Cusco is not only the former capital of the Inca Empire, but also one of the most culturally dense destinations in South America. Dozens of archaeological sites, museums, and living cultural centers surround the city and extend throughout the Sacred Valley and South Valley.
To organize access to these attractions, local authorities created the Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico del Cusco) — a pass that allows visitors to enter multiple sites using a single ticket.
However, despite its importance, the Cusco Tourist Ticket is often misunderstood. Many travelers are unsure which ticket they need, where to buy it, whether it can be purchased online, or if a travel agency can handle it for them. This guide explains everything clearly, based on real on-the-ground experience operating tours in Cusco.
What Is the Cusco Tourist Ticket?
The Cusco Tourist Ticket is an official cultural pass managed by COSITUC (Comité de Servicios Integrados Turísticos del Cusco). It grants access to a specific group of archaeological sites, museums, and cultural centers depending on the type of ticket and circuit selected.
Instead of buying individual entrance tickets at each site, travelers use this single pass to enter multiple attractions within a fixed validity period.
Important:
The Cusco Tourist Ticket does NOT include Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu has a completely separate ticket system regulated by Peru’s Ministry of Culture.
Types of Cusco Tourist Tickets Explained (By Circuit)
The ticket system is divided into integral and partial tickets, and prices vary depending on whether the visitor is a foreign traveler or a Peruvian national.
Below is a detailed explanation of each option.
Cusco Tourist Ticket – Integral (Foreign Visitors)
Cusco Tourist Ticket – Integral (BTCI)
This is the most complete option and is ideal for travelers staying several days in Cusco who plan to explore the city, Sacred Valley, and South Valley.
What Does It Include?
The Integral Ticket grants access to 16 attractions, including:
- Sacsayhuamán Archaeological Park
- Qenqo
- Puca Pucara
- Tambomachay
- Qorikancha Museum (only this area)
- Casa Garcilaso Museum
- Museum of Contemporary Art (not sold at the entrance)
- Pachacútec Monument (not sold at the entrance)
- Tipón Archaeological Site
- Popular Art Museum
- Qosqo Center of Native Art
- Pikillacta Archaeological Site
- Ollantaytambo Archaeological Park
- Pisac Archaeological Park
- Chinchero Archaeological Park
- Moray Terraces
Price & Validity (Foreign Visitors)
- Adults: S/130 (~USD 45)
- Students (ISIC or valid university ID): S/70 (~USD 25)
- Validity: 10 consecutive days
Who Should Buy This Ticket?
- Travelers staying 4–7 days or more in Cusco
- Visitors planning City Tour + Sacred Valley + South Valley
- Travelers who want flexibility without worrying about ticket logistics
Partial Cusco Tourist Tickets (Foreign Visitors)
Partial tickets are ideal if you have limited time or plan to visit specific regions only.
Circuit I – City Tour
Designed for classic Cusco City Tours.
Includes:
- Sacsayhuamán
- Qenqo
- Puca Pucara
- Tambomachay
Price & Validity:
- S/70 (~USD 25)
- Valid for 1 day only
Recommended if you are doing a half-day or afternoon City Tour.
Circuit II – South Valley
Perfect for travelers visiting Tipón and Pikillacta, plus museums in Cusco.
Includes:
- Qorikancha Museum (only this site)
- Casa Garcilaso Museum
- Museum of Contemporary Art (not sold at entrance)
- Pachacútec Monument (not sold at entrance)
- Tipón Archaeological Site
- Popular Art Museum
- Qosqo Center of Native Art
- Pikillacta Archaeological Site
For a detailed breakdown of each museum included, read our full guide to museums included in the Cusco Tourist Ticket.
Price & Validity:
- S/70 (~USD 25)
- Valid for 2 days
Required for the South Valley Tour (Tipón – Pikillacta – Andahuaylillas).
Circuit III – Sacred Valley
This ticket is essential for most Sacred Valley tours.
Includes:
- Pisac Archaeological Park
- Ollantaytambo Archaeological Park
- Chinchero Archaeological Park
- Moray Terraces
Price & Validity:
- S/70 (~USD 25)
- Valid for 2 days
Ideal for Sacred Valley tours, whether classic or alternative routes.
Cusco Tourist Tickets for Peruvian Nationals
Peruvian citizens benefit from reduced prices, but the structure remains similar.
Cusco Tourist Ticket – Integral (BIN)
- Price: S/70
- Student price: S/40
- Validity: 10 days
- Includes the same 16 sites as the foreigner integral ticket
Partial tickets for Peruvians (City Tour, South Valley, Sacred Valley) cost S/40 and follow the same circuits described above.
