Cusco Tourist Ticket: Prices, Circuits and How to Buy It
The Cusco Tourist Ticket, officially called the Boleto Turístico del Cusco or BTC, is a personal admission pass for 16 archaeological sites, museums and cultural attractions in and around Cusco. Foreign visitors can currently choose the 10-day Integral Ticket for S/130 or one of three Partial Tickets for S/70. The right option depends on which sites you plan to visit—not simply on how many days you have.
This guide explains the official prices, validity, circuits, student rules and purchase process. It also identifies what the ticket does not include, so you can budget correctly and avoid arriving at an attraction with the wrong admission.
Cusco Tourist Ticket prices and validity
| Ticket | Foreign visitor price | Validity | What it covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Integral BTCI | S/130 | 10 days | All 16 attractions in Circuits I, II and III |
| Partial Circuit I | S/70 | 1 day | Sacsayhuaman, Q’enqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay |
| Partial Circuit II | S/70 | 2 days | Eight city and South Valley attractions |
| Partial Circuit III | S/70 | 2 days | Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero and Moray |
These are the tariffs published by COSITUC, the official administrator of the Cusco Tourist Ticket, checked in September 2026. Prices or operating rules can change, so verify the official tariff shortly before traveling.
What does the Integral Cusco Tourist Ticket include?
The Integral Ticket combines all three circuits and is valid for 10 consecutive calendar days. It includes 16 places:
- Sacsayhuaman
- Q’enqo
- Puka Pukara
- Tambomachay
- Tipon
- Pikillaqta
- Qorikancha Site Museum
- Regional Historical Museum
- Museum of Contemporary Art
- Monument to Pachacutec
- Museum of Popular Art
- Qosqo Center of Native Art
- Pisac archaeological park
- Ollantaytambo archaeological park
- Chinchero archaeological park
- Moray archaeological park
It is usually the best value when your plans include the four archaeological sites above Cusco plus two or more Sacred Valley sites. It also makes sense when you have at least three days and want museums or the South Valley.
Circuit I: Sacsayhuaman and the archaeological sites above Cusco
Circuit I includes Sacsayhuaman, Q’enqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay. The Partial Ticket is valid for one day, making it the straightforward option for travelers taking a classic archaeological tour outside the Historic Center.
The four sites are geographically aligned but not comfortably walkable as one continuous route for most visitors, especially at Cusco’s elevation. Coordinated transport reduces waiting and lets you use the limited validity efficiently. The Cusco City Tour combines these sites with professional logistics.
Circuit II: museums, Cusco city and the South Valley
Circuit II is valid for two days and includes eight attractions: the Qorikancha Site Museum, Regional Historical Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art, Monument to Pachacutec, Museum of Popular Art, Qosqo Center of Native Art, Tipon and Pikillaqta.
This circuit suits travelers interested in both cultural collections and the archaeological sites southeast of Cusco. Tipon is known for its sophisticated functioning water channels, while Pikillaqta reveals the urban planning of the pre-Inca Wari culture. The South Valley Cusco Tour is the natural route for reaching them.
Circuit III: Sacred Valley archaeological sites
Circuit III is valid for two days and includes Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero and Moray. This is generally the most useful Partial Ticket for travelers focusing on the Sacred Valley.
Distances are substantial, and opening hours determine how much can be covered without rushing. A private vehicle is useful when combining archaeological visits with a hotel change or an Ollantaytambo train connection. The Super Sacred Valley private transfer covers Chinchero, Moray and Ollantaytambo with flexible stops.
Which Cusco Tourist Ticket should you buy?
| Your plans | Best choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Only Sacsayhuaman and the three nearby archaeological sites | Partial Circuit I | One-day access to precisely those four sites |
| Only Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero and/or Moray | Partial Circuit III | Focused Sacred Valley access for two days |
| Tipon, Pikillaqta and several museums | Partial Circuit II | Covers city culture and the South Valley |
| Cusco archaeological circuit plus Sacred Valley sites | Integral Ticket | Cheaper than buying two S/70 Partial Tickets and includes more places |
| Three or more days with broad cultural plans | Integral Ticket | Ten-day flexibility and all 16 attractions |
Two Partial Tickets cost S/140, already more than the S/130 Integral Ticket. Therefore, if you genuinely need two different circuits, the Integral Ticket is the logical purchase.
