BARILOCHE, June 5, 2025 (AP) — Argentina welcomed a record 4.2 million foreign tourists in the first five months of 2025, with Patagonia seeing a 45% surge as the stabilization of the peso made Argentina one of the world's most affordable premium destinations.
Foreign tourism revenue reached $3.8 billion through May, up from $1.9 billion in the same period last year. A luxury hotel room that costs $400 in Chilean Patagonia now costs roughly $180 in Argentine Patagonia, according to industry data.
El Calafate, gateway to the Perito Moreno Glacier, reported 280,000 visitors in May alone — a 52% increase over the previous year. Hotels are fully booked through September. Ushuaia has seen a 38% increase in cruise ship arrivals.
The surge reflects Milei's elimination of currency controls in January 2024, which allowed foreigners to access dollars at market rates, ending the parallel exchange rate premium that had effectively doubled costs for visitors.
The government has responded with a $200 million infrastructure program for Patagonia, including airport expansions in Bariloche and El Calafate and road improvements along the legendary Ruta 40. The investment is financed partly by a new tourism tax on international flights, which has generated $45 million in its first six months.
But the boom is straining infrastructure. El Calafate's airport, designed for 300,000 annual passengers, handled 180,000 in May alone. The Perito Moreno Glacier viewing platforms, built for 2,000 visitors daily, now accommodate up to 5,000 on peak days.
Environmental groups warn that increased foot traffic is stressing fragile ecosystems. The Argentine Wildlife Foundation has proposed visitor caps for Los Glaciares National Park, modeled on Peru's Inca Trail permit system. The proposal would limit daily glacier access to 4,000 visitors.
For Argentina's balance of payments, tourism has become an increasingly important source of dollar inflows. The $3.8 billion in revenue through May compares favorably with the $4.2 billion generated by agricultural exports in the same period.
The government has announced plans to expand the tourism infrastructure program to the northwestern provinces of Salta and Jujuy, where colonial architecture and high-altitude vineyards have drawn increasing interest from European visitors.
The tourism boom has created employment challenges in Patagonia's service sector. Restaurant and hotel owners report difficulty finding qualified staff, as the seasonal nature of tourism work discourages long-term commitment. The government has responded by funding hospitality training programs in partnership with Bariloche's university.
International airlines have added capacity to meet demand. Aerolineas Argentinas announced new direct flights from Sao Paulo and Miami to Bariloche for the Southern Hemisphere summer season, while low-cost carriers have introduced routes from Santiago and Lima.
