Tourist access to Machu Picchu disrupted as bus row leaves visitors stranded

A dispute over bus services to Machu Picchu has triggered disruptions for visitors, including the evacuation of about 1,400 tourists after local protests blocked the railway line. According to a report by BBC, the conflict centres on whether long-time operator Consettur should continue running the buses that connect Aguas Calientes to the mountain-top site, or make way for a new firm, San Antonio de Torontoy.

Machu Picchu draws more than 1.6 million visitors each year, yet access remains limited. Tourists must take a multi-hour train ride to Aguas Calientes and then a 20-minute bus journey for the final ascent. The only alternative is a steep two-hour walk.

Consettur has been operating the route for 30 years, transporting around 4,500 people daily. Its operations head, Cristian Alberto Caballero Chacón, acknowledges tension in recent months. As per the report, he stated, “there have been some conflicts between people from different communities here”. Protestors argue the bidding process to replace Consettur lacked transparency. When Consettur’s licence expired in September, opponents blocked the railway line, prompting emergency evacuations.


Local voices say they are concerned about control of the lucrative bus service. A round-trip ticket costs $24 for international visitors and $15 for Peruvians. Although Consettur’s licence ended, the company continues operating while legal challenges delay the new operator’s launch.
The dispute remains unresolved as communities, operators and authorities continue pushing for a larger share of one of Peru’s most important tourism revenues.