Where Can You Buy the Cusco Tourist Ticket?
Official Purchase Locations
The Cusco Tourist Ticket is sold only in person at:
COSITUC Main Office
Av. El Sol 103, Cusco (near Plaza de Armas)Entrance gates of included archaeological sites, such as:
- Sacsayhuamán
- Pisac
- Ollantaytambo
- Chinchero
- Tipón
- Pikillacta
Important Payment Rules
- No online sales
- No credit/debit cards
- Cash only
- Payment in Peruvian soles
Can a Travel Agency Buy the Cusco Tourist Ticket for You?
Yes — a local travel agency in Cusco can handle the purchase for you, and this is very common in practice.
How It Works in Real Tours
- The ticket is not bought in advance (because it never sells out)
- The purchase is made:
- On the day of the tour
- Before entering the first archaeological site
- On the day of the tour
The traveler must provide:
- Original passport
- Student ID if applicable
- Original passport
In most tours, the guide or driver accompanies the traveler, manages the purchase, and ensures the correct circuit is bought.
Why Let a Local Agency Handle It?
From real operational experience, travelers often make mistakes when buying the ticket alone:
- Buying the wrong circuit
- Buying an integral ticket when a partial one is enough
- Forgetting cash
- Misunderstanding validity dates
A local agency ensures:
- Correct ticket
- Correct timing
- No wasted money
- No delays during the tour
Tickets NOT Included in the Cusco Tourist Ticket
Some important sites require separate entrance fees, including:
- Cusco Cathedral
- Inca Museum
- Qorikancha Temple & Convent
- Andahuaylillas Church
- Machu Picchu
- Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
- Humantay Lake
These must be paid separately or included in organized tours.
Professional Recommendation (Local Insight)
If you have limited time in Cusco, do not buy tickets blindly.
Define your itinerary first, then choose the exact circuit you need.
For most travelers:
- City Tour → Circuit I
- Sacred Valley → Circuit III
- South Valley → Circuit II
The Cusco Tourist Ticket is an excellent system only when used correctly.
Not sure which Cusco Tourist Ticket you need?
Our local Cusco team can help you choose the correct Cusco Tourist Ticket and include it seamlessly in your City Tour, Sacred Valley tour, or Machu Picchu itinerary.
FAQs
What is the Cusco Tourist Ticket?
The Cusco Tourist Ticket is an official cultural pass that allows access to multiple archaeological sites, museums, and cultural centers in Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and the South Valley, depending on the circuit selected.
Does the Cusco Tourist Ticket include Machu Picchu?
No. Machu Picchu is not included in the Cusco Tourist Ticket. Machu Picchu tickets are regulated separately by Peru’s Ministry of Culture and must be purchased independently.
No, Machu Picchu is not included. You must book a separate tour.
How many types of Cusco Tourist Tickets are there?
There are two main types:
- Integral Ticket (covers multiple circuits for several days)
- Partial Tickets (City Tour, South Valley, or Sacred Valley circuits)
The correct option depends on your itinerary.
Where can I buy the Cusco Tourist Ticket?
You can buy it in person at:
- The COSITUC main office in Cusco
- The entrance gates of included archaeological sites
The ticket is not sold online.
Can I pay for the Cusco Tourist Ticket with a credit card?
No. Payment is accepted only in cash and only in Peruvian soles.
Do Cusco Tourist Tickets sell out?
No. Cusco Tourist Tickets do not sell out, even during high season. They are always available at official points of sale.
Can a travel agency buy the Cusco Tourist Ticket for me?
Yes. A local Cusco travel agency can purchase the ticket on your behalf on the day of the tour, as long as you provide your original passport (and student ID if applicable)
Which Cusco Tourist Ticket do I need for the Sacred Valley?
You need the Partial Ticket – Circuit III (Sacred Valley), which includes Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, and Moray.
Which ticket is required for the South Valley tour?
The Partial Ticket – Circuit II (South Valley) is required for Tipón and Pikillacta.
Andahuaylillas Church is not included and requires a separate entrance fee.
How long is the Cusco Tourist Ticket valid?
- Integral Ticket: 10 consecutive days
- Partial Tickets: 1 or 2 days, depending on the circuit
The validity starts the first day of use.
Is the Cusco Tourist Ticket refundable or transferable?
No. Once purchased, the ticket is non-refundable, non-transferable, and stamped with your name or agency.
Karen Pamela Riveros Rojas
