If you’re planning a trip to Cusco, the magical capital of the Inca Empire, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the Cusco Tourist Ticket. This pass is your gateway to the region’s most iconic archaeological sites, museums, and theaters. But what exactly is it? And what is it for? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to one of the most fascinating destinations in the world.
- What is the Cusco Tourist Ticket?
- What is the Cusco Tourist Ticket For?
- Circuits of the Partial Tourist Ticket of Cusco
- Types of Cusco Tourist Tickets
- Where to Buy the Cusco Tourist Ticket?
- Recommendations Before Purchasing Your Tourist Ticket
- Why is the Cusco Tourist Ticket Essential?
- Attractions Included in the Tourist Ticket
- Saqsayhuamán Archaeological Park
- Qenqo Archaeological Site
- Puka Pukara Archaeological Site:
- Tambomachay Archaeological Site
- Qoricancha Site Museum
- Regional Historical Museum of Cusco
- Museum of Contemporary Art
- Museum of Popular Art
- Qosqo Center for Native Art
- Pachacuteq Monument
- Tipón Archaeological Park
- Pikillacta Archaeological Park
- Ollantaytambo Archaeological Park
- Pisac Archaeological Park
- Chinchero Archaeological Park
- Moray Archaeological Park
- Conclusions:
- You may be interested in:
What is the Cusco Tourist Ticket?
The Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC) is a unique pass granting access to the city’s main tourist attractions and surrounding areas. This ticket is essential for any traveler exploring the region’s historical, cultural, and archaeological richness. With it, you can visit everything from majestic Inca ruins to museums filled with colonial art, all while saving time and money.
What is the Cusco Tourist Ticket For?
The Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC) is an economical way to access multiple attractions and a practical tool for organizing your itinerary. Here’s everything you can do with it:
- Explore Archaeological Sites and Iconic Monuments: Visit architectural wonders on Cusco’s outskirts. These sites will transport you to the splendor of the Inca Empire.
- Discover Fascinating Museums and Cultural Centers: Immerse yourself in Andean art, history, and culture at museums such as the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Regional Historical Museum, and the Popular Art Museum.
- Save Time and Money: Instead of purchasing separate tickets for each attraction, the tourist ticket offers comprehensive access at a reduced price.
Circuits of the Partial Tourist Ticket of Cusco
1. Circuit I (Sacsayhuamán):
- Tour Name: City Tour Ticket
- Duration:
- Full Ticket: 10 days
- Partial Ticket: 1 day
- Attractions Included: This ticket grants access to 4 archaeological sites that are part of the city tour: Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay.
2. Circuit II (City and South Valley):
- Tour Name: South Valley Ticket
- Duration:
- Full Ticket: 10 days
- Partial Ticket: 2 days
- Attractions Included: This ticket includes access to eight tourist sites, including four museums, one monument, one folkloric performance theater, and two archaeological parks. The latter two are part of the South Valley circuit.
3. Circuit III (Sacred Valley):
- Tour Name: Sacred Valley Ticket
- Duration:
- Full Ticket: 10 days
- Partial Ticket: 2 days
- Attractions Included: This ticket provides access to 4 archaeological complexes located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, all of which are part of the Sacred Valley tour.
Types of Cusco Tourist Tickets
The Cusco Tourist Ticket offers two main types of tickets, each divided into various categories, including:
1. Cusco Tourist Ticket – FOREIGNER
Full Tourist Ticket for Foreigners: 16 Tourist Attractions
- Full Tourist Ticket – BTCI
- Price: S/. 130 soles (USD 36)
- Validity: 10 days
- Attractions Included: Access to all 16 tourist sites.
- Documents Required: Passport (for foreigners).
- Student Ticket – BEE
- Price: S/. 70.00 (USD 20)
- Validity: 10 days
- Attractions Included: Access to all 16 tourist sites.
- Documents Required: Passport (for foreigners).
Tip: This ticket targets individuals aged 10 to 17, who only need to present their ID to access the sites. Travelers aged 18 to 25 must provide a valid student ID or ISIC card. Ensure you meet these requirements to enjoy this incredible experience fully!
Partial Tourist Ticket for Foreigners
- Partial Ticket I – BTCPI
- Price: S/. 70.00 (USD 20)
- Validity: 1 day
- Attractions Included:
- Circuit I:
- Sacsayhuamán Archaeological Park
- Qenqo Archaeological Site
- Puka Pukara Archaeological Site
- Tambomachay Archaeological Site
- Circuit I:
- Documents Required: Passport (for foreigners).
