Cusco is what feels like the tourist capital of South America. From Machu Picchu to Rainbow Mountain, many tourists come here to get those famous pictures. However, there is A LOT to see and do about Cusco, so much so they have a Cusco Tourist Ticket, commonly called Boleto Turistico de Cusco.
After having spent 6 weeks living and working in Cusco, I visited many of the places on the ticket and spoke to other travelers too. Whether you have just 1 day in Cusco to fill or you’re spending a few days to acclimatize to the elevation, I think most tourists can benefit from this ticket.
So, I have put together this guide that outlines each site included in the Cusco Tourist Ticket. In this guide I will help you decide what is worth your time, and NOT worth it.
Table of Contents
Cusco Tourist Ticket – What’s WORTH IT? Reviews + Tips
Overview of the Cusco Tourist Ticket
Most tourists visit Cusco because it is the gateway to Machu Picchu. While this is true, there are so many incredible things to explore in Cusco and this ticket gives you the opportunity to see it all!
There are actually 4 different types of tickets for purchase. 3 are partial tickets, only including select attractions within a 24 hour period, sold for 70 soles. The 4th is the integral ticket, which includes 16 attractions and points of interest to be used over a 10 day period, sold for 130 soles.
The Cusco tourist ticket CANNOT be purchased online, and must be done in person at Av. El Sol 103 (Tourist Galleries). They are open everyday from 8:00 am – 6:00 pm.
The easier option is to buy the ticket at any of the attractions included with the ticket.
Saqsaywaman
Located on the outskirts of town, Saqsaywaman is one of the most popular attractions on this list because of its close proximity. Saqsaywaman is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known to be the capital of the Inca Empire.
These huge Inca Ruins are at the top of many travelers lists to see. The cheapest way to see Saqsaywaman is to purchase a 70 soles ticket, which also includes a few more nearby attractions. However, it is also included in the 10 day pass too.
Saqsaywaman is accessible by foot or bus from Cusco. I think that’s why it’s so popular! Many travelers choose to hike all the way up. Also, it’s pretty close to Christo Blanco (White Jesus), a popular city viewpoint for travelers. So, consider pairing up these two activities.
Saqsaywaman is totally worth a visit on your Cusco City Pass. It’s a popular one – and with good reason! It is one of the bigger and more impressive Inca Ruins.
Cusco Tourist Ticket
Q’enqo
About a 30 minute walk to Saqsaywaman, also perched on top of a big hill, is Q’enqo. Q’enqo is an archeological site that is known to be where Inca’s went to worship and pray to their Sun God. In fact, it’s one of the largest Huacas (Holy Place).
It’s a unique area that looks similar to an Inca Ruin, just built but a bit more. Here you can walk around, spend time in nature, and explore the area through tunnels.
Most people spend about 30 minutes here, because it’s quite small. Although it’s not the most impressive site on the list, if you have extra time it is a nice way to get out of the crowds and get into nature.
However, if you are short on time, skip this one on the Cusco tourist ticket.
Puka Pukara & Tambomachay
I’ll group these two together because they’re practically right across the street from each other.
About a 30 minute drive outside the city you will find these two ancient ruins. It’s one of the best trips to take outside of Cusco! You can get here on a tour, however if you are in a group, it may be best to book a taxi (or Uber) to drive you there. It’s quite affordable if you split it and the taxi driver will take you all around for the day.
Both of these spots are, once again, Inca Ruins. Are you seeing a theme yet? I really enjoyed my visits here, as it’s a bit less touristy than Saqsaywaman. I wouldn’t say this is at the top of the list of things to do, but certainly nice if you have some extra time around Cusco.
Puka Pukara is definitely the more interesting of the two, however they are so close together you might as well see them both on the Cusco tourist ticket.
They also get you out into the mountains a bit more to enjoy some fresh air in Cusco.
Cusco Tourist Ticket
Pisac
About an hour outside of Cusco you will find Pisac, a cute town, local market, and impressive Inca Ruins. Included in your Cusco Tourist Ticket is entrance to the Pisac Archeological Site.
These Inca Ruins are known to be some of the best, and definitely worth a trip. Many tourists book a tour to Pisac, which is a convenient way to see everything while getting knowledge about the area. Actually, it’s best if you are short on time.
However, if you have more time, I really recommend taking a collectivo (shared bus) for just a few soles, and spend the night in Pisac. It’s a popular place for travelers to connect with nature. They host lots of yoga retreats and other events too.
I really love Pisac, and so do many other travelers. In fact, many say that they like Pisac more than Cusco! I’m very biased to Cusco, as I spent 6 weeks there, however Pisac is worth the hype too.
Ollantaytambo
The ruins of Ollantaytambo were important for military defense, agriculture, and a religious center during the time of the Incas. These ruins are fun because there is a beautiful hike to reach the top that offers stunning views of the Sacred Valley.
I really recommend visiting these on the Cusco tourist ticket because they are on the way to Machu Picchu. If you are taking the train to Machu Picchu, you probably will stop through this town. Instead of just using it to connect point A to B, spend time exploring it.
Although it’s pretty touristy, like everywhere in the Sacred Valley, I really love how it is nestled between two big mountains. If you have some extra time, definitely add Ollantaytambo to the list.
Moray
Deeper in the Sacred Valley you will find Moray. Moray is probably one of the most photographed places in the Sacred Valley. These Inca Ruins were built in perfect circles. Some say it’s to help with farming while other believe it was to chart the stars to make a calendar.
I went to Moray on a tour, where we stopped at Moray and Maras Salt Mines. While I have to say I was more impressed by the Salt Mines, if you are in the area and your tour includes a stop at Moray, it’s a worthy stop.
