The Boleto Turístico del Cusco, or Cusco Tourist Ticket, is a must-have for anyone wishing to explore the region’s cultural and historical riches, as it provides access to a selection of major sites around Cusco, particularly in the Sacred Valley!
Designed to simplify the discovery of Inca and colonial heritage, it is both a practical and economical solution for travellers. Without this ticket, you’d have to buy each entrance separately, which would be much more expensive and complicate the organization of your stay.
Where to buy and at what price?
Tourist tickets can be purchased at several strategic locations in Cusco. The best-known and most central is the headquarters of the Boleto Turístico Committee, located on Avenida El Sol. This official office is within easy walking distance of the Plaza de Armas, Cusco’s main square. This is usually where visitors go for reliable information and to buy their full ticket. It is also possible to buy a partial ticket directly at the entrance to certain sites, such as Sacsayhuamán, Pisac or Ollantaytambo. However, these tickets are limited to specific tours and do not give access to all 16 sites included in the full ticket. Some local tourist agencies also sell this ticket, but it’s always advisable to check that it’s an official point of sale. In addition, an official online platform has recently been developed, although information varies according to period and local updates. In any case, it’s important to note that payment is made in cash only (in Peruvian soles), as credit cards are not always accepted.
The price of the Boleto Integral for foreign tourists over 25 years of age is 130 PEN (approx. €30), while the price for 10-25 year-olds is 70 PEN (approx. €18).
There are two types of tourist tickets: integral and partial. The Boleto Turístico Intégral, valid for ten days, gives access to sixteen major sites. It includes Inca ruins around Cusco (such as Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo or Tambomachay), museums (regional historical museum, contemporary art museum) and emblematic Sacred Valley sites such as Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Moray or Chinchero. It’s the ideal choice for travellers who want to take time to explore the region in depth. Partial tickets, on the other hand, are valid for only one or two days and are designed for visitors who are just passing through. There are three variations, depending on the zone: archaeological sites around Cusco (Circuit I), museums and cultural centers (Circuit II), and sites in the Sacred Valley (Circuit III).
Numerous sites to visit
For 10 days, you can choose between the ruins of the Inca city in the hills, the many museums such as the local history museum, the Temple of the Sun and the incredible Sacred Valley.
Here’s a list of all 16 places you can visit with the Boleto Integral:
- The archaeological park around Cusco
- Sacsayhuamán
- Q’enqo
- Puka Pukara
- Tambomachay
- The city’s museums
- Museo de Sitio Qorikancha (Temple du soleil)
- Museo Histórico Regional (musée sur l’histoire locale notamment la faune)
- Museo de Arte Contemporáneo (musée d’art contemporain)
- Museo de Arte Popular
- Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo
- Monumento al Inca Pachacutec
- Parque arqueológico de Tipón
- Parque arqueológico de Pikillaqta
- The Sacred Valley
- Pisac
- Ollantaytambo
- Chinchero
- Moray
Conclusion and important information
The tourist ticket allows you to discover some of the most impressive jewels of Andean heritage. You can admire the fortress of Sacsayhuamán, perched high above Cusco, explore the circular agricultural terraces of Moray, a testament to Inca agronomic ingenuity, or stroll through the ruins of Pisac, with its breathtaking views over the valley. Culture buffs won’t be outdone by the museums in central Cusco, often underestimated but rich in colonial art and pre-Columbian artifacts. Each visit thus becomes an immersion in the different historical layers that make up Peru’s identity.
It’s crucial to stress that the Cusco tourist ticket does not include access to Machu Picchu. Entry to this wonder of the world is managed separately by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture. It must be purchased online, with a specific date, tour and time slot. Similarly, some popular sites such as the Maras salt flats require a specific ticket, as they are not included in the Boleto Turístico. It is therefore advisable to plan your itinerary well in advance to avoid surprises on the spot.
The Boleto Turístico de Cusco is much more than just an entrance ticket. It’s an invitation to discover a fascinating cultural heritage, with its sacred mountains, thousand-year-old temples and living traditions. For just a few dozen soles, visitors gain access to a compendium of Andean history, while enjoying excellent value for money. Whether for three days or two weeks, this pass is the ideal tool for exploring the treasures of the Cusco region in complete freedom.
