The Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico) explained
The Boleto Turístico is the single ticket that unlocks most of Cusco's ruins and museums — and one of the most confusing things first-time visitors deal with. Here is exactly what it covers, the difference between the full and partial versions, and how to avoid paying for sites you will not visit.
What the ticket covers
The Boleto Turístico (BTG) is a combined entrance ticket to a fixed set of archaeological sites and museums in and around Cusco. It is the only way to enter most of them — they do not sell individual tickets at the gate. Importantly, it does not include Machu Picchu, which has its own separate ticket.
Full ticket vs partial tickets
There are two formats. The full ticket covers all included sites and is valid for ten days — best if you are doing the city tour, the Sacred Valley and the South Valley. The cheaper partial circuits cover one cluster of sites for one or two days, which is smarter if you are only visiting, say, the Sacred Valley.
| Full ticket (BTG) | Partial circuits | |
|---|---|---|
| Validity | 10 days | 1–2 days |
| Coverage | All included sites | One group of sites |
| Best for | Multi-day Cusco + valley trips | A single area or short stay |
| Value | Best if you visit 4+ sites | Best for 1 cluster only |
Where and how to buy it
You can buy the ticket at the official COSITUC office in Cusco or at the entrance of the first site you visit. Bring your passport and cash in soles. If you book a guided Cusco city tour or Sacred Valley tour with us, we handle the logistics and tell you in advance which ticket makes sense for your plan.
Let us sort the tickets for you
Our Cusco and Sacred Valley tours take the guesswork out of entrances.
Do you actually need it?
You need it if you plan to enter the included ruins (the ones on a standard city tour and Sacred Valley route). You do not need it just to walk around Cusco, visit churches with separate tickets, or see Machu Picchu. If your trip is mostly Machu Picchu plus a trek, you may not need the full ticket at all — check your itinerary first.
Frequently asked questions
It covers a fixed set of archaeological sites and museums around Cusco and the Sacred Valley, such as Sacsayhuamán, Pisac and Ollantaytambo. It does not include Machu Picchu, which is ticketed separately.
Yes. Partial circuits cover one cluster of sites for one or two days and are cheaper than the full ten-day ticket, ideal if you only visit one area.
At the official COSITUC office in Cusco or at the entrance of the first included site. Bring your passport and cash in Peruvian soles.
No. Machu Picchu requires its own separate entrance ticket booked in advance, independent of the Boleto Turístico.