The Cusco Tourist Ticket, locally known as the Boleto Turístico del Cusco (BTC), is one of the most useful entrance tickets for travelers planning to explore Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and several important archaeological sites around the city.

Instead of purchasing individual entrance tickets for many of Cusco’s principal attractions, the Boleto Turístico groups multiple archaeological sites, museums, and cultural attractions into a single ticket.

Depending on the type of ticket you choose, it can include famous places such as Sacsayhuaman, Q’enqo, Tambomachay, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Moray, Chinchero, Tipón, and Pikillaqta.

For travelers spending several days in Cusco, understanding how the ticket works is important because some of the most popular tours require access to attractions included in the Boleto Turístico.

This complete Cusco Tourist Ticket guide from Machu Picchu Team in Cusco explains what the ticket includes, the difference between the full and partial tickets, current prices, validity periods, student discounts, where to buy it, what is not included, and which ticket is best for your Peru itinerary.

Cusco Tourist Ticket at a Glance

The current official foreign tourist rate is S/130 for the 10-day comprehensive ticket and S/70 for each partial circuit.

What Is the Cusco Tourist Ticket?

The Boleto Turístico del Cusco is a multi-attraction entrance ticket that provides access to selected archaeological sites, museums, monuments, and cultural attractions throughout Cusco and the Sacred Valley.

It is administered by COSITUC, the organization responsible for managing the ticket system.

The complete ticket currently provides access to 16 attractions divided into three principal circuits.

The ticket is especially useful for travelers planning activities such as:

• Cusco City Tour.
• Sacred Valley Tour.
• South Valley Tour.
• Independent sightseeing around Cusco.
• Visits to Pisac and Ollantaytambo.
• Visits to Moray and Chinchero.

Do You Need the Cusco Tourist Ticket?

It depends on your itinerary.

You will probably need some form of Boleto Turístico if you plan to visit several major archaeological attractions around Cusco.

For example, travelers visiting:

Sacsayhuaman + Q’enqo + Puka Pukara + Tambomachay

will need the ticket covering Circuit I.

Travelers visiting:

Pisac + Ollantaytambo + Chinchero + Moray

will need the Sacred Valley circuit or the complete ticket.

If you plan to visit attractions across several different circuits, the full Cusco Tourist Ticket usually provides better value.

What Attractions Are Included in the Cusco Tourist Ticket?

The complete ticket includes 16 attractions divided into three circuits.

Circuit I: Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Sites

Circuit I includes four major archaeological attractions close to Cusco:

1. Sacsayhuaman
2. Q’enqo
3. Puka Pukara
4. Tambomachay

These are commonly visited together during a traditional Cusco City Tour.

Sacsayhuaman

Sacsayhuaman is one of the most impressive archaeological sites near Cusco.

Located above the historic center, the complex is famous for its enormous stone walls constructed with precisely fitted blocks.

Some stones are extraordinarily large.

The site offers excellent views over Cusco and provides travelers with an introduction to the scale and sophistication of Inca construction.

Sacsayhuaman is also closely associated with important cultural celebrations in Cusco, including Inti Raymi.

Q’enqo

Q’enqo is a smaller archaeological site located near Sacsayhuaman.

It contains carved rock formations, passages, ceremonial spaces, and other features associated with Inca ritual activity.

Although smaller than Sacsayhuaman, it adds important context to a tour of the archaeological sites surrounding Cusco.

Puka Pukara

Puka Pukara is located farther along the route outside Cusco.

Its name is often translated as “Red Fortress.”

The archaeological complex contains walls, terraces, stairways, and enclosures.

Its elevated position provides excellent views of the surrounding landscape.

Tambomachay

Tambomachay is particularly known for its finely constructed water channels and fountains.

Water continues flowing through carefully designed stone structures.

The archaeological site demonstrates the importance of water within Inca engineering and ceremonial traditions.

Circuit I Summary

How Long Is Circuit I Valid?

The Partial Ticket I is valid for one day.

This works well because the four attractions are generally visited together during a half-day excursion.

Circuit II: Cusco City and South Valley

Circuit II includes archaeological attractions south of Cusco as well as museums and cultural sites within the city.

