Cusco Tourist Ticket: The Ultimate Guide to Explore Cusco Like a Local
Visiting Cusco is like stepping into a living museum filled with history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. But when travelers arrive, they often get confused about how to access the main archaeological sites and museums. That’s when the famous Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico del Cusco) comes in handy.
This ticket is your master key to explore most of the cultural and archaeological attractions in Cusco and its surroundings. As a local tour guide, I can tell you: without it, you would miss out on a complete experience.
In this in-depth guide, I’ll explain what the Cusco Tourist Ticket is, what it includes, prices, types, where to buy it, and how to make the most of it during your stay in the capital of the Inca Empire.
What is the Cusco Tourist Ticket?
The Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico del Cusco) is an official pass issued by the COSITUC (Comité de Servicios Integrados Turístico Culturales del Cusco). It allows entry to multiple archaeological sites, museums, and cultural centers in the Cusco region.
Instead of purchasing individual tickets for each attraction, this ticket works as a multi-site pass that saves money and makes the whole experience easier.
It’s designed for travelers who want to explore Cusco beyond Machu Picchu, diving into Inca temples, fortresses, agricultural terraces, colonial art, and folkloric performances.
Why Do You Need the Cusco Tourist Ticket?
Imagine arriving at Sacsayhuamán and realizing you can’t enter because you didn’t buy the right ticket, or trying to explore the Sacred Valley and paying separately for each site. That’s where the Cusco Tourist Ticket saves you:
✅ It saves money compared to individual tickets.
✅ It avoids long queues at each attraction.
✅ It covers most of Cusco’s must-see sites.
✅ It gives flexibility to plan your own itinerary.
In short, if you want to truly explore Cusco, this ticket is a must.
Types of Cusco Tourist Ticket
There are two main types of tickets:
1. Full Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico Integral)
This is the most complete option, giving access to 16 attractions spread across Cusco city, its surroundings, and the Sacred Valley.
It includes iconic sites such as Sacsayhuamán, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, and Moray, as well as museums in the city center.
Validity: 10 consecutive days.
Best for: Travelers staying several days and wanting to explore everything.
2. Partial Tourist Tickets
If you don’t have much time, there are 3 circuits divided by area.
Circuit I – Sacred Valley
Includes Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, and Moray.
Validity: 2 days.Circuit II – City and surroundings
Includes museums (Museum of Contemporary Art, Regional Historical Museum, Museum of Popular Art, Qosqo Center of Native Art), plus Pukapukara, Q’enqo, and Tambomachay.
Validity: 2 days.Circuit III – Archaeological sites near Cusco
Includes Sacsayhuamán, Q’enqo, Pukapukara, and Tambomachay.
Validity: 1 day.
What Does the Cusco Tourist Ticket Include?
Here’s the full list of 16 attractions included in the Full Tourist Ticket:
In Cusco City
Museum of Contemporary Art
Regional Historical Museum
Museum of Popular Art
Qosqo Center of Native Art (folk dance and music performances)
Monument to Pachacútec
In the Surrounding Area
Sacsayhuamán – The most impressive Inca fortress near Cusco.
Q’enqo – A sacred carved rock sanctuary.
Pukapukara – A military control center.
Tambomachay – Known as the Inca Baths.
In the Sacred Valley of the Incas
Pisac – Inca terraces and temples.
Ollantaytambo – A fortress and living Inca town.
Chinchero – Famous for its textiles and Inca ruins.
Moray – The agricultural laboratory of the Incas.
In the Southern Valley
Tipón – A masterpiece of Inca hydraulic engineering.
Pikillaqta – Pre-Inca ruins from the Wari culture.
Andahuaylillas – A colonial church known as the “Sistine Chapel of America.”
What’s Not Included in the Cusco Tourist Ticket?
Many visitors are surprised to learn that some famous attractions are not covered by this ticket:
Machu Picchu
Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca or Palcoyo)
Humantay Lake
Cusco Cathedral
Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun & Santo Domingo Convent)
These require separate tickets.
Cusco Tourist Ticket Prices
Prices depend on whether you’re a foreign visitor or a Peruvian national.
Full Tourist Ticket
Foreign adults: S/ 130 (~$35 USD)
Foreign students: S/ 70 (~$19 USD)
Peruvian adults: S/ 70
Peruvian students: S/ 40
Partial Tickets
Foreign adults: S/ 70
Foreign students: S/ 40
Peruvian adults: S/ 40
Peruvian students: S/ 20
👉 Tip: Students must show a valid university ID.
Where to Buy the Cusco Tourist Ticket
You can purchase it at:
COSITUC Office
Av. El Sol 103, Cusco (near Qoricancha).
At the archaeological sites themselves
Such as Sacsayhuamán, Pisac, or Ollantaytambo.
Through authorized travel agencies
Often included in guided tours.
Currently, there is no official online purchase option.
Local Tips to Get the Most Out of the Cusco Tourist Ticket
As a local guide, here’s my best advice:
Plan your itinerary according to the ticket you buy.
Visit popular sites like Pisac and Ollantaytambo early in the morning.
Always carry your ticket with you; it’s checked at every site.
Don’t fold or damage it—it’s a physical ticket.
Hire local guides at major sites for deeper insights.
Combine it with full-day tours like the Sacred Valley or South Valley.
Suggested Itinerary with the Full Tourist Ticket
Here’s an example of how to use the 10-day validity:
Day 1: City Tour (Sacsayhuamán, Q’enqo, Tambomachay, Pukapukara).
Day 2: Museums & Qosqo Center of Native Art.
Day 3: Sacred Valley (Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero).
Day 4: Moray + Maras Salt Mines (note: Salt Mines require separate entry).
Day 5: South Valley (Tipón, Pikillaqta, Andahuaylillas).
Frequently Asked Questions About the Cusco Tourist Ticket
Can I share my ticket with someone else?
No, it’s personal and non-transferable.
Does the ticket include transportation or guides?
No, it only covers entrance fees.
Can I buy it online?
Not yet. It’s available only at offices, sites, or through agencies.
What happens if I lose it?
Unfortunately, you’ll need to buy a new one.
Is the Cusco Tourist Ticket Worth It?
Absolutely yes.
If you’re only visiting Machu Picchu, you might not need it. But if you want the full Cusco experience—discovering Inca temples, archaeological sites, colonial treasures, and cultural performances—the Cusco Tourist Ticket is a must-have investment.
It’s the key to unlock the true essence of Cusco, far beyond Machu Picchu.
Finally
The Cusco Tourist Ticket is more than just a pass—it’s your cultural passport to explore the history, traditions, and landscapes of one of the most fascinating regions in the world.
With affordable prices, flexible options, and access to 16 attractions over 10 days, this ticket is the smartest and most practical choice for travelers who want to dive deep into Cusco’s heritage.
So, when you arrive in the Imperial City, don’t think twice—get your Cusco Tourist Ticket and get ready to live an unforgettable journey through history, culture, and adventure.