- Partial Ticket II – BTCPII
- Price: S/. 70.00 (USD 20)
- Validity: 2 days
- Attractions Included:
- Circuit II:
- Qoricancha Site Museum
- Regional Historical Museum of Cusco
- Museum of Contemporary Art
- Popular Art Museum
- Pachacuteq Monument
- Qosqo Center for Native Art
- Tipón Archaeological Park
- Pikillacta Archaeological Park
- Circuit II:
- Documents Required: Passport (for foreigners).
- Partial Ticket III – BTCPIII
- Price: S/. 70.00 ($USD 20
- Validity: 2 days
- Attractions Included:
- Circuit III:
- Ollantaytambo Archaeological Park
- Pisac Archaeological Park
- Chinchero Archaeological Park
- Moray Archaeological Park
- Circuit III:
- Documents Required: Passport (for foreigners).
2. Promotional Tourist Ticket – PERUVIANS
Full Tourist Ticket for Peruvians: 16 Tourist Attractions
- Full Tourist Ticket – BIN
- Price: S/. 70.00 ($USD 20
- Validity: 10 days
- Attractions Included: Access to all 16 tourist sites.
- Documents Required: National ID (DNI) for Peruvians.
- Student Ticket – BEN
- Price: S/. 40.00 ($USD 11
- Validity: 10 days
- Attractions Included: Access to all 16 tourist sites.
- Documents Required: National ID (DNI) for Peruvians.
Tip: This ticket caters to individuals aged 10 to 17, who only need to present their ID to access the sites. Travelers aged 18 to 25 must provide a valid university ID.
- Partial Ticket I – BTCPS
- Price: S/. 40.00 (USD 11)
- Validity: 1 day
- Attractions Included:
- Circuit I:
- Sacsayhuamán Archaeological Park
- Qenqo Archaeological Site
- Puka Pukara Archaeological Site
- Tambomachay Archaeological Site
- Circuit I:
- Documents Required: National ID (DNI) for Peruvians.
- Partial Ticket II – BTCPC
- Price: S/. 70.00 (USD 20)
- Validity: 2 days
- Attractions Included:
- Circuit II:
- Qoricancha Site Museum
- Regional Historical Museum of Cusco
- Museum of Contemporary Art
- Popular Art Museum
- Pachacuteq Monument
- Qosqo Center for Native Art
- Tipón Archaeological Park
- Pikillacta Archaeological Park
- Circuit II:
- Documents Required: National ID (DNI) for Peruvians.
- Partial Ticket III – BTCPV
- Price: S/. 70.00 ($20 USD)
- Validity: 2 days
- Attractions Included:
- Circuit III:
- Ollantaytambo Archaeological Park
- Pisac Archaeological Park
- Chinchero Archaeological Park
- Moray Archaeological Park
- Circuit III:
- Documents Required: National ID (DNI) for Peruvians.
| Cusco Tourist Ticket | Types of Cusco Tourist Tickets | Types of Partial Ticket Circuits | Ticket Names and Details | Price | Validity |
| Tourist Ticket for Foreigners | Integral | BTCI | S/. 130 | 10 days | |
| BEE | S/. 70 | 10 days | |||
| Partial | Ticket I: City Tour. | BTCPI | 1 day | ||
| Ticket II:City + South Valley. | BTCPII | 2 days | |||
| Ticket III: Sacred Valley. | BTCPIII | ||||
| Tourist Ticket for Peruvians | Integral | BIN | S/. 70 | 10 days | |
| BEN | S/. 40 | 10 days | |||
| Partial | Ticket I: City Tour. | BTCPS | 1 day | ||
| Ticket II:City + South Valley. | BTCPC | 2 days | |||
| Ticket III: Sacred Valley. | BTCPV | ||||
Where to Buy the Cusco Tourist Ticket?
You can purchase the Cusco Tourist Ticket at various archaeological sites and tourist attractions included in the ticket and at the main COSITUC office and its branch locations.
- Main Office (COSITUC):
- Address: Galerías Turísticas, Av. El Sol 103, Office 101
- Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM and Saturday: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Branch Offices (OFEC):
- Address: Calle Garcilaso s/n
- Opening Hours: Monday through Saturday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Sunday: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Recommendations Before Purchasing Your Tourist Ticket
- Check the Validity: The validity period varies depending on the type of ticket you choose (partial or complete), so verify this before purchasing.
