This Patagonian village has glacier-fed rivers and majestic scenery. The only problem? Sewage

El Chaltén, a Patagonian village renowned for its glacier-fed rivers and hiking trails, faces severe environmental challenges due to inadequate sewage treatment. The village’s population surges from around 2,900 to as many as 10,000 daily during the high tourist season, overwhelming the sanitation infrastructure. Untreated waste has been discharged into the Fitz Roy and Las Vueltas rivers, raising health and ecological concerns in this UNESCO World Heritage site. In response, local conservationist Marie Anière Martínez and national park official Lorena Martínez formed a group to investigate water contamination. Their efforts led to a landmark court ruling in 2023, compelling authorities to address sewage management failures and upgrade systems by January 2025. Despite this legal victory, pollution continues, prompting calls for stronger enforcement. El Chaltén lies within Los Glaciares National Park, which protects a vast freshwater reserve fed by glaciers. The ongoing sewage issues threaten the park’s delicate ecosystem and the health of residents and visitors alike.