Machu Picchu Tourism Now Faces Challenges Over Bus Route Pricing and Access Monopoly

Published on December 3, 2025

Machu Picchu, perched high above the Urubamba River, is one of the world’s most iconic landmarks, attracting millions of visitors each year. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ancient Inca citadel continues to capture the imaginations of travellers from across the globe. However, the journey to this sacred city—once a remarkable experience for visitors—has become fraught with contention over transportation, creating political and economic challenges that reflect the fractured state of tourism management in the region.

To reach Machu Picchu, most visitors start their journey from the town of Aguas Calientes, which lies at the foot of the mountain and can only be accessed by rail. A train ride from the nearest major city, Ollantaytambo, takes between two and three-and-a-half hours, offering visitors a scenic route along the Urubamba River. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, tourists face the final leg of their journey—a 20-minute bus ride that ascends a series of winding switchbacks up to the mountain-top ruins.

The bus ride is controlled by Consettur, the only company authorised to provide this service. With a fleet of buses transporting around 4,500 people each day, Consettur has held a monopoly on the route for the past 30 years. However, recent developments have ignited tensions over the management of this final stretch of the journey, making it a focal point for political and economic debates surrounding tourism in the area.

The Battle for Control of Machu Picchu’s Access

Consettur’s position as the dominant transport provider for this critical route has recently come under fire. A growing demand for alternative transportation options and concerns about the high cost of the bus ride have raised questions about whether the current system is sustainable and fair to both tourists and local residents. The 20-minute bus ride from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu costs visitors a significant fee, and some travelers have voiced dissatisfaction with the lack of competition and the rising cost of access.

At the heart of this issue is the local community, which has long depended on the tourism economy. The bus route to Machu Picchu represents the only feasible way for the majority of visitors to reach the site. Without it, travelers would need to embark on a steep, two-hour walk, a physically demanding alternative that few tourists are willing to take. Despite the demand, the competition for control of this key transportation service has created tension between Consettur and other stakeholders, including local authorities and other transportation companies.

Economic and Political Implications for Tourism

Machu Picchu is not just a symbol of Peru’s rich history—it is also a major driver of the nation’s tourism industry, bringing in millions of dollars annually. The influx of international visitors contributes significantly to the economy of both the Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes. However, the disputes over transportation and the management of the site’s access have sparked debates over how tourism revenues should be distributed and who should benefit most from the influx of tourists.

One of the major points of contention is the price tourists are asked to pay for the bus ride, which some argue is disproportionately high considering the short distance and the monopoly held by Consettur. The current system has prompted calls for greater regulation of the transport sector, with some advocating for the introduction of competitive pricing or alternative routes to lower the cost of accessing the historic site.

Tourism in Machu Picchu: A Delicate Balance

While the debate over transport to Machu Picchu rages on, tourism experts warn that a failure to address these issues could impact the long-term sustainability of the site. The management of Machu Picchu must balance the needs of visitors with the interests of local communities, tourism operators, and the environment. Any decision made about transport must also consider the preservation of the site’s delicate ecosystem, which has already been strained by the increasing number of visitors.

In recent years, the Peruvian government has implemented measures to control the flow of tourists to the site, including limiting the number of visitors allowed per day. This has helped reduce overcrowding and preserve the integrity of the site, but it has also led to frustrations among some travelers who find it difficult to secure tickets. The issue of transportation to Machu Picchu adds another layer of complexity to this already delicate balance, as the need for improved infrastructure must be weighed against the desire for equitable access for all travelers.

The Road Ahead for Machu Picchu Tourism

As the tourism industry continues to grow, the Peruvian government and local stakeholders will need to collaborate to find sustainable solutions that meet the needs of both visitors and the local population. Reforming the transport system to allow for more competition and affordability could help alleviate some of the tensions surrounding access to Machu Picchu, while also providing more equitable opportunities for local businesses and tourism providers.

The future of Machu Picchu tourism will depend on finding ways to address the challenges of transportation, overcrowding, and preservation. By involving all stakeholders in the decision-making process, including transportation companies, local communities, and tourism professionals, Peru can ensure that Machu Picchu remains accessible, sustainable, and a source of pride for generations to come.