- Single Use Only: The ticket can only be used once at each included tourist attraction.
- Additional Services Not Included: The ticket does not cover extra services such as tour guides or transportation. Plan and platinize these separately if needed. Include Machu Picchu: The tourist ticket grants access only to attractions in Cusco City, the South Valley, and the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Travelers must purchase entry to Machu Picchu separately.
- Plan Your Itinerary: Before buying the ticket, review the included attractions and organize your visit to maximize its validity period.
- Bring Identification: You must present your ID when entering tourist sites, so always bring it.
- Respect Opening Hours: Some sites have specific entry times, so check beforehand to avoid issues.
- Consider Hiring a Local Guide: Although not included, hiring a guide can enhance your experience by providing historical context and fascinating details about each location.
- Protect Your Ticket: Once you purchase the ticket, protect it carefully, as the authorities do not issue replacements for lost or damaged tickets.
- Take Your Time: Don’t try to see everything in one day. Take the time to enjoy each site and immerse yourself in its history and beauty.
Why is the Cusco Tourist Ticket Essential?
The Cusco Tourist Ticket is indispensable because it provides affordable, organized, and meaningful access to the region’s main attractions while contributing to the conservation of this invaluable cultural heritage.
Attractions Included in the Tourist Ticket
Saqsayhuamán Archaeological Park
- Location: Approximately 2 km northeast of Cusco’s Plaza de Armas.
- Climate and Altitude: The climate is temperate and dry, with two distinct seasons: the dry season runs from April to October, and the rainy season occurs from November to March. The site sits at 3,700 meters above sea level (masl).
- Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Meaning and History: Saqsayhuamán is an impressive Inca ceremonial fortress built during the 15th century under the rule of the Inca Pachacútec. Its name in Quechua means “satisfied falcon” or “place where the falcon is satiated.”
The Inca built it as a strategic military, religious, and administrative site, and historians believe its construction took over 70 years. The fortress comprises massive limestone blocks, some weighing over 100 tons, assembled with astonishing precision.
Qenqo Archaeological Site
- Location: The location is 4 km northeast of Cusco, near Saqsayhuamán.
- Altitude: 3,680 meters above sea level (masl).
- Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Meaning and History: Qenqo was an Inca ceremonial center dedicated to religious and astronomical rituals. Its name in Quechua means “labyrinth,” inspired by its underground passages and rock-carved channels.
Puka Pukara Archaeological Site:
- Location: 7 km northeast of Cusco, near Tambomachay.
- Altitude: 3,750 meters above sea level (masl).
- Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Meaning and History: Puka Pukara, meaning “red fortress” in Quechua, was an Inca military and administrative outpost. It also served as lodging for travelers and a control center for roads.
Tambomachay Archaeological Site
- Location: 8 km northeast of Cusco, near Puka Pukara.
- Altitude: 3,700 meters above sea level (masl).
- Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Meaning and History: Tambomachay was a ceremonial center dedicated to water worship and a place of rest for the Inca. Its name in Quechua means “place of rest.”
Qoricancha Site Museum
- Location: At the Convent of Santo Domingo, built atop the Qoricancha Temple in the center of Cusco.
- Altitude: 3,399 meters above sea level (masl).
- Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
- Meaning and History: Qoricancha was the most important temple of the Inca Empire, dedicated to worshipping the Sun. The museum displays archaeological artifacts and explains the temple’s history and transformation during the colonial period.
Regional Historical Museum of Cusco
- Location: At the Casa Garcilaso, near Cusco’s Plaza de Armas.
- Altitude: 3,399 meters above sea level (masl).
- Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Meaning and History: This museum houses a collection of pre-Hispanic, colonial, and republican artifacts that tell the history of the Cusco region.
Museum of Contemporary Art
- Location: Located inside the Municipal Palace (City Hall) of Cusco, on Regocijo Square, just a few meters from the Main Square.
- Altitude: 3,399 meters above sea level (masl).
- Opening Hours: The museum is open from Monday to Saturday, from 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM.
- Meaning and History: It showcases works by contemporary Peruvian and international artists, focusing on Andean culture.
Museum of Popular Art
- Location: Avenida El Sol, Cusco.
