Planning to explore Cusco beyond Machu Picchu? Then you’ll likely need the Cusco Tourist Ticket, also known as the Boleto Turístico del Cusco. This sightseeing pass gives you access to many of the region’s most iconic archaeological sites, museums, and cultural attractions, making it an essential purchase for travelers who want to experience the best of Cusco.
Quick Answer
The Cusco Tourist Ticket is an admission pass that grants access to up to 16 attractions in Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and the South Valley. Visitors can choose between the General Tourist Ticket, which is valid for 10 days and includes all available attractions, or one of the Partial Tourist Tickets, designed for specific sightseeing circuits. The General Ticket is usually the best option for travelers planning to visit several archaeological sites and museums during their stay.
Whether you’re joining a Cusco City Tour, exploring the Sacred Valley, or discovering ancient Inca sites such as Sacsayhuaman, Pisac, and Ollantaytambo, understanding how the tourist ticket works can help you save both time and money.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the Cusco Tourist Ticket, including the different ticket types, updated prices, attractions included, validity, where to buy it, and practical tips to help you choose the best option for your itinerary.
Key Takeaways
- The General Tourist Ticket includes 16 attractions and is valid for 10 consecutive days.
- Partial Tourist Tickets are designed for specific sightseeing circuits.
- The Cusco Tourist Ticket does not include Machu Picchu.
- Tickets must be purchased in person at authorized sales points.
- Choosing the right ticket depends on your itinerary and the number of days you’ll spend in Cusco.
What Is the Cusco Tourist Ticket?
The Cusco Tourist Ticket, or Boleto Turístico del Cusco (BTC), is an official sightseeing pass that allows visitors to access some of the most important archaeological sites, museums, and cultural attractions in Cusco. Instead of purchasing individual admission tickets, travelers can use a single pass to explore multiple destinations throughout the city, the Sacred Valley, and the South Valley.
Managed by the Cusco Tourist Services Committee (COSITUC), the ticket is designed to encourage visitors to discover more of the region’s cultural and historical heritage. Depending on your travel plans, you can choose between the General Tourist Ticket, which includes the widest selection of attractions, or one of the Partial Tourist Tickets, each covering a specific sightseeing circuit.
The General Tourist Ticket is the most comprehensive option, providing access to 16 attractions over 10 consecutive days. During that period, you can visit archaeological parks included in the traditional Cusco City Tour, explore the famous Sacred Valley, discover the lesser-known South Valley, visit several museums, and even enjoy traditional folklore performances. Because it combines all these attractions into a single pass, it often offers the best value for travelers spending several days in Cusco.
It’s important to note that the Cusco Tourist Ticket does not include admission to Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail, or other attractions managed separately by Peru’s Ministry of Culture. If you plan to visit Machu Picchu, you’ll need to purchase a separate entrance ticket in addition to the Cusco Tourist Ticket.
Since the pass is personal and non-transferable, you’ll be asked to present your passport or identification when purchasing or using it. Before deciding which option to buy, it’s worth comparing the General and Partial Tourist Tickets to determine which one best matches your itinerary and budget.
General vs. Partial Cusco Tourist Ticket: Which One Should You Choose?
The biggest decision travelers face is whether to buy the General Cusco Tourist Ticket or one of the Partial Tourist Tickets. The right choice depends on how many days you’ll spend in Cusco and which attractions you plan to visit.
If you’re staying for several days and want to experience the city’s main archaeological sites, museums, and cultural attractions, the General Tourist Ticket offers the best value. However, if your itinerary only includes specific areas—such as the Sacred Valley or the Cusco City Tour—a Partial Ticket can help you save money.
Here’s a quick comparison to help you choose:
| Feature | General Tourist Ticket | Partial Tourist Ticket |
|---|---|---|
| Attractions Included | 16 attractions | Selected attractions within one circuit |
| Validity | 10 consecutive days | 1 or 2 consecutive days (depending on the circuit) |
| Best For | Travelers staying 3 or more days | Short stays or specific itineraries |
| Includes Museums | ✔ Yes | Only if included in the selected circuit |
| Includes Sacred Valley | ✔ Yes | Only Circuit III |
| Includes City Tour Sites | ✔ Yes | Only Circuit I |
| Best Value | ⭐ Excellent | Good for limited visits |
Choose the General Tourist Ticket if…
- You plan to stay in Cusco for three or more days.
- You want to visit both the City Tour attractions and the Sacred Valley.
- You’re interested in museums and cultural experiences.
- You prefer the flexibility of visiting attractions over 10 consecutive days.
- You want the best overall value without worrying about buying multiple tickets.
From my experience, the General Tourist Ticket is the most convenient option for most visitors. Since it includes 16 attractions, it allows you to combine the City Tour, the Sacred Valley, the South Valley, museums, and even traditional folklore performances under a single pass, making trip planning much easier.
Choose a Partial Tourist Ticket if…
A Partial Tourist Ticket is a better option if your schedule is limited or you’re only interested in one sightseeing circuit. For example, if you’re visiting Cusco for just a couple of days or have already booked a tour that focuses exclusively on the Sacred Valley, buying a partial pass may be more cost-effective than purchasing the General Ticket.
