El Chaltén, a popular tourist destination in Santa Cruz Province, Argentina, has begun charging a fee to visitors who do not stay overnight in the town. Implemented as of Tuesday, this measure requires day tourists to pay approximately $3000 per person. The purpose of this fee is to help cover the urban services used by visitors during their day trips to this officially recognized Capital of Trekking in Argentina.

The fee is part of the newly approved Annual Tariff Ordinance No. 253 for 2025, which was incorporated into the municipal fiscal code at the end of the previous year. This ordinance represents a shift in how the municipality manages its tourism industry and aims to ensure that those who exploit local resources, such as infrastructure and services, contribute to their maintenance and enhancement.

This new policy is likely to impact El Chaltén's tourism dynamics, as it may discourage some day visitors who otherwise might not contribute economically to the town. As one of the most visited areas for trekking enthusiasts, the measure reflects the growing concerns related to sustainability and the need for local governments to adapt their strategies in response to increasing tourism pressure while ensuring the well-being of their communities.