The official circuit includes:

1. Museo Histórico Regional
2. Museo de Arte Contemporáneo
3. Museo de Sitio Qorikancha
4. Museo de Arte Popular
5. Monumento a Pachacuteq
6. Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo
7. Tipón
8. Pikillaqta

Tipón

Tipón is one of the most impressive examples of Inca hydraulic engineering near Cusco.

The site contains:

• Agricultural terraces.
• Water channels.
• Fountains.
• Stone structures.
• Irrigation systems.

Water continues flowing through parts of the archaeological complex.

Tipón is often included in the South Valley Tour from Cusco.

Pikillaqta

Pikillaqta is particularly interesting because it is not primarily an Inca site.

It is associated with the Wari civilization, which developed centuries before the expansion of the Inca Empire.

The complex contains an extensive arrangement of:

• Walls.
• Streets.
• Enclosures.
• Urban spaces.

Visiting Pikillaqta allows travelers to understand that the history of the Cusco region began long before the Incas.

Museo Histórico Regional

The Regional Historical Museum occupies a historic building associated with Inca Garcilaso de la Vega.

Its exhibitions help visitors understand different periods of Cusco’s history.

Museo de Sitio Qorikancha

The Boleto Turístico includes the Qorikancha Site Museum.

This is important because travelers sometimes confuse the museum with the main Qorikancha complex.

The ticket does not automatically mean that every attraction associated with Qorikancha is included.

Always distinguish between the site museum and the separate entrance to the main temple complex.

Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo

The Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo offers presentations of traditional music and dance from the Cusco region.

This can be particularly interesting for travelers who want to experience local culture beyond archaeological sites.

Circuit II Summary

How Long Is Circuit II Valid?

The Partial Ticket II is valid for two days.

This provides enough time to combine:

Day 1: Museums and cultural attractions in Cusco.

Day 2: Tipón and Pikillaqta.

Circuit III: Sacred Valley

Circuit III is particularly important for travelers visiting the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

It includes:

1. Pisac
2. Ollantaytambo
3. Chinchero
4. Moray

These are among the most popular archaeological attractions outside Cusco.

Pisac Archaeological Site

Pisac is one of the most impressive archaeological complexes in the Sacred Valley.

The site extends across a mountainside above the modern town.

Highlights include:

• Agricultural terraces.
• Residential areas.
• Ceremonial sectors.
• Mountain views.
• Inca stonework.

The combination of archaeology and landscape makes Pisac one of the highlights of a Sacred Valley excursion.

Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site

Ollantaytambo is another essential Sacred Valley destination.

The archaeological complex contains:

• Monumental terraces.
• Stone temples.
• Stairways.
• Ceremonial structures.
• Large carved stone blocks.

The modern town below also preserves a remarkable Inca urban layout.

Many travelers pass through Ollantaytambo because it is also an important railway departure point for Machu Picchu.

Chinchero

Chinchero combines archaeology, colonial history, traditional textiles, and spectacular high-Andean scenery.

Visitors may encounter:

• Inca terraces.
• Archaeological remains.
• Colonial architecture.
• Textile demonstrations.
• Local markets.

Chinchero is frequently included in Sacred Valley and Maras-Moray itineraries.

Moray

Moray is famous for its unusual circular agricultural terraces.

The concentric depressions create one of the most recognizable archaeological landscapes around Cusco.

The site is often interpreted in relation to Inca agricultural experimentation and management of different microclimates.

Moray is frequently combined with Maras Salt Mines.

Circuit III Summary

How Long Is Circuit III Valid?

The Partial Ticket III is valid for two days.

This makes it particularly useful for travelers dividing the Sacred Valley into two separate excursions.

Complete Cusco Tourist Ticket: Circuit Comparison

Full Cusco Tourist Ticket

The Boleto Turístico Integral gives travelers access to all 16 attractions.

For foreign adult travelers, the current ticket costs S/130 and is valid for 10 days.

This is generally the best choice for travelers who plan to visit both:

• Archaeological sites around Cusco.
• Sacred Valley attractions.

It becomes especially attractive if you have several days available.

Partial Cusco Tourist Tickets

Travelers who only need one specific circuit can purchase a partial ticket.

