If you are planning a trip to Cusco, there is one item you need in your pocket: the Boleto Turístico (Cusco Tourist Ticket).
Think of it as your all-access pass to the heart of the Incan Empire. Instead of buying individual entry tickets at every single ruin or museum, this unified ticket bundles Cusco’s absolute best highlights into one seamless, cost-effective pass. Whether you have two days or two weeks, navigating the different ticket options can get a little confusing. This ultimate local guide breaks down exactly what the ticket covers, how much it costs, and how to choose the perfect circuit for your itinerary.
Crucial Insider Note: None of the Boleto Turístico options include entry to Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu, or the Maras Salt Mines. Those iconic destinations require entirely separate bookings!
What Sites Can You Visit with the Cusco Tourist Ticket?
The complete ticket opens the doors to 16 distinct historical and cultural gems divided into world-class archaeological zones and city center museums.
Legendary Archaeological Sites
- Saqsayhuaman: The breathtaking architectural marvel overlooking Cusco. Featuring megalithic stones fitted with mind-boggling precision, this ancient fortress serves as the grand stage for the annual Inti Raymi festival.
- Ollantaytambo: A spectacular living Incan town in the Sacred Valley. It features massive agricultural terraces, a royal estate built by Emperor Pachacutec, and the iconic Wall of the Six Monoliths.
- Pisac: High above the Sacred Valley, this sweeping citadel boasts incredibly advanced aqueducts, ancient burial grounds, and cascading terraces that rival Machu Picchu.
- Moray: The famous “agricultural laboratory” of the Incas. These deep, concentric circular terraces created distinct microclimates used to test and domesticate crops.
- Tambomachay: An elite spa and ceremonial site dedicated to water engineering, featuring beautifully preserved stone fountains still fed by natural underground springs.
- Qenqo: A unique, mystical holy site sculpted out of a massive limestone rock face, where ritual mummifications and sacred ceremonies took place.
- Puka Pukara: A heavily fortified red stone complex believed to have served as a military checkpoint and a luxurious rest stop for royal Incan travelers.
- Chinchero: The sweeping estate of Emperor Túpac Inca Yupanqui. Today, a striking 17th-century colonial church stands directly on top of the original Inca palaces.
- Tipón: A masterpiece of Incan hydraulic engineering located south of Cusco, showcasing flawlessly operational channels and fountains set against deep green terraces.
- Pikillacta: The only pre-Inca site on the ticket. This vast, walled mud-brick citadel was built by the ancient Wari civilization long before the rise of the Incas.
Museums & Cultural Centers
- Museum of Regional History: Located in the historic center, this collection chronicles the dramatic evolution of Cusco from pre-Inca cultures through the Spanish conquest to modern Peru.
- Museum of Qorikancha: An underground archaeological museum displaying fine Incan pottery, textiles, and sacred artifacts excavated directly from the Temple of the Sun.
- Qosqo Center of Native Art: A vibrant cultural venue dedicated to preserving traditional Andean folk music and heritage dances performed in striking, authentic costumes.
- Museum of Contemporary Art: A modern contrast to Cusco’s ancient roots, featuring over 280 creative works from top-tier regional, national, and international artists.
- Museum of Popular Art: A charming, single-room gallery showcasing intricate local handicrafts, historic photography collections, and unique sculptures.
- Monument to Pachacutec: A colossal bronze statue commemorating the most powerful Incan Emperor, towering over the city near the main bus terminal with a viewing platform at the top.
The 4 Ticket Options: Choosing Your Perfect Circuit
To maximize your time and budget, the ticket is split into three partial circuits and one master “all-inclusive” pass. Here is the quick-glance breakdown:
| Ticket Type | Focus Area | Best For | Validity | Price (Foreigners) |
| Boleto Integral | All 16 Sites (Circuits 1, 2 & 3) | The Complete Peru Experience | 10 Days | 130 PEN (~$35 USD) |
| Circuit 1 | Cusco Immediate Ruins | Quick City Outskirts Tours | 1 Day | 70 PEN (~$19 USD) |
| Circuit 2 | Museums & South Valley | Culture Buffs & City Explorers | 2 Days | 70 PEN (~$19 USD) |
| Circuit 3 | Sacred Valley Gems | Dedicated Archaeology Fans | 2 Days | 70 PEN (~$19 USD) |
1. The Boleto Integral (The All-Inclusive Pass)
Hands down the best value for 90% of travelers. It unlocks all 16 attractions and gives you a generous 10-day window to explore at a relaxed, unhurried pace. If you are doing both a Cusco city tour and a Sacred Valley excursion, this is the exact ticket you want.
- Student Discount: International students under 26 with a valid physical ISIC card pay only 70 PEN.
2. Circuit 1: The Cusco Outskirts
This ultra-short, 1-day pass covers the four archaeological heavyweights sitting right above the city: Saqsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay. Perfect if you are short on time and only want a quick afternoon tour of the immediate ruins.
