The Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico del Cusco – BTC) offers several ways to explore the city and its surroundings. Circuit II – City + Southern Valley is perfect for travelers who want to immerse themselves in the historical, cultural, and architectural heritage of Cusco without venturing too far into the high mountains.
This circuit combines museums, monuments, archaeological wonders, and the lush landscapes of the Southern Valley. It includes six main attractions, all accessible within the city or a short drive away:
- Regional Historical Museum
- Museum of Popular Art
- Pachacútec Monument
- Qorikancha Museum & Gardens
- Tipón
- Pikillaqta
1. Regional Historical Museum of Cusco
📍 Location: Casa del Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, a colonial mansion in the historic center of Cusco.
Housed in the former home of the mestizo chronicler Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, this museum is a journey through Cusco’s history — from pre-Inca cultures, through the grandeur of the Inca Empire, to the Spanish colonial era.
You’ll find ancient ceramics, textiles, weapons, and religious art, all beautifully displayed in an atmospheric setting. The museum gives context to the archaeological sites you’ll visit later, making it a great first stop.
2. Museum of Popular Art
📍 Location: Av. El Sol, next to the Cusco Convention Center.
Small but vibrant, the Museum of Popular Art showcases the creativity of Cusco’s artisans. You’ll see intricate wood carvings, vivid paintings, traditional masks, and colorful textiles — a testament to the living traditions that thrive in the Andes today.
This stop adds a human and contemporary dimension to your exploration, showing how ancient influences still inspire modern art in the region.
3. Pachacútec Monument
📍 Location: End of Av. Sol, about 2 km from the city center.
Rising high above a roundabout, this imposing monument honors Pachacútec, the ninth Inca ruler and the visionary behind the expansion of the Inca Empire. The tower-shaped base houses a small museum, while the top platform offers panoramic views of Cusco.
Inside, you’ll find displays about Pachacútec’s life, his military conquests, and his role in designing Cusco’s layout. It’s both a historical tribute and a great photo opportunity.
4. Qorikancha Museum & Gardens
📍 Location: Av. El Sol, near the Santo Domingo Church.
The Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun) was the most sacred site in the Inca Empire, dedicated to Inti, the Sun God. The museum beneath the complex houses archaeological finds from the temple and surrounding areas, including ceremonial objects and pottery.
While the main temple structure is now topped by the colonial Santo Domingo Church, the museum and gardens still display original Inca walls and alignments that speak to the temple’s astronomical and spiritual importance.
5. Tipón – The Inca’s Hydraulic Masterpiece
📍 Location: 23 km (14 miles) southeast of Cusco, about a 40-minute drive.
Tipón is one of the most impressive examples of Inca hydraulic engineering. This archaeological site features agricultural terraces irrigated by a complex system of stone channels, fountains, and aqueducts that still function today.
Historians believe Tipón may have been an agricultural research center or a royal estate. Its constant flow of crystal-clear water, combined with the peaceful setting, makes it one of the most beautiful spots in the Southern Valley.
6. Pikillaqta – The Wari City Before the Incas
📍 Location: 30 km (18.6 miles) southeast of Cusco, about a 45-minute drive.
Pikillaqta is a pre-Inca archaeological site belonging to the Wari culture (600–1000 AD). Its name means “city of fleas” in Quechua, though the exact reason is unknown.
This vast complex includes hundreds of structures, long streets, and defensive walls — a stark contrast to the Inca sites you’ll see elsewhere. Pikillaqta offers a rare glimpse into the civilizations that flourished in the Andes long before the Inca Empire.
Why Choose Circuit II?
- Diverse Experiences: Combines museums, monuments, and archaeological sites.
- Cultural Depth: See both pre-Inca and Inca heritage alongside modern Andean art.
- Southern Valley Charm: Beautiful landscapes without the crowds of the Sacred Valley.
💡 Travel Tip: If you start early, you can comfortably visit all sites in one day with a mix of walking and short drives. Hiring a guide for Tipón and Pikillaqta will enrich your understanding of these unique sites.