When you arrive in Moray, you’ll immediately see the Inca Ruins. While impressive, after seeing so many they do become less exciting after so much time.
However, it’s an interesting place with gorgeous mountain views. I mean, the Andean Mountains are just incredible! But, I wouldn’t go out of my way to visit Moray on the Cusco tourist ticket.
Cusco Tourist Ticket
Chinchero
This small village in the Sacred Valley is put on the map by its Inca Ruins. I know, more Inca Ruins. Most tours stop here because it’s an easy stopping point in the Sacred Valley to let visitors stretch their legs.
Once again, I wouldn’t go out of your way to visit Chinchero, but it is a quaint little stop.
Tipon
A hidden gem on the Cusco tourist ticket is about a 45 minute drive east of Cusco in Tipon. It’s not very popular with tours, so the best way to get here is by taxi. If you are in a group of 3-4, this is perfect as you can split the cost for cheap.
Tipon is a lesser visited spot that is really nice because you will probably get a lot of space to yourself!
These ruins are to worship fertility and water. So, throughout the ruins you will see irrigation and a lot of water features. It really is impressive what they were able to accomplish so early on.
Pikillacta
Just a 20 minute drive past Tipon is Pikillacta. I really love these two spots because they are off the beaten path and less visited, but both have incredible mountain views!
Pikillacta is a Wari civilization site, and is actually pre-Inca. It’s known to be one of the best preserved pre-Inca sites in all of Peru. This means it’s old, like super old!
I really love the looks of this area, as it feels different from the Inca ruins.
For me, it’s worth a visit if you have extra time and are looking to get away from the tourist crowds of Cusco and the Sacred Valley. However, I wouldn’t extend your trip just to see these.
Cusco Tourist Ticket
Monumento a Pachacutec
Maybe the easiest attraction to visit on the Cusco tourist ticket is Monumento a Pachacutec. A quick walk, taxi, or bus ride outside of the city center, Monumento a Pachacutec will get you out of the tourist crowds and into a more local spot of Cusco. This monument teaches you a lot about the famous Pachacutec, a former Inca emperor.
This 5 story tall monument has a 360 degree open-air top to see stunning views of the city. While you head to the top, there is an exhibit on each floor to give background and history of Pachacutec.
You’ll want to visit here on a nice day. I also think it would be particularly beautiful during sunset.
Once you are finished, there is also a park at the base of it where you will find lots of locals hanging out. Many bring their dogs, children, and blankets to picnic in the sun. It’s a really relaxed vibe and one of the most unique things to do with your Cusco Tourist Ticket.
I loved visiting here because it also allows you to get outside of the touristy city center.
Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo
Every evening at 7pm, the Centro Qosqo de Arte Native hosts a 1 hour show that showcases traditional Andean song and dance. Here you will be ushered into a decently sized theater to watch the show.
The show lasts about 1 hour, and for me it is worth it if you have already paid for the Cusco Tourist Ticket. I wouldn’t go out of your way to buy the entrance ticket separately, because maybe it’s not worth the cost.
The show is cute, the songs are traditional, and maybe you’ll even begin to recognize some of the songs as you spend more time in Cusco.
However, many people did not enjoy the show and left in the middle – based on the reviews this seems to be a common occurrence.
If you are looking for a way to fill your evening, this is a good place to begin.
Museo de Arte Popular
I’ll say it … don’t go here. You’re better off finding a nice cafe nearby. In the city center you will find Museo de Arte Popular. Actually, it’s a big hard to find because it’s located inside a strange building in the basement.
This museum is dedicated to popular art and showcases a lot of Peruvian sculptures and abstract art.
It’s small, it smells weird, and nothing is in English either. This makes it hard to learn about the art pieces. In fact, I was the only tourist here! I spend about 20-30 minutes walking around the small gallery.
The highlight for me was historic photos from the 1910-1940s of Cusco on the wall. I always love seeing what a city looked like before the tourists took it over. If you’re short on time, definitely you can skip this one.
Cusco Tourist Ticket
Museo de Arte Contemporáneo
I’ll admit, i am not the biggest museum girl, but this one is better than the arte popular museum. The contemporary art is cool, and if you’re into contemporary art this is the place for you!
However, for me I found it quite underwhelming on the Cusco tourist ticket. It’s pretty small with not a whole lot to see. The whole place feels lackluster and without direction. But, The courtyard is really beautiful and worth the visit to take some photos there.
Unless you are really into contemporary art, skip it.
Museo Historico Regional
Museo Historico Regional is by far the best museum on the Cusco tourist ticket. This is the most popular museum and the one that peaked my interest the most.
The courtyard is really lovely, there are lots of exhibits, and most of the signs are translated to English. If you’re interested in the history of the region, this is a good spot to learn. Actually, I learned a lot about Andean Culture here.
The museum begins with climate change and fossils and expands into the Spanish conquering Peru, the cities built, and the Christianity of the area. Additionally, they made a presentation to teach you about it too! The video is in Spanish but has English subtitles.
Definitely visit this museum if you have the time. It would make for a perfect rainy day activity! I really loved it and think it was worth the time.
Final Thoughts on the Cusco Tourist Ticket
The Cusco tourist ticket is a great way to save money and visit all the sits in Cusco. However, I don’t think you need to visit every single site on the ticket. Many are very similar or not worth your time.
Time is precious in Cusco because there is so much to see and do. I hope this comprehensive review gives you tips and advice needed to make decisions about what you want to spend your time in Cusco seeing.
Cusco Tourist Ticket[/captio