For foreign travelers, each partial ticket currently costs S/70.

The three options are:

Partial Ticket I

Includes:

• Sacsayhuaman.
• Q’enqo.
• Puka Pukara.
• Tambomachay.

Validity: 1 day.

Partial Ticket II

Includes:

• Tipón.
• Pikillaqta.
• Selected museums.
• Cultural attractions.

Validity: 2 days.

Partial Ticket III

Includes:

• Pisac.
• Ollantaytambo.
• Chinchero.
• Moray.

Validity: 2 days.

Cusco Tourist Ticket Prices

Current official foreign visitor rates are:

Peruvian citizens and qualifying permanent residents have separate promotional rates.

Is the Full Cusco Tourist Ticket Worth It?

For many visitors, yes.

Consider this simple comparison.

A foreign traveler pays:

S/70 for one partial circuit

or

S/130 for all three circuits and 16 attractions.

Therefore, if your itinerary requires two different partial tickets, the full ticket can already become the better-value option.

When Should You Buy the Full Ticket?

Choose the complete ticket if you plan to visit attractions from at least two circuits.

For example:

City Tour + Sacred Valley

You may visit:

• Sacsayhuaman.
• Q’enqo.
• Puka Pukara.
• Tambomachay.
• Pisac.
• Ollantaytambo.
• Chinchero.

The full ticket makes sense.

Sacred Valley + Moray + South Valley

You may visit:

• Pisac.
• Ollantaytambo.
• Chinchero.
• Moray.
• Tipón.
• Pikillaqta.

Again, the complete ticket is usually the practical choice.

When Is a Partial Ticket Better?

A partial ticket can make more sense when:

• You have only one day.
• You are visiting only the Sacred Valley.
• You only want the archaeological sites around Cusco.
• You have already visited attractions from other circuits.
• Your itinerary does not justify the complete ticket.

Does the Cusco Tourist Ticket Include Machu Picchu?

No.

The Boleto Turístico del Cusco does not include entrance to Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu has its own separate ticketing system.

This is one of the most important distinctions for travelers planning their Peru itinerary.

You may therefore need:

Cusco Tourist Ticket + Machu Picchu entrance ticket

depending on your tours.

Does the Ticket Include the Inca Trail?

No.

Inca Trail permits are completely separate from the Boleto Turístico.

Does the Ticket Include Qorikancha?

This question requires an important distinction.

The BTC includes the Museo de Sitio Qorikancha, but travelers should not assume this covers the main Qorikancha temple attraction itself.

The main Qorikancha visit operates separately.

Does the Cusco Tourist Ticket Include the Cathedral?

No.

The Cusco Cathedral is not one of the 16 attractions included in the Boleto Turístico.

If your City Tour includes the Cathedral, its entrance must be handled separately.

Does the Ticket Include Maras Salt Mines?

No.

The Maras Salt Mines, also known as Salineras de Maras, are not included in the Cusco Tourist Ticket.

This frequently causes confusion because Maras is commonly visited together with Moray, which is included.

Remember:

Moray = included.

Maras Salt Mines = separate entrance.

Does the Ticket Include Transportation?

No.

The Cusco Tourist Ticket only provides entrance to the attractions included in the relevant circuit.

It does not include transportation or guiding services.

You still need to organize:

• Tour bus.
• Private transportation.
• Taxi.
• Guide.
• Organized tour.

depending on how you plan to visit the attractions.

Does the Ticket Include a Tour Guide?

No.

A guide is separate.

Travelers can visit independently where permitted or book a guided experience through a travel agency.

A professional guide can be particularly useful at archaeological sites because the physical ruins make much more sense when their historical context is explained.

Where Can You Buy the Cusco Tourist Ticket?

The main official sales point is located at:

Avenida El Sol 103, Cusco.

The ticket is also sold at many of the attractions included in the Boleto Turístico, although some locations are exceptions.

For travelers arriving in Cusco without a ticket, purchasing it at the beginning of their first relevant tour is generally straightforward.

Can You Buy the Cusco Tourist Ticket Online?

According to the current official information, the Boleto Turístico is not sold through an official online purchasing system and must be purchased in person.

