Machu Picchu, a 15th-century Inca city and a UNESCO World Heritage site in Peru, is a primary tourist destination attracting over 1.6 million visitors annually. Access to the mountain-top site from Aguas Calientes involves a 20-minute bus journey or a two-hour walk. Tourists typically take a train to Aguas Calientes (a journey of two to three and a half hours) before transferring to a bus for the final leg.
Bus Service Dispute
A dispute concerning the bus service to Machu Picchu has led to recent disruptions. Consettur, a company that has transported approximately 4,500 people daily for 30 years, saw its operating license expire in September. Despite this, Consettur continues operations due to ongoing legal challenges. A rival firm, San Antonio de Torontoy, has not yet commenced service.
Protests and Impact
In September, local protests against Consettur's potential replacement, driven by concerns regarding the bidding process for the bus service, resulted in blockades of the railway line to Aguas Calientes. This action necessitated the evacuation of approximately 1,400 stranded tourists by Peruvian authorities using special train services. Consettur maintains it is not a monopoly, stating it comprises 12 different companies with various partners, including a 38% ownership stake by the local district council. San Antonio de Torontoy is based in the wider Urubamba Province.
Tourism Costs and Local Revenue
The round-trip bus fare is $24 for international tourists and $15 for Peruvians. Train travel to Aguas Calientes ranges from $140 to $2,000 for a round-trip ticket. A standard adult entry ticket to Machu Picchu costs $57. The Mayor of Aguas Calientes, Elvis La Torre, has expressed concern that only 10% of Machu Picchu ticket revenues remain in the region, with the majority allocated to the Ministry of Culture for other archaeological sites and salaries nationwide. He advocates for increased local revenue distribution to support tourism development and community projects.
Community and Infrastructure Concerns
Local residents have highlighted the lack of basic services in surrounding communities, including running water, hospitals, and adequate school facilities, calling for more local development initiatives.
Future Vision for Tourism
Carlos González, President of the Chamber of Tourism for the Cusco region, proposes state control over all public transport in Peru to create a unified and competitive national tourism approach. He also suggests diversifying the Machu Picchu visitor experience by creating separate areas for different types of tourists, such as spiritual travelers and those using social media platforms.