You have probably read a couple travel sites by now that have mentioned you need a entrance ticket called a Boleto Turistico to go to certain sites in and around Cusco. This post covers what is a boleto turistico, where to buy it, what sites are on it and which of those sites are worth seeing so that you can buy the ticket you need with confidence!
What Is a Boleto Turistico?
The boleto turistico is a punch-card entrance ticket to museums and archaeological sites in Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Depending on the type of ticket you buy it, will cost either S/70 ($20USD) or S/130 ($38USD). It includes up to 16 different museums and archaeological sites. You must bring the actual ticket with you to every site in order to enter. If you lose your ticket, you will have to buy a new one.
It does not include all museums and archeological sites in Cusco. If you go to a place not included in the boleto you will have to pay an separate entrance fee. It also does NOT include Machu Picchu. Your Machu Picchu ticket will be bought separately, either online or at the tour company you choose.
Where Can You Buy a Boleto Turistico?
Although there is an office in Cusco where you can purchase a ticket, you do NOT need to buy it there. In fact, it would be inconvenient to do so. The ticket can be bought at the entrance of any site or museum that requires a Boleto Turistico. The boleto turistico must be purchased in cash.
What is Included in a Boleto Turistico?
You can either buy a full ticket (“Boleto Turistico Integral”) or a partial ticket (“Boleto Turistico Parcial”). As of 2020, here are your boleto turistico options per the Peru. If a place has an asterisk next to it, we believe it is worth your time.
Full Boleto Turistico
- Cost: S/130 ($38 USD)
- Includes: Sacsayhuaman*, Qenqo*, Tambomachay, PukaPukara, Museo Historico Regional, Museo de Arte Contemporaneo, Museo de Arte Popular, Museo Sitio de Qorikancha*, Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo, Monumento al Inca Pachacutec, Parque Arqueologico de Tipon, Parque Arqueologico de Pikillacta, Pisac*, Ollantaytambo*, Chinchero, Moray*
- Duration: 10 consecutive days from date of purchase
Partial Boleto: Circuit 1 – Cusco Ruins
- Cost: S/70 ($20 USD)
- Includes: Sacsayhuaman*, Qenqo*, Tambomachay, PukaPukara
- Duration: 1 Day
Partial Boleto: Circuit 2 – Cusco Museums
- Cost: S/70 ($20 USD)
- Includes: Museo Historico Regional, Museo de Arte Contemporaneo, Museo de Arte Popular, Museo Sitio de Qorikancha*, Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo, Monumento al Inca Pachacutec, Parque Arqueologico de Tipon, Parque Arqueologico de Pikillacta
- Duration: 2 consecutive days from date of purchase
Partial Boleto: Circuit 3 – Sacred Valley
- Cost: S/70 ($20 USD)
- Includes: Pisac*, Ollantaytambo*, Chinchero, Moray*
- Duration: 2 consecutive days from date of purchase
Which Sites are Worth Visiting?
The ticket you buy it dependent on whether you have time to visit the Sacred Valley while you’re in Peru. The Sacred Valley is a lush green valley about an hour bus ride from Cusco that contains large Inca ruins. If you have time, it is definitely worth going!
If you’re only going to Cusco to see Machu Picchu, buy the 1 day Boleto Turistico Partial – Cusco Ruins. Machu Picchu is impressive but your trip will not be complete without exploring the interactive ruins of Qenqo and Sacsayhuaman near Cusco. I’m talking slides and caves! Qenqo and Sacsayhuaman can both be easily visited in one day. They are a short taxi from the Cusco main square and walking distance from each other. We visited also Tambomachay and PukaPukara and we not impressed and, unless you’re super into museums, they can be skipped too. For more information on how to make the most out of your time in Cusco, check out our Cusco Travel Guide!
If you’re going to the Sacred Valley, buy the 10-Day Boleto Turistico Integral. It is cheaper than buying 2 separate partial Boleto Turisticos and gives you 10 continuous days to see every you want. We didn’t know much about the Sacred Valley before our trip but it needs to be on your itinerary. The extensive Pisac ruins are a site (and a hike!) to see. Plus, Moray and Ollantaytambo are worth your time. We spent multiple days exploring the Sacred Valley, check out our self guided Sacred Valley Travel Guide to plan your adventure!
Since Machu Picchu is not on the list, plan to visit all the sites you want on your Boleto Turistico Integral in a block either all before or all after Machu Picchu to avoid running out of time!
You’re going to Machu Picchu right? We’ve also put together a post on our Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu that explains how we would do it differently. Learn from our mistakes!
There you have it, our What Is a Boleto Turistico post! From us to you, happy adventuring!
Notes
- All prices and durations are current as of January 2020.