This is different from Machu Picchu tickets, which use a separate reservation system.

Do You Need to Buy the Ticket in Advance?

Generally, no.

Unlike Machu Picchu or the Inca Trail, the Boleto Turístico does not normally require travelers to reserve months in advance.

Official guidance recommends purchasing it when your visits begin because the validity period starts from the purchase date.

Student Discount for the Cusco Tourist Ticket

There is a discounted full ticket for eligible foreign students.

The current foreign student rate is:

S/70 for the 10-day complete ticket.

Eligibility rules are important.

Travelers aged 10–17 can qualify based on identification, while eligible students aged 18–25 must present appropriate current student documentation according to the official requirements.

Students should bring the original documentation rather than relying only on a photograph stored on a phone.

Do Children Need a Cusco Tourist Ticket?

According to current official information, children under 10 generally do not pay for the Boleto Turístico attractions when their age can be demonstrated with identification.

There is a specific exception related to seating at the Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo.

Families should carry passports or identification for children.

Is the Cusco Tourist Ticket Transferable?

No.

The Boleto Turístico is personal and non-transferable.

It cannot simply be transferred or sold to another traveler.

Identification may be required together with the ticket.

When Does the Ticket Validity Begin?

Validity begins when the ticket is purchased.

For this reason, do not buy the full 10-day ticket several days before you actually plan to use it unless necessary.

A better strategy is:

Buy it on the first day you visit an included attraction.

Can You Visit All 16 Attractions?

Yes.

The complete ticket provides access to all 16 locations during its validity period.

However, travelers should plan carefully.

Although it is technically possible to visit many sites quickly, rushing from attraction to attraction simply to “use the ticket” can reduce the quality of the experience.

Official information indicates that visiting all 16 locations generally requires at least several days.

Best Way to Use the Full Cusco Tourist Ticket

A practical itinerary could look like this.

Day 1: Cusco Archaeological Sites

Visit:

• Sacsayhuaman.
• Q’enqo.
• Puka Pukara.
• Tambomachay.

Day 2: Sacred Valley

Visit:

• Pisac.
• Ollantaytambo.

Depending on your itinerary, continue to Aguas Calientes for Machu Picchu or return to Cusco.

Day 3: Chinchero and Moray

Visit:

• Chinchero.
• Moray.

You can combine this with Maras Salt Mines, remembering that Maras requires a separate entrance.

Day 4: South Valley

Visit:

• Tipón.
• Pikillaqta.

Day 5: Museums in Cusco

Use additional time to explore:

• Museo Histórico Regional.
• Museo de Arte Popular.
• Museo de Arte Contemporáneo.
• Museo de Sitio Qorikancha.
• Monumento a Pachacuteq.
• Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo.

This itinerary makes excellent use of the complete ticket without rushing.

Cusco Tourist Ticket for the City Tour

A typical Cusco City Tour may include attractions such as:

• Qorikancha.
• Sacsayhuaman.
• Q’enqo.
• Puka Pukara.
• Tambomachay.

Remember that these do not all use exactly the same entrance.

The four archaeological attractions outside the center are covered by Circuit I.

Qorikancha’s main entrance is separate.

Cusco Tourist Ticket for the Sacred Valley

A traditional Sacred Valley itinerary often includes:

• Pisac.
• Ollantaytambo.
• Chinchero.

These attractions are included in Circuit III.

Moray is also part of Circuit III.

For travelers taking a Sacred Valley tour and a Maras-Moray tour, the Sacred Valley partial ticket can be particularly useful.

Cusco Tourist Ticket for Maras and Moray

This is another common source of confusion.

Moray

Included in the Boleto Turístico.

Maras Salt Mines

Not included.

Therefore, visiting both normally requires:

• Boleto Turístico access for Moray.
• Separate entrance for the Maras Salt Mines.

Cusco Tourist Ticket for the South Valley

The South Valley usually includes:

• Tipón.
• Pikillaqta.
• Andahuaylillas.

Tipón and Pikillaqta are included in Circuit II.

Other attractions on the route may require separate admission.

Which Cusco Tourist Ticket Should You Buy?

Use this quick guide.

