Cusco Tourist Ticket: Everything You Need to Know to Make the Most of It
If you’re planning a trip to Cusco, Peru, you’re in for a treat! This former capital of the Inca Empire is a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty. While most travelers flock to Machu Picchu, Cusco offers many more incredible attractions worth exploring. To help you make the most of your visit, we highly recommend purchasing the Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico Cusco, BTC), which grants you access to numerous archaeological sites, museums, and cultural centers.
At Peru by Locals, we believe in making your travel experience unforgettable. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Cusco Tourist Ticket, from its benefits to how you can use it to enhance your visit.
What is the Cusco Tourist Ticket?
The Cusco Tourist Ticket is a pass designed to help visitors explore a range of cultural and historical sites in Cusco and the Sacred Valley. It bundles multiple attractions into a single ticket, which allows you to visit a variety of destinations without having to purchase individual entry tickets for each site.
The BTC is a personal, non-transferable ticket, and its validity is limited, so it’s essential to plan your visits accordingly. With its colorful design and well-organized structure, the Cusco Tourist Ticket provides an easy and affordable way to explore the city’s rich history and stunning landscapes.
How Does the Cusco Tourist Ticket Work?
Each BTC comes with a specific color code for the different attractions it covers. When you visit a site, the entrance attendant will punch the corresponding location on your ticket, marking your progress. This makes it easy to track which places you’ve visited and which ones are still on your list.
The ticket includes a variety of cultural sites, from ancient Incan temples to vibrant museums, allowing you to immerse yourself in the diverse heritage of Cusco.
Types of Cusco Tourist Tickets
1. Comprehensive Ticket
The Comprehensive Ticket is the most popular option for travelers looking to explore everything Cusco has to offer. This ticket grants access to 16 must-visit destinations in and around the city, including archaeological sites, museums, and cultural centers. It’s valid for 10 days from the date of purchase, giving you plenty of time to explore at your own pace.
Included Attractions with the Comprehensive Ticket:
- City of Cusco: Visit the heart of the Inca Empire, including historic landmarks such as the Plaza de Armas and the famous Qoricancha Temple.
- Museums: Includes the Contemporary Art Museum, the Regional History Museum, the Museum of Popular Art, and the Qoricancha Museum.
- Saqsayhuamán: A massive Inca fortress offering breathtaking views of the city.
- Pisaq: A key archaeological site in the Sacred Valley, famous for its terracing and Inca ruins.
- Ollantaytambo: A well-preserved Inca town and its impressive archaeological site.
2. Partial Tourist Ticket
For those on a budget or with limited time, the Partial Tourist Ticket provides access to specific circuits, allowing you to focus on particular areas of interest. There are three circuits to choose from:
Circuit 1: Saqsayhuamán Circuit
- Valid for 1 day.
- Includes Saqsayhuamán, Q’enqo, Tambomachay, and Puka Pukara.
Circuit 2: City and South Valley Circuit
- Valid for 2 days.
- Includes the Regional History Museum, Qoricancha Museum, and Tipón Archaeological Park, among others.
Circuit 3: Sacred Valley Circuit
- Valid for 2 days.
- Includes Pisaq, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, and Moray.
3. Special Discounts
- University Students (over 18): Get discounts by showing a valid ISIC card and a copy of your ID or passport.
- Youth (ages 10–17): Enjoy a reduced rate with a valid ID.
- Children (9 and under): Free entry with a valid ID.
Cusco Tourist Ticket Prices
The prices for the Cusco Tourist Ticket vary depending on your nationality and the type of ticket you choose. Below is a breakdown of the prices:
Ticket Type | International Tourist | National Tourist | Validity |
---|---|---|---|
Comprehensive Ticket | S/. 130.00 | S/. 70.00 | 10 days |
Circuit 1 Ticket | S/. 70.00 | S/. 40.00 | 1 day |
Circuit 2 Ticket | S/. 70.00 | S/. 40.00 | 2 days |
Circuit 3 Ticket | S/. 70.00 | S/. 40.00 | 2 days |
Note: Prices are in Peruvian Soles.
Where to Buy the Cusco Tourist Ticket
You can purchase the Cusco Tourist Ticket directly at the COSITUC office (the official office for the BTC) located at Galerías Turísticas, Av. El Sol No. 103, Room 101 in Cusco. The office is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM and on Saturdays from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM.
Unfortunately, the BTC cannot be purchased online, as it is a personal and non-transferable document that begins its validity upon purchase.
Advantages of the Cusco Tourist Ticket
There are several benefits to purchasing the Cusco Tourist Ticket for your visit to Cusco and the Sacred Valley:
1. Cost Savings
By bundling multiple attractions into one ticket, you save money compared to buying individual entry tickets for each site.
2. Convenience
The BTC simplifies the planning process, allowing you to visit several attractions with a single document. This means less time spent on ticket lines and more time exploring.
3. Time-Saving
The BTC allows you to easily access some of the most iconic sites in Cusco, making your visit more efficient and enjoyable.
4. Access to Cultural Heritage
With the BTC, you’ll experience the diverse cultures that shaped the region, from Inca to Spanish influences. You’ll discover unique archaeological sites, museums, and traditional performances that showcase the heritage of Cusco.
Must-Visit Attractions Included in the Cusco Tourist Ticket
Here are a few highlights from the list of attractions covered by the BTC:
Saqsayhuamán
One of the most impressive Inca archaeological sites, Saqsayhuamán is known for its massive stone walls, some of which weigh over 100 tons. It offers panoramic views of the city of Cusco and is an essential stop for any history lover.
Q’enqo
Located near Saqsayhuamán, this smaller archaeological site features fascinating rock carvings and a sacrificial altar. It’s an important site for those interested in Inca ceremonial practices.
Pisaq
Pisaq is a stunning site in the Sacred Valley, offering ancient Inca terraces, tombs, and an impressive fortress. The views from the top are breathtaking and provide a glimpse into the agricultural ingenuity of the Incas.
Moray
The unique terraces of Moray are thought to have been used by the Incas as agricultural laboratories. The circular terraces form concentric rings that may have been used to test different climates for growing various crops.
Attractions Not Included in the Cusco Tourist Ticket
While the Cusco Tourist Ticket covers many fantastic sites, it does not include the following:
- Machu Picchu
- Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
- Humantay Lagoon
- Maras Salt Mines
- Cusco Cathedral
- Qoricancha Santo Domingo Convent
If you’re planning to visit any of these sites, be sure to purchase separate tickets for them.
The Cusco Tourist Ticket is an excellent option for travelers who want to explore the best of Cusco and the Sacred Valley in a convenient and cost-effective way. Whether you’re visiting Saqsayhuamán, enjoying the traditional Andean dance at the Qosqo Center, or exploring the ancient agricultural terraces at Moray, the BTC helps you experience the best of Cusco’s cultural and historical offerings.
At Peru by Locals, we believe that the rich history and stunning landscapes of Cusco are best experienced through immersive, well-planned adventures. By using the Cusco Tourist Ticket, you’ll unlock the full potential of your visit to this incredible destination.
Plan your journey today and get ready for a culturally enriching experience in the heart of the Andes!