A DISPUTE over bus services to Machu Picchu has once again sparked chaos in Peru’s most popular tourist destination. This protracted conflict stranded around 1,400 tourists and had to be evacuated by local authorities.
For the past 30 years, the Consettur bus company has been the main transportation operator transporting around 4,500 tourists every day from the city of Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu. This 20-minute trek is the only alternative to hiking for two hours on a steep trail.
But in recent months, tensions have emerged between communities over the decision to replace Consettur with a new company, San Antonio de Torontoy. Residents who protested the operator selection process said the auction was not transparent. Last September, a blockade of the train tracks to Aguas Calientes meant that tourists had to be evacuated using special services.
A number of residents who did not wish to be named said the protests occurred because of concerns that Consettur maintained a monopoly on bus services. Round-trip tickets are currently set at US$24 for foreign tourists and US$15 for Peruvians.
Even though the permit period has expired, Consettur is still operating because the ongoing legal process means that San Antonio de Torontoy cannot operate. Responding to accusations of monopoly, Consettur’s chief operating officer, Cristian Alberto Caballero Chacón, emphasized that his company is not a single player. “This is not a monopoly. Consettur consists of 12 different companies with various partners,” he said. The local district government is recorded as owning 38% of Consettur’s shares.
Foreign Tourists
In the midst of this polemic, foreign tourists also complained about the complexity of access and the high cost of getting to Machu Picchu. The cheapest train ticket to Aguas Calientes is US$140 and can jump to US$2,000 for luxury class. “We thought there was only one direct train to Machu Picchu, and we thought all transportation was included because the ticket price was very expensive,” said tourist from Australia, Annalize Jaksic.
His friend, Todd Carland, added purchasing tickets to enter the site was “very difficult” without the help of a guided tour. The entrance ticket price is currently set at US$57.
The mayor of Aguas Calientes, Elvis La Torre, also highlighted the distribution of admission revenue, as only 10% goes back to the local area. He hopes that more funds can be used to improve public facilities and services.
Integrated Regulation
On the other hand, local tourism industry players are urging the central government to prepare integrated regulations for managing tourist transportation. However, change is considered to be hampered by Peru’s unstable political situation.
Consettur said it would be willing to share the line with a new operator if the San Antonio de Torontoy permit is ultimately approved. “If they are given final approval, we don’t mind working together. We won’t stand in the way,” Caballero said. (BBC/Z-2)
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