site to appreciate the city’s religious history.

🌳 Bolognesi Square

The main square in downtown Juliaca, ideal for walking, relaxing, taking photos, and observing local life. It is surrounded by gardens and well-maintained public spaces.

🏞️ Huaynarroque Hill and Cristo Blanco Viewpoint

A hill located southeast of the city with a large white Christ statue at the top and a viewpoint offering panoramic views of Juliaca and the Andean highlands.

🛍️ Túpac Amaru Market

The largest market in the city, perfect for experiencing local culture, buying handicrafts, alpaca textiles, local products, and tasting traditional foods.

🐦 Chacas Lagoon

Located about 10 km from Juliaca, this lagoon surrounded by hills and nature is ideal for peaceful walks, birdwatching, and landscape photography of the Andean region.

To get to Juliaca from Arequipa, one of the most common options is to take a bus, which involves a journey of approximately 267 kilometers that lasts around 5 hours.

How to get around in Juliaca

🚖 Taxis

Taxis are a convenient and fast option for getting around the city or reaching specific places.

🛵 Mototaxis

Mototaxis are affordable and popular for short trips within Juliaca.

🚌 City buses

This is the most economical way to travel around the city. Combis and minibuses run fixed routes along various avenues.

🚶‍♂️ Walking

Many spots in central Juliaca, such as the main square, churches, and markets, are quite close to one another, so walking is an easy, free, and recommended way to explore that central area.

Things you can buy in Juliaca

• Alpaca wool products

• Toritos de Pucará (Pucará bulls)

• Local crafts and souvenirs

• Regional and gourmet products