Juli

Known as the Rome of the Andes for its four major colonial churches representing different architectural styles built during the Spanish conquest era. The town offers stunning examples of colonial religious art and craftsmanship.

Things to do

• Visit the Church of San Pedro Mártir — Explore one of Juli's four major colonial churches, known for its impressive Renaissance façade and baroque interior with original religious artwork from the 16th century.
• Tour the Church of Santa Cruz de Jerusalem — This fortress-like church features unique defensive architectural elements combined with baroque decoration, representing a distinctive Andean colonial style.
• Explore the Church of San Juan de Letrán — Admire the plateresque architectural style and intricate stone carvings while discovering colonial-era religious art and craftsmanship throughout the interior.
• Walk the colonial town plaza — Stroll through Juli's main square surrounded by whitewashed buildings and colonial architecture, observing local daily life and the town's historical layout.
• Visit the Church of La Asunción — The fourth major colonial church showcases gothic influences mixed with indigenous artistic elements in its altarpieces and religious sculptures.
• Photograph colonial stone details — Capture intricate carved doorways, ornamental stonework, and weathered facade details that reveal the craftsmanship of indigenous masons trained by Spanish colonizers.

Food to try

• Ceviche de trucha — Fresh rainbow trout cured in lime juice with onions and spices, reflecting the Altiplano's abundant freshwater fish sources and coastal Peruvian culinary influence.
• Quinoa soup — A traditional Andean soup made with locally-grown quinoa, potatoes, and vegetables that has been a dietary staple in the Puno region for centuries.
• Arequipe with cheese — Dulce de leche paired with local fresh cheese, a beloved sweet treat combining colonial-era Spanish candy-making traditions with regional dairy products.
• Trout with native potatoes — Grilled or baked lake trout served alongside colorful native potato varieties unique to the high-altitude Altiplano region.
• Choclo corn dishes — Large-kerneled Andean corn served boiled or in traditional preparations, representing a pre-Columbian staple crop still central to local cuisine.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect church visiting hours — Many colonial churches have limited visiting times and may require modest dress; plan visits for late morning or early afternoon when churches are typically open to tourists.
• Learn basic Quechua greetings — While Spanish is widely spoken, elderly residents and rural visitors may speak Quechua; simple phrases like 'Napaykullayki' (thank you) show respect for indigenous heritage.
• Participate in local market culture — Visit the town market early in the morning to experience traditional commerce, indigenous dress, and local food preparation customs that remain unchanged for generations.
• Acclimatize to high altitude — Juli sits at 3,862 meters elevation; arrive a day early, drink coca tea, and move slowly to adjust to the thin air and prevent altitude sickness.