Complete guide to the Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC)
The Boleto Turístico del Cusco (BTC), also known as Boleto Turístico Integral or simply Boleto del Cusco, is an official document that allows access to a series of archaeological sites, museums, historical monuments and cultural attractions located in the Cusco region. It is an essential tool for those who wish to explore the rich cultural heritage of the ancient Inca Empire and its colonial environment, without having to purchase individual tickets for each site.
This ticket is not mandatory to visit Machu Picchu, since this site has a separate entrance, but it is essential to access many other key destinations in the Sacred Valley and the city of Cusco. Knowing how it works, types, validity and points of sale is key to planning an efficient and economical trip to the region.
Contents
What is the Cusco Tourist Ticket?
The Cusco Tourist Ticket is managed by the Decentralized Directorate of Culture of Cusco (DDC), in coordination with the Ministry of Culture of Peru. Its main objective is to facilitate access to multiple cultural attractions through a single document, while promoting the conservation of heritage and the collection of funds for its maintenance.
The ticket is not transferable, must be carried at all times during visits, and is requested along with the identity document (ID card or passport) at each entrance. It is available for both Peruvian citizens and foreigners, with different prices according to nationality.
Types of Tourist Tickets
There are several BTC modalities, designed according to the visitor’s interest and the number of sites he/she wishes to visit. The most common are:
1. General Tourist Ticket (or Integral)
This is the most complete and allows access to 16 attractions distributed in the city of Cusco and its surroundings. It is valid for 10 calendar days from the date of the first visit. Among the sites included are:
- Sacsayhuamán Archaeological Complex
- Q’enqo
- Puka Pukara
- Tambomachay
- Sacsayhuaman Site Museum
- Regional Historical Museum
- Museum of Religious Art
- Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun)
- Site Museum of Pachacámac (in Cusco)
- Archaeological site of Pisac
- Ollantaytambo
- Chinchero
- Tipón
- Andahuaylillas
- Moroq’o
- Yanacona Farm
This ticket is ideal for those who plan to stay more than three days in the region and wish to explore both the city and the Sacred Valley.
2. Partial Ticket (or Circuit Ticket)
Some sites are not included in the general ticket and require a separate entrance. The best known case is Machu Picchu, which has its own entrance managed by the Ministry of Culture. Other sites such as the 4-day Inca Trail or the train to Aguas Calientes also require separate reservations and payments.
In addition, there are reduced circuits that allow you to visit only some attractions. For example, the Sacsayhuaman Circuit includes three sites (Sacsayhuaman, Q’enqo, Puka Pukara) and costs less than the full ticket. However, its use is limited and it is not always more economical if you plan to visit more sites.
Tourist Ticket Prices (2025)
BTC prices are subject to change annually, but for the year 2025, the official values are as follows:
- General Tourist Ticket (16 sites)
- Foreigners: S/ 130 (approx. $35 USD)
- Nationals (Peruvian citizens): S/ 70
- University students (with valid student card): S/ 50
- Partial tickets (individual circuits)
- Sacsayhuamán Circuit (3 sites): S/ 70 (foreigners)
- Sacred Valley Circuit (Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero): S/ 70
- South Circuit (Andahuaylillas, Tipón, Raqchi): S/ 40
It is important to note that these prices may vary slightly if purchased through travel agencies, which usually add a handling fee.
Where to buy the Boleto Turístico
BTC can be purchased at several official points:
- Offices of the Ministry of Culture in Cusco (Calle Santa Catalina Angosta 211, near the Plaza de Armas).
- Authorized windows in tourist centers such as Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero.
- Through authorized travel agencies, both online and in person.
It is recommended to avoid unofficial intermediaries or “rescuers” on the street, as they may offer false or expired tickets. Direct purchase at official ticket windows guarantees authenticity and validity.
It is not possible to purchase the ticket completely online, although some agencies offer advance reservations with payment at destination.
Ticket validity and use
The General Tourist Ticket is valid for 10 calendar days, but does not allow multiple entries to the same site. Each attraction can only be visited once. Upon entry, the date and site are recorded, and the ticket is stamped.
In addition, the ticket is not customizable: you cannot choose which sites to include. Therefore, if your itinerary is short or very specific, you should evaluate if the full ticket is the best option or if it is more economical to pay for individual tickets.
Recommendations for tourists
- Always carry your identity document (passport or ID card). It is mandatory to present it at each admission.
- Plan your itinerary in advance. If you will only visit 3 or 4 sites, compare prices between the full ticket and individual tickets.
- Avoid buying the ticket the same day of your arrival if you arrive tired or with symptoms of soroche (altitude sickness). It is better to rest and organize your visit the next day.
- Some archaeological sites are closed on Mondays or Tuesdays, such as Tipon or Pisac, so you should check the schedules before traveling.
- The ticket does not include guides or transportation. Hiring a certified guide is highly recommended to understand the historical and cultural context of each place.
Does the BTC include Machu Picchu?
No. The Cusco Tourist Ticket does not include entrance to Machu Picchu. This site has an independent administration and reservation system. Entrance to Machu Picchu must be purchased separately through the official website of the Ministry of Culture(www.machupicchu.gob.pe ) or through authorized agencies. In addition, the number of daily visitors is limited, so it is recommended to book months in advance, especially in high season.
Conclusion
The Cusco Tourist Ticket is a valuable tool for those who wish to explore the archaeological and historical richness of the region beyond Machu Picchu. It offers access to a wide network of Inca, colonial and museum sites, all under a unified system that simplifies travel logistics. However, its usefulness depends on the visitor’s itinerary. For those planning an extended stay and in-depth exploration of Cusco and the Sacred Valley, the integral ticket represents a significant savings. For travelers with short itineraries or focused on a few destinations, it may be more convenient to opt for individual tickets.
Knowing how the BTC works, where to buy it and how to make the most of it is an essential step to enjoy a complete, respectful and well-planned cultural experience in one of Peru’s most fascinating regions.
