Hundreds of tourists left stranded on Machu Picchu after bus disruption
Emergency evacuation at world-famous attraction after 1,400 tourists left stranded
- A dispute over bus services to Machu Picchu in Peru recently stranded approximately 1,400 tourists and necessitated emergency evacuation trains.
- The conflict arose after Consettur's 30-year concession to operate the bus route expired, with the new contract awarded to rival operator San Antonio de Torontoy.
- Protests, including blockades of the railway leading to Aguas Calientes, disrupted travel to the ancient Inca site, prompting a US travel alert.
- Locals and officials have raised concerns about Consettur's long-standing de facto monopoly, high visitor costs, and the uneven distribution of tourism revenue.
- The New 7 Wonders of the World organisation has warned that the ongoing situation risks Machu Picchu losing its 'credibility' as a world wonder.