First time in Cusco? Here’s how the Partial Circuit 1 Ticket works.

Have you ever wondered what places you can visit with the Cusco Partial Tour Ticket, Circuit 1? If you’re planning your trip and don’t know where to start, this tour could be a great option. Read on to find out what sites it includes, how to use it, and why it may be just what you need to start exploring Cusco’s more historic side without overspending. Don’t buy your ticket without reading this guide first!

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What does the Partial Tourist Ticket Circuit 1 include?

• Where is each of these sites located?

  • Saqsayhuamán is located about 2 km north of Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, in the upper part of the city. It is easily accessible by car or on foot via a cobbled slope.
  • Qenqo is 1.5 km from Saqsayhuamán and about 3.5 km from downtown Cusco. It’s on the same route that connects to the other sites on the City Tour.
  • Puka Pukara is located about 7 km from the center of Cusco, on the road to Pisac. It’s just before reaching Tambomachay.
  • Tambomachay is located about 7.5 km from the city of Cusco, off the Cusco-Pisac highway. It is very close to Puka Pukara and can be visited on the same route.

• How long does it take to visit the entire circuit 1?

  Here’s a helpful tip! Whether you go on your own or with a travel agency, you’ll only need 4 to 6 hours to see all the sites included in this tour. You’ll have plenty of time to take photos and explore each archaeological site at your leisure.

  Now that you know how much time you’ll need, it’s important to note that the archaeological sites are very close together, making it easy to visit quickly. This detail was taken into account by the Ministry of Culture when establishing a one-day ticket validity period. So take note!

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Prices and conditions

• How much does the ticket cost for adults, students, and Peruvians?

  Ticket Type	General Price	Student Price	Validity
  General Comprehensive Ticket	–	–	10 days
  Student Comprehensive Ticket	–	–	10 days

• How long is the ticket valid for once purchased?

  Take note, traveler! It’s very important to know that, once purchased, your Cusco Circuit 1 partial tourist ticket can only be used for a specific date and is valid for one day. Therefore, we recommend organizing your time well to visit all the included archaeological sites. An excellent option is to take the Cusco City Tour, offered by many travel agencies.

  On the other hand, if you plan to visit the Sacred Valley, the City Tour, and the South Valley, you should purchase the Cusco comprehensive tourist ticket, which is valid for 10 days and very affordable. It includes many places you’re sure to love!

• Where can I buy a ticket? (Authorized locations and times)

  • In Person: Most travelers usually purchase their tickets at the COSITUC office, located at 103 El Sol Avenue, very close to Cusco’s Plaza de Armas. You can also purchase this ticket at the Sacsayhuamán archaeological site, in case you’re already on the City Tour and forgot to buy it in advance.
  • Online: For you, the traveler who wants to have everything ready and avoid lines, you can now book your Partial Tourist Ticket from our website, choosing your travel date without any hassle.

• Can I buy online or only in person?

  Let’s make it practical: this ticket is normally purchased in person at the COSITUC office, as I mentioned earlier. However, now that we have our own web platform, you can make your reservation directly from there, with the option of choosing the date you want to use your Partial Tourist Ticket – Circuit One.

  Something you should keep in mind is that if you purchase your ticket in person, the date of use will be the same day or, in some cases, the next day. Therefore, you must be very careful. However, if you purchase it with us here, you choose the date and also have some flexibility to reschedule the use of your ticket.

  Is it mandatory to show a passport or ID?

  Write this down! One of the most important details you should have on hand, even days before your travel date, is your passport or ID. Why? If you purchase your ticket in person, these documents will be requested. And if you purchase online, your ID information will be necessary to create your reservation.

  Additionally, you must have them with you throughout your trip, as they will be requested at the entry checkpoints at each archaeological site included in your ticket. This is to verify your identity. If you forget them, you may not be allowed entry. So be very careful with them.

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Places included in Circuit 1

• Sacsayhuamán

  Sacsayhuamán is an imposing Inca fortress located on the outskirts of Cusco, famous for its enormous stone walls perfectly fitted together without mortar. Some stones weigh over 100 tons, and even today the exact method of transport is unknown. It is believed to have served religious, military, and ceremonial purposes.

  In addition to its architecture, Sacsayhuamán offers a panoramic view of the city of Cusco. Every year, Inti Raymi, a traditional festival honoring the sun, is celebrated here. Its historical significance and design make Sacsayhuamán one of the most visited sites in the region.

• Qenqo

  Qenqo was an Inca ceremonial center carved almost entirely from a large limestone rock. Its name means “labyrinth” in Quechua, due to its characteristic underground passages. Religious rituals were performed here, possibly linked to mummification or the worship of Pachamama.

  One of its most famous features is the stone altar carved into a cave, where sacrifices were presumably performed. Qenqo combines mystery, symbolism, and a connection to the Inca spiritual world, all within a tranquil natural setting.

• Puka Pukara

  Puka Pukara, which means “red fortress” in Quechua, was a checkpoint and resting place for travelers heading to the Sacred Valley. Its reddish color is due to the hue of the stones at sunset. This site features walls, terraces, and stairways that display a functional military design.

  Although not as large as other complexes, Puka Pukara served a strategic function of surveillance and defense. It is believed to have also served as lodging for the Inca elite or guards protecting the empire’s important roads.

• Tambomachay

  Tambomachay is known as the “Bath of the Inca” for its still-functioning water fountains and stone channels. It was a site dedicated to the worship of water, a sacred element in the Andean worldview. Its construction is notable for its precise channeling and distribution of water.

  This place also served as a resting place for the Inca nobility. Surrounded by nature, Tambomachay reflects the Incas’ deep respect for water and their ability to blend with the environment without harming it.

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Tips for making the most of Circuit 1

• What is the best time to visit each site?

  There’s no perfect time to visit, as weather conditions don’t significantly affect your tour of these archaeological sites. Therefore, you can enjoy their beautiful views, roads, and buildings without any hassle.

  Regarding the City Tour, which includes a visit to these places, there are two schedules: one that leaves at 9:00 am and another at 2:00 pm

  Here’s a tip: if you’re planning to travel to Machu Picchu, remember that you’ll need a special ticket. If you’re visiting during the rainy season, it’s recommended to visit in the afternoon to avoid the fog. However, if you’re traveling during the dry season, any time is ideal.

• Is it better to do it with a tour or on your own?

  Traveler, here’s one of the best recommendations! If you want to take advantage of your partial tourist ticket (Circuit 1), you could hire a travel agency that provides transportation and a tour guide. This will make your visit to the archaeological sites easier and more enjoyable thanks to all the information they’ll provide.

  However, if you decide to do it on your own, it’s also accessible, as these places are very close to each other. You’ll only need to arrange transportation, and if you wish, you can also hire a separate tour guide.

• Is it necessary to be well acclimatized?

  For you, the traveler who wants to be prepared for anything, something you should know is that during the first few hours—or even days—you’ll need to set aside time to acclimatize and get used to the altitude. Why? Because during this time, you’re very likely to experience symptoms of altitude sickness, or at least it’s advisable to take it easy to prevent them from appearing.

  Now, what does this have to do with the ticket? Upon arrival, travel agencies usually suggest avoiding physical exertion, as this could worsen your condition. On the other hand, there are travelers who don’t want to waste time and usually take the City Tour on the same day of their arrival in Cusco. This way, they make the most of their partial tour ticket for Circuit 1, and their bodies gradually adapt to the altitude and climate of the region.

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Preguntas frecuentes