Before making your decision, compare the attractions included in each circuit to ensure the ticket matches your travel plans. In the next section, we’ll break down every type of Cusco Tourist Ticket and explain exactly what each one includes.
Types of Cusco Tourist Tickets (BTC)
The Cusco Tourist Ticket is available in four different options: one General Tourist Ticket and three Partial Tourist Tickets. Each pass is designed for a different travel itinerary, allowing visitors to choose the option that best suits their schedule and the attractions they want to explore.
| Ticket | Attractions | Validity | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Tourist Ticket | 16 attractions | 10 days | Travelers visiting multiple sites across Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and the South Valley |
| Circuit I | Sacsayhuamán Archaeological Park | 1 day | Visitors taking the classic Cusco City Tour |
| Circuit II | Museums and South Valley attractions | 2 days | Travelers interested in culture, history, and archaeology |
| Circuit III | Sacred Valley attractions | 2 days | Visitors planning a Sacred Valley tour |
General Tourist Ticket
The General Tourist Ticket is the most comprehensive option available. It grants access to 16 attractions, including archaeological sites, museums, cultural centers, and traditional folklore performances.
This pass is valid for 10 consecutive days, giving travelers enough flexibility to explore Cusco at their own pace. If you’re planning to visit the city’s main highlights, including the City Tour, the Sacred Valley, and the South Valley, this ticket usually offers the best overall value.
Partial Tourist Ticket – Circuit I
Circuit I is designed for travelers who only want to visit the archaeological sites included in the traditional Cusco City Tour. This circuit includes:
- Sacsayhuaman
- Qenqo
- Puka Pukara
- Tambomachay
The ticket is valid for one day, making it a practical choice for visitors with limited time in Cusco.
Partial Tourist Ticket – Circuit II
Circuit II focuses on Cusco’s cultural and historical attractions. Depending on the current circuit configuration, it includes several museums, cultural centers, and archaeological sites around the city and the South Valley, such as:
- Tipón
- Pikillacta
- Monumento Pachacuteq
- Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo
This ticket is valid for two consecutive days and is ideal for travelers who want to learn more about the region’s history without visiting the Sacred Valley.
Partial Tourist Ticket – Circuit III
Circuit III is designed for travelers planning to explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas. It includes some of the region’s most popular archaeological sites, such as:
- Pisac
- Ollantaytambo
- Chinchero
- Moray
Valid for two consecutive days, this ticket is an excellent option if your itinerary focuses exclusively on the Sacred Valley and you don’t plan to visit the attractions included in the other circuits.
Cusco Tourist Ticket Prices
The price of the Cusco Tourist Ticket depends on the type of pass you choose and your nationality. Visitors can purchase either the General Tourist Ticket, which includes all available attractions, or one of the Partial Tourist Tickets, designed for specific sightseeing circuits.
The following table shows the current ticket prices:
| Ticket Type | Foreign Adults | Peruvian Adults | Students* |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Tourist Ticket | S/ 130 | S/ 70 | S/ 70 |
| Partial Tourist Ticket | S/ 70 | S/ 40 | S/ 40 |
Note: Student discounts apply only to holders of a valid ISIC (International Student Identity Card). Prices are subject to change by COSITUC.
Although the General Tourist Ticket costs more upfront, it usually offers the best value for travelers planning to visit several attractions. Since it provides access to 16 archaeological sites, museums, and cultural experiences over 10 consecutive days, purchasing the General Ticket is often cheaper than limiting your itinerary and buying multiple partial passes.
If you’re only visiting Cusco for one or two days and plan to explore a single circuit, a Partial Tourist Ticket may be the more economical choice.
Before purchasing your ticket, it’s a good idea to plan your itinerary and identify which attractions you want to visit. This simple step can help you choose the most cost-effective option while making the most of your time in Cusco.
Prices shown are for reference and may change without prior notice. Always check the latest rates before your visit.
What attractions are included in the Cusco Tourist Ticket?
The Cusco Tourist Ticket grants access to some of the region’s most important archaeological sites, museums, and cultural attractions. While the General Tourist Ticket includes all 16 attractions, each Partial Tourist Ticket only covers specific circuits.
The table below shows exactly which attractions are included in each ticket, making it easier to choose the option that best fits your travel itinerary.
