Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Peru’s most popular tourist destinations, has been marred by controversy over bus services to the site. A dispute between local communities and a bus company, Consettur, has left 1,400 tourists stranded, highlighting the complexities of managing tourism in this remote region.
The issue stems from Consettur losing its licence to operate buses due to a rival firm, San Antonio de Torontoy, taking over. This has led to increased costs for tourists, with round-trip tickets ranging from $140 to $2,000. Locals are also unhappy about the revenue split, with only 10% staying locally.
Consettur’s head of operations, Cristian Alberto Caballero Chacón, disputes claims of a monopoly, stating that the company has multiple partners and is not a single entity controlling the bus service. However, tourists like Annalise Jaksic and Todd Carland express frustration over the costs and logistical challenges.
The mayor of Aguas Calientes, Elvis La Torre, urges more funds to be directed towards local communities and tourism initiatives, highlighting the need for responsible and sustainable tourism practices in this fragile ecosystem.
Source: www.bbc.com
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