3. Circuit 2: Museums & Hidden Gems
Valid for 2 days, this circuit covers all city center museums, the native dance performances, and the South Valley archaeological twins of Tipón and Pikillacta. It is the ultimate choice for deep-diving into local art, history, and culture.
4. Circuit 3: The Sacred Valley Classic
This popular 2-day pass targets the four spectacular ruins scattered across the Sacred Valley: Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, and Moray. Because these complexes are massive and geographically spread out, joining a organized day tour is highly recommended to hit them all comfortably, rather than feeling rushed.
Practical Logistics: Where & How to Buy
To make your ticket purchase seamless, keep these critical local rules in mind:
- No Online Sales: You cannot purchase the Boleto Turístico online or over the phone. You must buy it physically in person.
- Payment Method: Tickets are sold strictly in cash using Peruvian Soles (PEN). Credit cards, digital apps, and foreign currencies are not accepted at the ticket counters.
- Where to Buy: You can buy your ticket directly at the entrance gates of any included archaeological site, or at the main COSITUC office in downtown Cusco (Avenida El Sol 103, open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM).
Note: You cannot buy the ticket at the Museum of Contemporary Art or the Pachacutec Monument.
Will Your Tour Company Include the Ticket?
Per Peruvian local regulations, tour operators are not legally allowed to purchase or bundle the Boleto Turístico inside standard tour packages. You must buy it directly yourself.
Your tour guide will simply pause at the first checkpoint on day one so everyone can buy their ticket seamlessly. Because your pass activates the exact minute it is stamped, it is always best to buy it on the very first day of your sightseeing excursions.
Looking to pair your ticket with an extraordinary, expert-led journey? We highly recommend checking out these premium local operators:
Sam Travel Peru: Top-rated, comprehensive Sacred Valley day trips departing directly from Cusco or Ollantaytambo.
Orange Nation Peru: Unmatched premium Sacred Valley Tours featuring both Moray and the Maras Salt Mines.
The 5 Golden Rules of Using Your Ticket
To avoid being turned away at the entrance gates, you must follow these strict local regulations:
1. You Must Carry Your Physical Passport: A photo of your passport on your phone or a photocopy will not cut it. Park rangers at heavy checkpoints like Saqsayhuaman and Ollantaytambo will cross-reference the name stamped on your tourist ticket with your physical passport.
2. The “Consecutive Days” Clock Never Stops: For the partial passes (Circuits 1, 2, and 3), the validity windows mean consecutive calendar days. If you buy a 2-day Circuit 3 ticket on a Tuesday morning, it expires precisely at the close of business on Wednesday, regardless of whether you actually visited the sites.
3. One Entry Per Site Only: The ticket is not a multi-pass for the same ruins. Once your ticket is physically punched or stamped at a specific site entrance, you cannot use it to re-enter that same site later or on a different day.
4. Lost Tickets Are Completely Gone: Guard your physical paper ticket with your life. If you lose it, drop it in the mud, or leave it in your hotel room, COSITUC will not issue a replacement or look up a digital receipt. Your only option will be to buy an entirely new ticket at full price.
5. No Single-Site Tickets Exist: You cannot buy a standalone entry ticket just to see Saqsayhuaman or Pisac for the day. To see even one site on a circuit, you must purchase the entire circuit pass.
Family Travel & Child Pricing Details
Traveling to Cusco with family? The pricing structure changes significantly depending on your kids’ exact ages:
- Children Under 10 Years Old: Enter 100% free of charge. They do not need a paper ticket issued; you simply show their physical passport at the main entry gates to prove their age.
- Teenagers (Ages 10 to 17): Qualify for the discounted student rate of 70 PEN for the complete Boleto Integral pass. You do not need an international student card for this range, but you must present their physical passport at the ticket counter to verify their date of birth during purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I buy the Boleto Turístico in advance online?
No. There is no official digital sales portal for the Cusco Tourist Ticket. It can only be purchased in person using cash (Peruvian Soles) at the official municipal office on Avenida El Sol or directly at the gates of any included archaeological site.
Does the ticket include a tour guide or transportation?
No. The ticket strictly covers your baseline admission fees to the properties. Transport to the ruins, meals, and professional guide fees must be arranged separately or booked through an authorized tour operator.
Is the Maras Salt Mine included in the Sacred Valley ticket?
No. While the nearby circular terraces of Moray are covered by Circuit 3, the Maras Salt Mines (Salineras de Maras) are owned and operated by a local community cooperative. Admission requires a separate cash payment of 20 PEN at their community gate.
Can I give my ticket to a friend if I don’t use all the days?
No. Every ticket is officially registered to an individual traveler and is completely non-transferable. Rangers check names against passports to enforce this rule.