| Attraction | General Ticket | Circuit I | Circuit II | Circuit III | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sacsayhuamán | ✓ | ✓ | — | — | The largest Inca ceremonial fortress overlooking Cusco. |
| Qenqo | ✓ | ✓ | — | — | An archaeological site featuring carved stone altars and underground chambers. |
| Puka Pukara | ✓ | ✓ | — | — | A former Inca military outpost located along the road to the Sacred Valley. |
| Tambomachay | ✓ | ✓ | — | — | Known as the “Temple of Water,” famous for its impressive hydraulic engineering. |
| Tipón | ✓ | — | ✓ | — | An Inca archaeological complex renowned for its agricultural terraces and water channels. |
| Pikillaqta | ✓ | — | ✓ | — | One of Peru’s best-preserved pre-Inca cities, built by the Wari civilization. |
| Monument to the Inca Pachacútec | ✓ | — | ✓ | — | A museum and viewpoint dedicated to Cusco’s most famous Inca ruler. |
| Regional Historical Museum | ✓ | — | ✓ | — | Showcases Cusco’s history from pre-Columbian times to the colonial era. |
| Museum of Popular Art | ✓ | — | ✓ | — | Displays traditional Andean crafts and local artistic expressions. |
| Contemporary Art Museum | ✓ | — | ✓ | — | Features exhibitions by modern Peruvian artists. |
| Qosqo Native Art Center | ✓ | — | ✓ | — | Offers traditional music and folk dance performances. |
| Pisac Archaeological Park | ✓ | — | — | ✓ | One of the Sacred Valley’s most impressive Inca archaeological sites. |
| Ollantaytambo Archaeological Park | ✓ | — | — | ✓ | A monumental Inca fortress and one of the last strongholds against the Spanish. |
| Chinchero Archaeological Park | ✓ | — | — | ✓ | Famous for its Inca terraces, colonial church, and traditional weaving culture. |
| Moray Archaeological Park* | ✓ | — | — | ✓* | Circular agricultural terraces believed to have been an Inca agricultural laboratory. |
| Additional cultural attraction** | ✓ | — | ✓ | — | Included depending on the current COSITUC circuit configuration. |
* Moray is sometimes managed separately depending on current regulations. Always verify its inclusion before your visit.
** Some attractions included in Circuit II may vary according to updates made by COSITUC.
If you’re planning to visit several attractions over multiple days, the General Tourist Ticket provides the greatest flexibility. With 10 consecutive days of validity and access to 16 attractions, it’s the most convenient option for travelers who want to explore Cusco at a relaxed pace. On the other hand, if your itinerary focuses on only one region, a Partial Tourist Ticket may be sufficient.
Where to Buy the Cusco Tourist Ticket
You can purchase the Cusco Tourist Ticket in person at several authorized sales points throughout Cusco. The most common option is to buy it directly at the first attraction you plan to visit, but it’s also available at the COSITUC office and selected tourist information centers.
Here are the main places where you can buy the ticket:
| Purchase Location | Available Tickets |
|---|---|
| COSITUC Office | General and Partial Tourist Tickets |
| Sacsayhuamán Entrance | General and Circuit I |
| Pisac Archaeological Park | General and Circuit III |
| Ollantaytambo Archaeological Park | General and Circuit III |
| Chinchero Archaeological Park | General and Circuit III |
| Tipón Archaeological Park | General and Circuit II |
Can You Buy the Cusco Tourist Ticket Online?
At the moment, the Cusco Tourist Ticket cannot be purchased online through an official booking platform. Visitors must buy the ticket in person at one of the authorized sales locations before entering the attractions.
Since the ticket is personal and non-transferable, you’ll need to present a valid passport or national ID when purchasing it. If you’re eligible for a student discount, remember to bring your valid ISIC card, as other student IDs are generally not accepted.
To avoid delays, it’s a good idea to carry cash in Peruvian soles, as payment methods may vary depending on the ticket office or archaeological site.
Cusco Tourist Ticket Validity and Important Rules
Before purchasing your Cusco Tourist Ticket, it’s important to understand how long it’s valid and the rules for using it. Knowing these details will help you plan your itinerary and avoid unexpected issues during your trip.
How long is the Cusco Tourist Ticket valid?
The validity of the ticket depends on the type of pass you purchase:
| Ticket Type | Validity |
|---|---|
| General Tourist Ticket | 10 consecutive days |
| Circuit I | 1 day |
| Circuit II | 2 consecutive days |
| Circuit III | 2 consecutive days |
The validity period begins the first time you use the ticket at one of the included attractions. Once activated, the days are counted consecutively.
Important Rules to Know
To make the most of your visit, keep these rules in mind:
- The ticket is personal and non-transferable.
- You’ll need to present your passport or national ID when purchasing and, in some cases, when entering attractions.
- Each attraction can only be visited once with the same ticket.
- Lost, stolen, or damaged tickets cannot be replaced or refunded.
- The Cusco Tourist Ticket does not include admission to Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail, or other attractions managed separately.
- Student discounts are only available with a valid ISIC card.
Is the Cusco Tourist Ticket Worth It?
For most travelers, the Cusco Tourist Ticket is well worth the investment. If your itinerary includes popular attractions such as Sacsayhuamán, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, or the South Valley, purchasing a tourist pass is far more convenient than limiting your trip to just one circuit.
The General Tourist Ticket offers the best value for visitors staying at least three days in Cusco. With access to 16 attractions over 10 consecutive days, it gives you the flexibility to explore archaeological sites, museums, and cultural attractions without rushing through your itinerary.
On the other hand, if you’re only spending one or two days in Cusco or plan to visit a single region, a Partial Tourist Ticket may be the better choice. It provides access to specific circuits at a lower cost, making it ideal for shorter visits.
Before buying your ticket, take a few minutes to plan your itinerary. Choosing the right pass based on the places you actually want to visit will help you save money and make the most of your time in Cusco.