Full Ticket vs Partial Ticket

The main decision comes down to how many circuits you need.

Choose the Full Ticket if:

• You are staying several days.
• You want the City Tour.
• You want the Sacred Valley.
• You want to visit Moray.
• You want additional museums or South Valley attractions.

Choose a Partial Ticket if:

• Your schedule is short.
• You need only one circuit.
• You have already visited other attractions.
• You do not plan additional sightseeing.

Is the Cusco Tourist Ticket Worth Buying for Two Attractions?

Usually, evaluate the circuit rather than thinking only about individual attractions.

The official system generally does not allow tourists to simply purchase an individual admission to every included archaeological site; the circuit ticket is the standard access mechanism for these locations.

This means even if you only want to visit one or two major sites within a circuit, you may still need the applicable partial ticket.

How to Plan Your Cusco Tourist Ticket Efficiently

The easiest strategy is to group attractions geographically.

Cusco Archaeological Group

Visit together:

Sacsayhuaman → Q’enqo → Puka Pukara → Tambomachay

Sacred Valley Group

Visit:

Pisac → Ollantaytambo

Chinchero and Moray Group

Visit:

Chinchero → Moray → Maras

South Valley Group

Visit:

Tipón → Pikillaqta → Andahuaylillas

Cusco Museum Group

Explore central attractions on foot during a free day.

This approach saves transportation time.

How Many Days Do You Need in Cusco?

To make good use of the complete Boleto Turístico, consider spending at least 3–5 days in the Cusco region, excluding longer treks.

A well-balanced itinerary might be:

Cusco Tourist Ticket and Machu Picchu Itinerary

A very common combination is:

Day 1: Arrive in Cusco.

Day 2: Cusco City Tour.

Day 3: Sacred Valley and continue toward Machu Picchu.

Day 4: Machu Picchu.

Day 5: Return to Cusco.

This itinerary requires both:

• Cusco Tourist Ticket.
• Separate Machu Picchu entrance.

Advantages of the Cusco Tourist Ticket

The main advantages include:

• Access to multiple archaeological sites.
• Easier trip planning.
• Good value for multi-day travelers.
• Combination of archaeology and museums.
• Access to Sacred Valley attractions.
• Flexible use of the full ticket over several days.

Limitations of the Cusco Tourist Ticket

Travelers should also understand what it does not provide.

The ticket does not automatically include:

• Machu Picchu.
• Train tickets.
• Tourist transportation.
• Professional guide.
• Hotels.
• Meals.
• Maras Salt Mines.
• Main Qorikancha admission.
• Cusco Cathedral.
• Inca Trail permits.

Think of the Boleto Turístico as an entrance pass, not a complete tour package.

Common Mistakes With the Cusco Tourist Ticket

Mistake 1: Thinking It Includes Machu Picchu

It does not.

Machu Picchu is separate.

Mistake 2: Buying the Wrong Partial Circuit

Check your itinerary before purchasing.

Pisac is not on the same circuit as Sacsayhuaman.

Mistake 3: Assuming Maras and Moray Use the Same Entrance

Moray is included.

Maras Salt Mines are separate.

Mistake 4: Buying the Full Ticket Too Early

The 10-day validity begins with purchase.

Coordinate the purchase with your sightseeing dates.

Mistake 5: Forgetting Student Documentation

Travelers requesting a student rate need the appropriate documentation.

Mistake 6: Thinking Transportation Is Included

It is not.

You still need a tour, taxi, bus, or private transportation.

Mistake 7: Trying to Visit Everything Too Quickly

The ticket provides access to many attractions, but you do not need to rush through all 16.

Choose the places that genuinely interest you.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Cusco Tourist Ticket

What is the Cusco Tourist Ticket?

The Boleto Turístico del Cusco is a multi-attraction entrance ticket covering selected archaeological sites, museums, monuments, and cultural attractions around Cusco and the Sacred Valley.

How much is the Cusco Tourist Ticket?

The current foreign adult comprehensive ticket costs S/130.

Foreign partial tickets cost S/70 per circuit.

How long is the full Cusco Tourist Ticket valid?

The comprehensive ticket is valid for 10 days.

How many attractions are included?

The complete ticket covers 16 attractions.

