Dispute Over Tourist Bus Services Leaves Travelers Stranded at Machu Picchu

Tue Nov 25 2025 22:31:57 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A heated conflict over bus transport services leads to chaos at Machu Picchu as over 1,400 tourists find themselves stranded amid protests and a licensing controversy.

Machu Picchu, Peru's iconic tourist destination, is embroiled in a dispute over bus services that recently left 1,400 visitors stranded. The conflict centers around the bus company Consettur's loss of its operating license to a rival firm, sparking protests and service disruptions. While local officials and tourists express concerns about accessibility and high transportation costs, the head of Consettur argues against monopoly claims. Calls for better regulation of transport services in the region are growing amidst the ongoing legal challenges and operational confusion.

Conflict at Machu Picchu over Tourist Bus Services

Machu Picchu, the remains of a 15th Century Inca city, is Peru's most popular tourist destination, attracting more than 1.6 million visitors each year. Recently, a dispute over bus services to the mountaintop site has left approximately 1,400 tourists stranded, highlighting the complexities surrounding transportation to this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Cristian Alberto Caballero Chacón, head of operations for Consettur, the long-standing bus service, reports that the company has been transporting about 4,500 people daily to Machu Picchu for 30 years. The only alternative route requires a challenging two-hour walk, making the bus transportation critical for visitors.

The conflict erupted after Consettur lost its operating license to a rival bus firm, San Antonio de Torontoy. Local protests in September blocked the railway line to Aguas Calientes, resulting in tourists being evacuated on special train services. Critics argue that Consettur's previous monopoly was unfair and the bidding process for the new service was not sufficiently transparent.

Being a tourist in Aguas Calientes can be costly as well. A round-trip bus ticket to Machu Picchu is priced at $24 for foreigners and $15 for Peruvians, while train tickets range from $140 to $2,000 depending on the class. Many tourists have expressed frustration over the lack of transparency in ticket purchases, with some saying they expected more inclusive transport options.

Local mayors and community leaders are vocal about the need for improved revenue distribution, as current ticket sales funnel a majority of revenue to the national government, rather than benefiting local communities. They advocate for better state oversight of public transport to ensure a fair share of tourism profits for local development.

As the conflict persists, Caballero maintains that Consettur is not a monopoly but rather composed of multiple local partners, including the local council. Meanwhile, calls to approve San Antonio de Torontoy's operations are increasing, as both companies could potentially enhance transportation options for tourists visiting Machu Picchu.