Dispute Over Bus Licences Disrupts Tourist Access to Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu, attracting more than 1.6 million tourists annually, has experienced disruptions in access due to a dispute over bus licences. Visitors typically reach the site by taking a train to Aguas Calientes, followed by a 20-minute bus ride up the mountain. In September, local protesters blocked the railway line amid the licensing conflict, leaving approximately 1,400 tourists stranded and requiring evacuation.
For the past 30 years, Consettur has operated daily services transporting about 4,500 passengers. Their licence expired in September as authorities attempted to transfer operations to rival company San Antonio de Torontoy. However, legal challenges have allowed Consettur to continue running its buses. Consettur contends it is not a monopoly, noting it is part of a 12-company group partnered with the local district council, which holds a 38% stake in Consettur.
Ticket prices include round-trip bus fares costing around $24 for foreigners and $15 for Peruvians, with train tickets to Aguas Calientes starting at about $140 and increasing for luxury classes. Entry to Machu Picchu itself costs $57. Local officials have expressed concerns that revenue largely does not remain in the region; the mayor of Aguas Calientes has estimated that only about 10% of ticket revenues remain locally, while the majority goes to the national Ministry of Culture.
Stakeholders are urging for increased state oversight over transport services and a unified regulatory framework, suggesting the need for updated tourism laws and possibly separate zones to accommodate different types of visitors. Cristian Caballero of Consettur has indicated openness to competition and willingness to collaborate with San Antonio de Torontoy should licences be resolved in their favour.