Does the Cusco Tourist Ticket include Machu Picchu?

No.

Machu Picchu requires a separate entrance ticket.

Does it include Sacsayhuaman?

Yes.

Sacsayhuaman is included in Circuit I.

Does it include Pisac?

Yes.

Pisac is included in Circuit III.

Does it include Ollantaytambo?

Yes.

Ollantaytambo is included in Circuit III.

Does it include Moray?

Yes.

Moray is included in Circuit III.

Does it include Chinchero?

Yes.

Chinchero is included in Circuit III.

Does it include Tambomachay?

Yes.

Tambomachay is included in Circuit I.

Does it include Tipón?

Yes.

Tipón is included in Circuit II.

Does it include Pikillaqta?

Yes.

Pikillaqta is included in Circuit II.

Does it include Maras Salt Mines?

No.

Maras Salt Mines require separate admission.

Does it include Qorikancha?

The Boleto Turístico includes the Qorikancha Site Museum, not the main Qorikancha temple entrance.

Does it include Cusco Cathedral?

No.

The Cathedral has separate admission.

Can I buy the Cusco Tourist Ticket online?

The current official ticket system states that purchase is made in person rather than online.

Where can I buy it?

The main official sales point is on Avenida El Sol in Cusco, and tickets are also available at many participating attractions.

Should I buy it before arriving in Cusco?

Generally, this is unnecessary.

Most travelers purchase it in Cusco when they begin visiting included attractions.

Is there a student discount?

Yes.

Eligible foreign students can purchase the full discounted ticket for S/70, subject to current age and identification requirements.

Do children pay?

Children under 10 generally have free access to the BTC attractions when their age is properly documented, subject to specific exceptions.

Can another person use my ticket?

No.

The ticket is personal and non-transferable.

Does the ticket include transportation?

No.

Does it include a guide?

No.

Can I visit one attraction twice?

Travelers should plan the ticket as an admission pass rather than assuming unlimited repeated entry.

Ask at the ticket office if your itinerary requires re-entry to a particular attraction.

What Is the Best Cusco Tourist Ticket for First-Time Visitors?

For first-time travelers spending several days in the region, the full Boleto Turístico is usually the most practical option.

It allows you to combine:

• Cusco archaeological sites.
• Sacred Valley.
• Moray.
• Chinchero.
• South Valley.
• Museums.

This provides much greater flexibility than buying separate circuits.

Final Tips for Using the Cusco Tourist Ticket

The Boleto Turístico is simple once you understand how the circuits work.

Remember:

Check your itinerary before buying.

Determine which circuits you actually need.

Buy the full ticket if you need multiple circuits.

It can offer better value than purchasing two separate partial tickets.

Do not confuse it with a Machu Picchu ticket.

They are completely separate.

Remember that Moray is included but Maras is not.

This is one of the most common misunderstandings.

Keep your ticket safe.

You will need it at multiple attractions.

Carry identification.

The ticket is personal.

Check student eligibility before purchasing.

Bring appropriate original documentation.

Do not buy the full ticket unnecessarily early.

Its validity period starts when it is issued.

Use the attractions geographically.

Group nearby sites together to save travel time.

Give yourself enough time.

Cusco contains much more than Machu Picchu.

Explore Cusco With Machu Picchu Team

The Cusco Tourist Ticket is one of the most practical tools for travelers who want to explore the archaeological and cultural attractions surrounding the former capital of the Inca Empire.

With one ticket, visitors can discover massive stone walls at Sacsayhuaman, ceremonial sites around Cusco, the impressive ruins of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, the circular terraces of Moray, the traditional landscapes of Chinchero, the water systems of Tipón, and museums throughout the city.

At Machu Picchu Team, based in Cusco, we help travelers organize itineraries combining Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Maras, Moray, the South Valley, the Inca Trail, Salkantay Trek, and other destinations throughout Peru.

Understanding which entrances you need before your tours begin can save time, avoid confusion, and help you get much more from your stay in Cusco.

The Boleto Turístico is not simply another travel expense.

For travelers who use it well, it becomes a practical gateway to understanding the archaeology, history, culture, and landscapes of the Cusco region.