THE CITY – The Most Important Tourist City in Peru
Cusco is considered the main tourist destination in Peru and one of the most important in South America. Every year, it welcomes millions of visitors attracted by its history, culture, Andean landscapes, and, of course, the world wonder of Machu Picchu.
If you are planning to travel to Cusco, it is important to know that not all tourist attractions use the same type of entrance ticket. Depending on the circuit you wish to visit, you will need a different ticket. Some entrances are managed by the Cusco Integrated Tourist Cultural Services Committee (COSITUC), others by the Ministry of Culture, while several natural attractions are managed by the local peasant communities.
In this guide, we explain which type of ticket you need for each tour, which attractions are included in each one, and which option is the most convenient depending on how many days you will stay in Cusco.
Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC)
The Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC) is the most important entrance ticket for those who wish to visit the region’s main archaeological sites and museums.
This ticket allows access to 16 tourist attractions, distributed across three main circuits.
There are two types:
- Comprehensive Tourist Ticket
- Partial Tourist Tickets
Your choice will depend on how long you will stay in Cusco and which places you would like to visit.
Comprehensive Tourist Ticket
This is the best option for travelers who will stay in Cusco between four and ten days.
It is valid for 10 consecutive days and grants access to all 16 tourist attractions managed by COSITUC.
Included Attractions
city Tour Circuit
- Sacsayhuamán Archaeological Park
- Qenqo
- Puka Pukara
- Tambomachay
Sacred Valley of the Incas Circuit
- Pisac Archaeological Park
- Ollantaytambo Archaeological Park
- Chinchero Archaeological Park
- Moray Archaeological Center
South Valley Circuit
- Tipón
- Pikillaqta
Included Museums
- Regional Historical Museum
- Museum of Popular Art
- Museum of Contemporary Art
- Qorikancha Site Museum
- Qosqo Native Art Center
- Pachacútec Monument
With this ticket, you will be able to take the following tours:
- Cusco City Tour
- Traditional Sacred Valley Tour
- VIP Sacred Valley Tour (you only need to pay the entrance fee to the Maras Salt Mines)
- South Valley Tour
In addition, you will be able to visit all the included museums during the validity period of the ticket.
Partial Tourist Tickets
If you will stay only a few days in Cusco, you can save money by purchasing only the circuit you will use.
Partial I – City Tour
Partial I – City Tour
Includes:
- Sacsayhuamán
- Qenqo
- Puka Pukara
- Tambomachay
Ideal for those who will only take the Cusco City Tour.
Partial II – South Valley and Museums
Validity: 2 days
Includes:
- Tipón
- Pikillaqta
- Regional Historical Museum
- Museum of Popular Art
- Museum of Contemporary Art
- Qorikancha Site Museum
- Qosqo Native Art Center
- Pachacútec Monument
Ideal for travelers interested in the history and culture of Cusco.
Partial III – Sacred Valley
Validity: 2 days
Includes:
- Pisac
- Ollantaytambo
- Chinchero
- Moray
Perfect for those who will only explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Machu Picchu Entrance Tickets
Machu Picchu has a completely different entrance system from the Cusco Tourist Ticket.
Access is managed by the Ministry of Culture and currently offers different visiting circuits, allowing each traveler to choose the experience that best suits their interests.
In addition to the entrance ticket, the trip may include:
- Tourist train (Expedition, Voyager, Vistadome, 360°, Vistadome Observatory, Hiram Bingham, subject to availability).
- Consettur bus between Aguas Calientes and the citadel (optional).
- Official tour guide.
Additional entrance tickets for mountains such as Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, when applicable
Due to the high demand, especially between June and August, it is recommended to book several months in advance.
Community Entrance Tickets
Some of Cusco’s most spectacular natural landscapes are managed by local communities. The money collected is used for the maintenance of trails, conservation of the environment, and the development of the communities that protect these places.
In general, the entrance fees for foreign visitors range between S/20 and S/30, while Peruvian visitors usually pay approximately half that amount. These rates may vary according to the regulations of each community.
The destinations that use community-managed entrance fees are:
- Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
- Humantay Lake
- Seven Lakes of Ausangate
- Q’eswachaka
- Waqrapukara
- Pallay Punchu
On most organized tours, the tour guide is responsible for managing this payment upon arrival at the attraction
Maras Salt Mines
The Maras Salt Mines are not included in the Cusco Tourist Ticket.
This attraction has a separate entrance ticket managed by the corresponding authority and is normally paid during the VIP Sacred Valley Tour.
Which Ticket Should I Buy?
If you will stay for 2 days
Purchase only the partial ticket corresponding to the circuit you will visit.
If you will stay between 4 and 6 days
The Comprehensive Tourist Ticket is the best option, as it allows you to visit the City Tour, the Sacred Valley, the South Valley, and the main museums without purchasing additional entrance tickets.
If you will only visit Machu Picchu
You do not need to purchase the Cusco Tourist Ticket. You only need to buy the official Machu Picchu entrance ticket and arrange the corresponding transportation.
Final Recommendations
Before booking any tour, always verify which entrance tickets are included in the price. Some travel agencies include the tickets in the package, while others charge the entrance fees separately.
It is also recommended to always carry your original passport or national identity document (DNI), as all tickets are personal and non-transferable and may be requested during entrance inspections.
Knowing in advance which ticket you need for each circuit will allow you to better plan your budget, optimize your itinerary, and enjoy a hassle-free experience in Cusco.
