Going to Cusco? Discover the types of tourist tickets and useful tips.
If you’re visiting Cusco, the Tourist Ticket is a must-have in your travel plans. In this blog, I explain the different types of tickets, where you can purchase them, and some practical tips to help you make the most of what Cusco has to offer.
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Types of Tourist Tickets
What is the Cusco Tourist Ticket?
The Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC) is a set of tickets that grant you access to various archaeological sites and museums in Cusco. Depending on the type of ticket you purchase, you’ll have a specific time limit and will be able to visit specific sites.
Just as there is the BTC, there are also tourist tickets in other regions, so each one is used specifically in its respective area.
What are the different types of Cusco tourist tickets?
When purchasing your ticket, you’re probably wondering which type of ticket to choose. You should know that there are two main types, each with different prices and durations. Below, I’ll explain what they are:
- Comprehensive Tourist Ticket: This is the most popular ticket among travelers, as it allows access to most of Cusco’s archaeological sites. It is valid for 10 days, making it ideal for those planning to stay more than 3 days.
- Partial Tourist Ticket: This ticket allows entry to only certain sites depending on the chosen route. It’s valid for 1 to 2 days, making it perfect for those who will be in Cusco for just a few days.
Tourist Ticket Prices and Rates
| Foreign | Peruvian | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ticket type | General | Student | Child (10-17 years) | General | Student | Child (10 – 17 years) |
| COMPREHENSIVE TICKET | 130 soles | 70 soles | 70 soles | 70 soles | 40 soles | 40 soles |
| PARTIAL TICKET I | 70 soles | 70 soles | 70 soles | 40 soles | 40 soles | 40 soles |
| PARTIAL TICKET II | 70 soles | 70 soles | 70 soles | 40 soles | 40 soles | 40 soles |
| PARTIAL TICKET III | 70 soles | 70 soles | 70 soles | 40 soles | 40 soles | 40 soles |
To qualify for the student rate, you must have a student ID card. You must also present it at the checkpoints at each archaeological site. Don’t forget to bring it!
Places and Sites Included in the Ticket
| Ticket type | Attractions included |
|---|---|
| Partial ticket I | Saqsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay archaeological park. |
| Partial Ticket II | Qoricancha Site Museum, Regional Historical Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art, Pachacuteq Monument, Museum of Popular Art, Qosqo Center for Native Art, Archaeological Park of Tipon and Pikillacta. |
| Partial Ticket III | Archaeological Park of Ollantaytambo, Pisaq, Chinchero and Moray. |
| Comprehensive ticket | All the places mentioned of the three types of Partial tickets |
Can I help you choose? When planning your trips, many agencies include tours to the Sacred Valley, City Tour, and South Valley in their packages. To visit all three, the comprehensive tourist ticket is sufficient, and it also has a longer term.
However, if you’re only booking one of these tours, it’s best to purchase the appropriate partial tour ticket :
- City Tour = Partial Ticket I
- Sacred Valley = Partial Ticket II
- South Valley = Partial Ticket III
Don’t be confused, the ticket will only allow you to enter the included attractions, but it won’t provide a complete tour of them. You’ll need to coordinate that with a travel agency. In short, if you book a tour, you’ll also need the entrance tickets.
How to Buy the Cusco Tourist Ticket
Where can I buy the Cusco Tourist Ticket?
To purchase the Cusco Tourist Ticket, you must be in the city. The COSITUC service center is located at 103 El Sol Avenue, very close to the Plaza de Armas. The offices are open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Can I buy the ticket online or only in Cusco?
You can only purchase it in person, either at the location I mentioned above or directly at the archaeological sites you plan to visit. Why? Because COSITUC doesn’t have an online sales system. If you visit their website, you’ll only find information about the ticket, such as fares, what’s included, and the terms and conditions.
Can travel agencies purchase tickets online? No. Even authorized travel agencies must purchase tickets in person, even if they purchase in large quantities. Furthermore, each ticket has a specific expiration date and cannot be rescheduled.
Can you buy at tourist sites?
Of course! As long as it’s for the places included in the COSITUC tickets. This organization has thought of everything, knowing that we are sometimes forgetful travelers, so you have the option of purchasing your ticket on-site.
For example, some travelers who didn’t purchase their ticket in advance and are taking the Sacred Valley tour often purchase the full or partial ticket directly at the archaeological sites of Pisac or Chinchero. Those taking the City Tour purchase it in Saqsayhuamán, and those taking the South Valley tour purchase it at the Tipón archaeological site.
If you’re traveling with an agency, you can ask them to include this tourist ticket and avoid the inconvenience of having to purchase it during your trip. If you’re already en route, you can also ask your guide for help purchasing it. Why? The staff at archaeological sites don’t speak English, which could lead to misunderstandings.
What should I bring to buy the ticket?
Something very important you shouldn’t forget is to bring your ID or passport. They’ll ask for it at the COSITUC ticket office to verify your identity and nationality, and then sell you the ticket at the appropriate fare.
It’s also very important that you carry these documents with you throughout your trip. If you don’t, you may not be allowed to enter, unless the park ranger isn’t so strict and just asks for your ticket. While this can happen, it’s not common, so it’s always best to be cautious.
Rules and Recommendations for Using the Ticket
Is the Tourist Ticket personal?
Of course! The Tourist Ticket is personal and non-transferable. Why? Upon purchase, the ticket is issued with your name and ID number, which will be verified at the checkpoints at the archaeological sites you visit.
Furthermore, the purchase must also be made in person, so your presence is essential when purchasing it. Note! The only exceptions are authorized travel agencies, which purchase tickets on behalf of the travelers who book their services.
Can the ticket be used on multiple days?
It will depend on the type of ticket you purchased. If you purchased a full-ticket ticket, you’ll have 10 days to visit all the included attractions. However, if you purchased a partial ticket, you’ll only have two days to use it, with the exception of the Partial Ticket I, which can only be used for one day.
It’s important to note that not all the sites included in the ticket are visited during the tours offered by travel agencies. Therefore, if you want to explore more on your own and make the most of your time, we recommend purchasing the comprehensive ticket, as it’s valid for tours such as the Sacred Valley, the City Tour, and the South Valley.
What should I do if I lose my ticket?
If you lose your ticket, you should know that there is no way to recover it or obtain a duplicate. Please note! The company that manages the sale of these tickets does not have a reservation or registration system, so each ticket you purchase must be carefully kept. If you lose it, you will have to buy a new one.
What if I only want to visit one place?
If you’re a traveler who only wants to visit a specific site, you can do so without any problem; it’s not prohibited. However, you should be aware that at checkpoints at archaeological sites, you’ll be required to present a Tourist Ticket.
In the case of museums, you can pay admission directly on-site without needing a Tourist Ticket. So you could take advantage of your free time to visit them as well.