Where and how to buy the Cusco Tourist Ticket
COSITUC states that the BTC is purchased in person; it is not sold through an official online checkout. The central sales counter is at Avenida El Sol 103, Galerías Turísticas. Tickets are also sold at most included attractions, with exceptions identified by COSITUC.
Bring the original identification document you will use for the purchase. The ticket is personal and non-transferable. Confirm the start date and validity before leaving the counter, keep the physical ticket protected, and present it at every included attraction.
Official sales hours can change during holidays or special events. Check the current details in the COSITUC frequently asked questions rather than relying on an old screenshot or an unofficial reseller.
Student and child prices
The official foreign-student Integral Ticket costs S/70 and is valid for 10 days. Travelers aged 10–17 qualify by presenting an identity document. COSITUC states that students aged 18–25 must present a valid student card or ISIC documentation meeting current requirements.
Children through age nine receive free admission to the BTC attractions when their age is documented. The Qosqo Center of Native Art has a separate seating-related rule for younger children, so families should confirm that venue directly.
Do not assume that a digital photograph of a card will be accepted. Carry the required original documents and verify eligibility before building a schedule around the discount.
What is not included?
- Machu Picchu: it requires a separate, date- and circuit-specific entrance ticket.
- Cusco Cathedral: admission is separate.
- Main Qorikancha–Santo Domingo complex: separate from the included Site Museum.
- Maras Salt Mines: separate admission applies.
- Guiding and transportation: the BTC is admission only.
- Meals and personal expenses: not included.
This distinction is crucial when comparing a tour or transfer. A service may include the vehicle and guide while requiring you to purchase the BTC separately.
How to use the ticket efficiently
- Group places by circuit. Avoid crossing the region repeatedly.
- Check opening hours. Museums and archaeological parks do not necessarily share identical schedules.
- Start the Integral Ticket on the correct day. Its 10-day validity runs consecutively.
- Allow for altitude and walking. Stone stairs and uneven ground slow the pace.
- Coordinate transport before departure. Sacred Valley and South Valley distances are larger than they appear on a city map.
- Keep separate admissions in your budget. Machu Picchu, Maras and major religious sites need other tickets.
For broader sequencing, use our guide to how many days you need in Cusco. First-time visitors should also review the Cusco altitude guide before scheduling a demanding first day.
Private transportation for BTC circuits
Cusco City Tour
Use Circuit I efficiently with coordinated transport to Sacsayhuaman, Q’enqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay.
Super Sacred Valley
Connect several Circuit III sites with flexible private transportation and an optional Ollantaytambo drop-off.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Cusco Tourist Ticket include Machu Picchu?
No. Machu Picchu uses a separate reservation system and requires its own ticket for a specific date, entry time and visitor circuit.
Can I buy the Cusco Tourist Ticket online?
COSITUC currently states that official purchase is in person. Be cautious with websites implying that they sell the official BTC electronically.
Can I buy admission for only one included archaeological site?
Generally no. COSITUC directs visitors to the relevant Partial Ticket rather than individual admission, with limited exceptions for specific cultural attractions.
Is transportation included?
No. The ticket only provides temporary admission to the included attractions. Transport and guiding must be arranged separately.
Is the Integral Ticket worth it?
It is normally worthwhile when you need attractions from at least two circuits. It costs S/130, while two foreign-visitor Partial Tickets total S/140.
How many days are needed for all 16 attractions?
COSITUC estimates a minimum of three days. A less rushed visit may require longer depending on museum hours, road conditions and your pace.
Final recommendation
Choose the Integral Cusco Tourist Ticket if your trip combines the archaeological sites above Cusco with the Sacred Valley or South Valley. Choose a Partial Ticket when your plans stay entirely within one circuit. Buy from an authorized point, carry the correct identification and remember that admission, transport and guiding are separate services.
A well-chosen ticket saves money; a well-organized route saves time. Once you know which circuit fits your plans, coordinate the vehicle, guide and opening hours so the attractions remain the focus of the day.