Tourism at Machu Picchu Faces Bus License Dispute Amid Calls for Local Revenue Sharing
Machu Picchu, which attracts over 1.6 million tourists annually, is currently experiencing a dispute over bus licenses that transport visitors from the train station in Aguas Calientes up to the historic site. Access to Machu Picchu involves taking a train to Aguas Calientes, followed by either a 20-minute bus ride or a two-hour hike.
The conflict centers on Consettur’s bus license, which expired in September, and the pending approval of San Antonio de Torontoy's license. Despite legal challenges, Consettur continues operating its buses, and a protest in September temporarily blocked the railway and led to the evacuation of stranded tourists. Consettur positions itself as not a monopoly but rather a collective of 12 companies, with 38% ownership by the local district council. Local communities are seeking a share of bus fare revenues and welcome approval for competition.
Tickets for the bus service cost $24 for foreigners and $15 for Peruvian citizens. Train fares to Aguas Calientes vary significantly, from $140 to $2,000 for luxury first-class options, while Machu Picchu entry tickets are priced at $57. Aguas Calientes mayor Elvis La Torre highlighted that only 10% of these ticket sales revenue remains in the region; he advocates for greater local revenue retention to fund tourism-related projects. Currently, the Ministry of Culture allocates most of the revenue to other heritage sites and staff wages.
Locals have described ongoing issues with basic services in surrounding communities, including the absence of running water, hospitals, and schools. Tourism stakeholders call for increased state oversight and reforms. Proposals include updating laws to empower the vice ministry of tourism to manage travel resources and creating additional entrances or zones catering to different visitor groups, such as spiritual travelers and younger tourists using platforms like TikTok.
The political instability in Peru — demonstrated by six presidents in six years — further complicates policy development and regulatory reforms affecting tourism. Meanwhile, Consettur has expressed willingness to cooperate with San Antonio de Torontoy or any other company upon final approval of licenses.