- Altitude: 3,399 meters above sea level (masl).
- Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Meaning and History: This museum preserves and showcases the traditional popular art of the Cusco region. It houses a collection of pieces, including ceramics, textiles, wood carvings, and other artistic expressions that reflect the Andean culture and the work of Peruvian artisans.
Qosqo Center for Native Art
- Location: El Sol Avenue 872, Cusco.
- Altitude: 3,399 meters above sea level (masl).
- Opening Hours: Nightly performances, usually at 6:30 PM.
- Meaning and History: This center offers daily performances of traditional folk dances from the region, showcasing Cusco’s rich cultural heritage.
Pachacuteq Monument
- Location: Located at the Pachacuteq Oval, accessible via Avenida El Sol.
- Altitude: 3,400 meters above sea level (masl).
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
- Meaning and History: This monument pays tribute to Pachacútec, the Inca emperor who expanded the Inca Empire and built Machu Picchu. The site is also a museum and offers a breathtaking panoramic city view.
Tipón Archaeological Park
- Location: The location is 23 km southeast of Cusco.
- Altitude: 3,560 meters above sea level (masl).
- Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Meaning and History: Tipón is an Inca agricultural complex featuring terraces, canals, and water fountains. It is believed to have been a center for agricultural experimentation.
Pikillacta Archaeological Park
- Location: The location is 30 km southeast of Cusco.
- Climate and Altitude: Temperate climate, located 3,250 meters above sea level (masl).
- Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Meaning and History: Pikillacta was a pre-Inca city built by the Wari culture. It is one of the few examples of planned urbanism in ancient Peru.
Ollantaytambo Archaeological Park
- Location: In the Sacred Valley, 60 km northwest of Cusco.
- Altitude: 2,792 meters above sea level (masl).
- Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Meaning and History: Ollantaytambo was an Inca military, religious, and agricultural center renowned for its fortress and monumental terraces.
Pisac Archaeological Park
- Location: In the Sacred Valley, 33 km northeast of Cusco.
- Altitude: 2,972 meters above sea level (masl).
- Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Meaning and History: Pisac is renowned for its agricultural terraces, temples, and an Inca cemetery. It was a significant administrative and religious center.
Chinchero Archaeological Park
- Location: The location is 28 km northwest of Cusco.
- Altitude: 3,762 meters above sea level (masl).
- Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Meaning and History: Chinchero was an Inca agricultural and religious center. It is notable for its terraces and the colonial temple built on Inca foundations.
Moray Archaeological Park
- Location: The location is 50 km northwest of Cusco, in the Sacred Valley.
- Altitude: 3,500 meters above sea level (masl).
- Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Meaning and History: Moray is a complex of circular terraces believed to have been an Inca agricultural laboratory for experimenting with crops at different altitudes.
| Types of Tickets | Tourist Attractions |
| Full Tourist Ticket | Sacsayhuamán Qenqo Puka Pukara Tambomachay Museum of Contemporary Art Regional Historical Museum Popular Art Museum Qoricancha Site Museum Qosqo Center for Native Art Pachacuteq Monument Pikillacta Tipón Pisac Ollantaytambo Chinchero Moray |
| Partial Tourist Ticket: Circuit I – City Tour | Sacsayhuaman. Qenqo. Puca Pucara. Tambomachay. |
| Partial Tourist Ticket: Circuit II – City + South Valley. | Museum of Contemporary Art Regional Historical Museum Popular Art Museum Qoricancha Site Museum Qosqo Center for Native Art Pachacuteq Monument Pikillacta Tipón |
| Partial Tourist Ticket: Circuit III – Sacred Valley. | Pisac Ollantaytambo Chinchero Moray |
Conclusions:
The Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC) is an excellent option for discovering this fascinating region’s historical, cultural, and archaeological richness. This pass allows you to explore the best of Cusco in an organized and economical way. Whether you choose the entire ticket or one of the partial circuits, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the splendor of the Inca Empire and its legacy.
While it’s possible to plan and carry out these visits on your own, there’s also the option to enjoy the experience worry-free. With a team of local experts who know every corner of Cusco, we can help you organize your itinerary, manage tickets, and ensure you don’t miss a single detail. This way, you can relax and focus solely on enjoying the magic of this unique destination.
Whatever your choice, living a rich and memorable experience in Cusco is the most important thing.
We look forward to discovering the magic of the Inca Empire together!
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