Cusco Tourist ticket

If you’re planning a trip to Cusco, the “Cusco Tourist Ticket” (Boleto Turístico del Cusco) is something you need to know about. This handy ticket grants you access to some of the best tourist attractions in and around Cusco and Sacred Valley, from fascinating museums to ancient Inca ruins. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Cusco Tourist Ticket, how it works, and why it’s an essential part of your visit.

What Is the Cusco Tourist Ticket?

The Boleto Turistico is your gateway to exploring the most important cultural, historical, and archaeological sites in the Cusco region. It covers entry to various sites in the Sacred Valley, the city of Cusco, and beyond. Instead of buying individual tickets for each attraction, the Boleto Turistico bundles them together, saving you money and making your trip more convenient.

Types of Cusco Tourist Tickets

There are two main types of  Tickets, depending on the attractions you want to visit and how long you plan to stay In Cusco.

1. General Ticket

The General Ticket includes access to 16 different sites and is valid for 10 days. This is the best option if you have enough time and want to see everything.

Some of the key sites included:

• Sacsayhuamán: A massive fortress overlooking Cusco.
• Q’enqo: An Inca ceremonial center.
• Puca Pucara: A military ruin.
• Pisac: Inca ruins located in the Sacred Valley.
• Ollantaytambo: A well-preserved Inca fortress and town.
• Chinchero: A town with Inca ruins and colonial architecture.
• Museo de Arte Nativo: A museum dedicated to traditional dances and costumes of Cusco.
• Museo de sitio Qorikancha: The museum has five rooms, in which it exhibits a collection of archaeological objects found in the Qorikancha esplanade, such as ceramics, stone and metallurgical objects, as well as cranial trepanations and mummies. You can also see models of what the Qorikancha may have been like in its heyday.
• Museo de arte popular: The Museum of Popular Art in Cusco showcases sculptures, ceramics, and Andean-themed artworks by artisans like Edilberto Mérida and Hilario Mendivil. Founded by the American Institute of Art, it preserves the Santurantikuy fair’s legacy and supports both emerging and established artists.
• Museo de Arte Contemporáneo: Founded in 1995 by former Cusco mayor Daniel Estrada Pérez, this museum showcases over a hundred national and international art pieces, featuring works by renowned artists like Hilario Mendivil, Edilberto Mérida, and Antonio Olave in its two exhibition halls.
• Museo Histórico Regional: Former home of Cusco chronicler Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, the museum has 13 rooms displaying pre-Hispanic, viceregal, republican, and contemporary artifacts across two levels.

This ticket is great if you’re planning on visiting multiple tourist sites in Cusco and the Sacred Valley.

2. Partial Tickets

If you don’t have time to visit everything, the Partial Ticket is a good alternative. It’s cheaper and covers fewer sites, making it perfect for those on shorter trips. There are three types of partial tickets:

• Circuit I: This ticket is valid for 1 day and includes only the sites around Cusco (like Sacsayhuamán, Q’enqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay).
• Circuit II: Valid for 2 days, this ticket includes the museums in Cusco (like Museo de Arte Nativo) and the sites of Tipón and Pikillacta.
• Circuit III: Valid for 2 days, this ticket grants you access to Sacred Valley sites such as Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, and Moray.

Who Can Buy the Cusco Boleto Turistico?

The Boleto Turistico is available to everyone, including international visitors, and offers discounted rates for students with a valid Student card and minors (ages 10 to 17 years).

 Cusco Tourist Ticket Prices (2024)

The prices for the Cusco Tourist Ticket vary based on the type of ticket and your age:

• General Ticket: 130 soles for adults, 70 soles for students with student card,s and minors (10 to 17 years).
• Partial Ticket: 70 soles for adults, 40 soles for students with valid student cards, and minors.

Note: Kids under 10 enter for free in most places.

Where Can You Buy the Cusco Tourist Ticket?

You can purchase the Cusco Boleto Turistico at any of the sites included in the ticket, or at the Comité de Servicios Turísticos del Cusco (COSITUC) office in Cusco Sol avenue. You can also buy it online through their official website, which is a good option if you want to save time and avoid the lines.

Opening Hours and Validity of the Cusco Tourist Ticket

Most of the tourist sites covered by the Cusco Tourist Ticket are open from Monday to Sunday, but the specific hours can vary depending on the location.

For example:

• Museo de Arte Nativo: Open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
• Sacsayhuamán: Open from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm.
• Ollantaytambo: Open from 7:00 am to 5:30 pm.

The General Ticket is valid for 10 days from the date of purchase, giving you enough time to explore all the included sites at your own pace. The Partial Tickets are valid for 1 or 2 days, depending on the circuit you choose.

Must-Visit Tourist Attractions Covered by the Cusco Tourist Ticket

Let’s take a closer look at some of the must-visit sites included in the Cusco Tourist Ticket:

1. Sacsayhuamán

This impressive fortress sits high above Cusco and offers stunning views of the city. Its massive stone walls, built with incredible precision, are a marvel of Inca architecture.

2. Ollantaytambo

Located in the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo is one of the best-preserved Inca sites in Peru. The fortress here was the site of one of the few battles where the Inca resistance managed to hold off the Spanish conquistadors, led by Hernando Pizarro.

3. Pisac

Pisac is known for its extensive Inca ruins and traditional market. It’s also a great place to start your Sacred Valley tour, as it sits at the entrance to the valley.

4. Chinchero

Chinchero is home to beautiful Inca terraces and a charming colonial church. This site is a hidden gem that offers a glimpse into the Valley of the Incas.

5. Museo de Arte Nativo

If you’re interested in learning more about the traditional dances and costumes of Cusco, this museum is a must-see. You can catch live performances and explore a wide variety of artifacts related to native arts.

FAQs About the Cusco Tourist Ticket

Is the Cusco Tourist Ticket worth it?

Yes! If you plan to visit multiple attractions in and around Cusco, the tourist ticket is a great value for your money. It covers many of the must-see sites and saves you from buying individual tickets for each one.

Can I buy a Cusco Tourist Ticket online?

Yes, you can purchase the ticket online through official websites, which is convenient if you want to plan ahead and avoid waiting in lines.

How long does it take to visit the sites included in the ticket?

If you buy the General Ticket, you’ll have 10 days to visit all the sites. For partial tickets, you’ll have between 1 and 2 days depending on the circuit you choose.

Can I visit Machu Picchu with the Cusco Tourist Ticket?

No, the Cusco Tourist Ticket doesn’t include entry to Machu Picchu. You will need to buy a separate ticket for that.

What are the best months to use the Cusco Tourist Ticket?

The best time to visit Cusco and use your tourist ticket is during the dry season, from April to November. The weather is more predictable, making it ideal for exploring the Sacred Valley and other sites.

Conclusion: Why You Should Get the Cusco Tourist Ticket

The Cusco Tourist Ticket is an excellent way to see the best of what Cusco and the Sacred Valley have to offer. Whether you’re visiting Sacsayhuamán, Pisac, or the museums in the city, the ticket makes your trip easier and more affordable. So, grab your Cusco Tourist Ticket and start exploring the rich history and culture of this amazing region!