Conflict Erupts Over Bus Services to Machu Picchu, Stranding Tourists

Wed Nov 26 2025 02:52:09 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Machu Picchu faces a crisis as conflicts over bus transportation lead to tourists being stranded, highlighting tensions between local companies and communities.

A dispute among local bus companies in Aguas Calientes has left 1,400 tourists stranded, raising concerns over access to Machu Picchu. The long-standing operator Consettur faces challenges from new competitors amidst calls for better local management of tourism resources. As the conflict unfolds, tourists and community members voice frustrations over high transport costs and the distribution of profits from entrance fees to the UNESCO World Heritage site.

Machu Picchu, the remains of a 15th Century Inca city, is Peru's most popular tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Recently, a dispute over the bus services that transport visitors to the site has resulted in about 1,400 tourists being stranded.

Cristian Alberto Caballero Chacón, head of operations for bus company Consettur, which transports around 4,500 people daily to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes, acknowledged that conflicts have arisen among the local communities due to the competitive landscape.

The ongoing conflict has intensified since Consettur lost its license to a rival bus service, the only alternative to which is a challenging two-hour hike up the mountain.

Accessing Machu Picchu requires tourists to take a train to Aguas Calientes, followed by a bus ride to reach the ancient site. Legal battles continue to delay the new operator's launch, leaving Consettur to operate amidst scrutiny and criticism.

In September, protestors blocked railway lines, leading to an emergency evacuation of tourists and contributing to the growing tension. Some locals believe the bidding process that reduced Consettur's monopoly was not sufficiently transparent.

The bus fare, costing $24 for foreigners, adds to the already high expenses associated with visiting Machu Picchu. Many tourists express frustrations about the train prices, which range from $140 to $2,000 for luxury services, and the complications involved in acquiring entry tickets, which average $57.

Local officials, including the mayor of Aguas Calientes, lament that a significant portion of ticket sales revenue does not benefit the local community. Only 10% of the ticket sales remain in the region, prompting calls for greater accountability and distribution of resources.

As the disputes linger, community advocates like Carlos González push for better regulation and representation in local tourism management, emphasizing the need for a unified approach to bolster Peru's competitiveness in the global travel landscape.

Despite the challenges, Caballero expressed openness to competition, indicating that both Consettur and the new bus service could coexist as they await final legal approvals.