When visiting Cusco, it’s impossible to ignore the rich cultural and historical heritage scattered across the city and its surroundings. But here’s the thing – you can’t simply walk into many of these archaeological sites and museums; you need a special pass known as the Boleto Turístico del Cusco (BTC), or Cusco Tourist Ticket.
This ticket is essentially your passport to Cusco’s top attractions, granting access to some of the most impressive archaeological sites, museums, and cultural centers. Whether you’re interested in Inca history, colonial architecture, or breathtaking landscapes, the BTC offers a convenient way to experience it all.
In this guide, we’ll break down what the BTC is, types of tickets, prices, validity, and how to make the most out of your visit.
🏛️ What is the Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC)?
The Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC) is an official pass issued by the Comité de Servicios Integrados Turísticos Culturales del Cusco (COSITUC). It grants entry to multiple archaeological sites and museums in Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
Instead of buying separate tickets for each attraction, you get one pass that covers several locations – making your trip more cost-effective and easier to plan.
There are two main categories of BTC:
- Full Ticket (BTC Completo) – Covers 16 attractions over a 10-day period.
- Partial Tickets (BTC Parcial) – Cover specific circuits with fewer sites, valid for 1 or 2 days.
📍 Attractions Included in the BTC
1. Full Ticket – BTC Completo (16 Sites, Valid for 10 Days)
The Full BTC is ideal for travelers who want to explore both Cusco city and the Sacred Valley without feeling rushed. Here’s what it includes:
In Cusco City and Surroundings:
- Sacsayhuamán – Majestic Inca fortress with massive stone walls.
- Qenqo – Ceremonial center with carved rock formations.
- Puka Pukara – Military checkpoint and lookout point.
- Tambomachay – The “Bath of the Inca” with impressive water channels.
In the Sacred Valley:
- Pisac – Spectacular terraces and ceremonial structures.
- Ollantaytambo – Strategic military, religious, and agricultural center.
- Chinchero – Colonial town with Inca ruins and textile workshops.
- Moray – Circular agricultural terraces used by the Incas for crop experimentation.
South Valley & Museums:
- Tipón – Hydraulic engineering masterpiece.
- Pikillaqta – Pre-Inca Wari city.
- Andahuaylillas – Known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Andes.”
- Museums in Cusco such as Museo de Sitio Qorikancha, Museo Histórico Regional, Museo de Arte Contemporáneo, and the Monument to Pachacutec.
🗺️ Partial Tickets – BTC Parcial
If you have limited time, the Partial BTC offers access to specific circuits:
- Circuit I (Archaeological Park of Sacsayhuamán) – Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, Tambomachay. (Valid for 1 day)
- Circuit II (Cusco City + South Valley) – Museums, Tipón, Pikillaqta, Andahuaylillas. (Valid for 2 days)
- Circuit III (Sacred Valley) – Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Moray. (Valid for 2 days)
🎟️ Types of Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC)
The Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC) is designed to suit different travel needs and schedules. Not every visitor has the same amount of time or interest in visiting all the attractions, which is why there are different ticket options.
1. Full Cusco Tourist Ticket
- Includes: 16 tourist attractions (archaeological sites, museums, and cultural centers).
- Validity: 10 consecutive calendar days.
- Ideal for: Travelers who want to explore Cusco City, the Sacred Valley, the South Valley, and nearby archaeological parks.
- Advantage: The most complete option, perfect for those who want to fully immerse themselves in the region’s history and culture.
2. Partial Cusco Tourist Tickets
If you have limited time, you can choose one of the three circuits, each designed for a specific route:
🔹 Circuit I – Sacsayhuamán and Surroundings
- Includes: Sacsayhuamán, Q’enqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay.
- Validity: 1 day.
- Perfect for: Short visits focused on archaeological sites near Cusco.
🔹 Circuit II – City + South Valley
- Includes: Regional Historical Museum, Museum of Popular Art, Pachacútec Monument, Qorikancha (gardens only), Tipón, and Pikillaqta.
- Validity: 2 days.
- Perfect for: Travelers interested in a mix of culture, history, and impressive Inca hydraulic engineering.
🔹 Circuit III – Sacred Valley
- Includes: Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, and Moray.
- Validity: 2 days.
- Perfect for: Exploring the heart of the Sacred Valley and its breathtaking landscapes.
Where to Buy the Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC) 🏷️
The Cusco Tourist Ticket can be purchased in person at the main offices of the Comité de Servicios Integrados Turísticos Culturales del Cusco (COSITUC), located at Avenida El Sol 103, Cusco. You can also buy it directly at the entrance of any of the included sites, such as Sacsayhuamán, Pisac, or Ollantaytambo.
💡 Important: The BTC is not sold online, so you must buy it in person with your passport or ID. Payments are generally made in cash in soles, although some offices may accept credit cards.
Important Tips for Using the BTC ✨
- Keep it Safe – You will need to present the ticket at each entrance, so avoid losing it or damaging it.
- Plan Your Route – Especially if you buy a partial ticket, organize your itinerary to make the most of the available days.
- Combine with Other Tickets – The BTC does not include Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley train, or the Maras salt mines, so you may need to purchase separate tickets.
- Start Early – Some archaeological sites close by 5:00 PM, so plan to start your visits early in the day.
- Ask About Student Discounts – Students with an ISIC card can get reduced rates, but you must show it at the time of purchase.
Why the BTC is Worth It 🌄
The Cusco Tourist Ticket offers not only convenience but also excellent value. By purchasing a BTC, you save money compared to buying individual entrance tickets and gain access to both world-famous landmarks and hidden gems. Whether you opt for the Full Ticket or one of the Partial Circuits, the BTC ensures you won’t miss the cultural and historical wonders that make Cusco such a unique destination.
It’s the perfect companion for anyone wanting to explore the Inca heritage, colonial history, and breathtaking landscapes of the region.
Where to Buy the Cusco Tourist Ticket
Purchasing the BTC is straightforward. You cannot buy it online; it must be bought in person at authorized offices or at the entrance of certain archaeological sites. The main office is located at:
- COSITUC Office: Av. El Sol 103, Cusco (open Monday to Sunday, from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm).
You can also purchase the ticket at the following locations:
- Sacsayhuamán
- Pisac
- Ollantaytambo
- Tipón
- Pukapukara
💡 Tip: Always bring your passport or ID when purchasing the ticket, as it might be required for registration purposes.
Important Tips for Travelers
- Plan your itinerary in advance: Decide whether you’ll explore only Cusco city, the Sacred Valley, or both. This will help you choose between a partial or full BTC.
- Wear comfortable clothing and shoes: Many sites involve walking or hiking on uneven terrain.
- Stay hydrated and acclimatize: Cusco sits at 3,399 meters (11,152 ft) above sea level. Take your time to adjust to avoid altitude sickness.
- Keep your ticket safe: You must present it at each site you visit. Losing it means you’ll have to buy another one.
- Cash only: Payment is generally accepted only in Peruvian Soles.
Final Thoughts
The Cusco Tourist Ticket is more than just an entry pass; it’s your gateway to the rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes of the region. Whether you choose the full 10-day ticket to immerse yourself in all 16 sites or opt for a partial ticket to focus on specific areas, the BTC ensures you get the most out of your journey.
By understanding how it works, planning your visits strategically, and embracing the unique beauty of each site, you’ll walk away with unforgettable memories of Cusco and its surroundings. 🌄✨