New Authorization Framework for Tourist Guides in National Parks – Resolution 61/2025 APN
Environmental Law & Climate Change Department Report | New Authorization Framework for Tourist Guides in National Parks – Resolution 61/2025 APN.
On March 26, 2025, Resolution 61/2025 of the National Parks Administration (“APN”, for its Spanish acronym) was published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Argentina. Through this measure, Resolution 113/2019 of the Board of Directors is repealed and a new Regulation for Guides in National Protected Areas is approved. The decision is based, among other reasons, on the need to update the current regulations to facilitate their implementation and operation, in line with the evolution of tourism activity and the administrative simplification principles established by Decree 90/2025 and Law 19,549. Together with Resolution 62 /2025, both are part of a process of updating the regulatory framework of the APN in terms of public use, with a focus on administrative simplification and adaptation to the current reality of tourism activities.
The regulation establishes that guiding within the jurisdiction of the APN constitutes a professional service that may be remunerated and carried out independently or as part of an authorized tourism service. If the activity involves the organization, promotion, sale, or commercialization of excursions with complementary services, the provisions of the Regulation for the Granting of Tourism Service Permits, approved by Resolution 68/2002 (t.o. Resolution 240/2011), or the regulation that replaces it, will apply.
Two categories of guides are defined: (i) the “Specialized Tourism Guide,” intended for individuals with specific training or knowledge that enables them to lead groups and share information on natural and cultural heritage. The classification of specialties within this category will be determined by the National Directorate of Public Use; and (ii) the “Site Guide,” intended for those who, without formal certifications, demonstrate a willingness to convey knowledge related to a place, environment, culture, traditions, or activities. These guides may accompany and assist with walks along authorized low-difficulty trails and, when acting within an authorized tourism service, may also conduct horseback or bicycle excursions.
To practice, guides must comply with certain general obligations—such as carrying a visible identification credential, respecting authorized circuits, having appropriate equipment and a first-aid kit, and suspending activities if required due to weather conditions or by APN decision. They must also assist visitors in case of emergencies and comply with applicable regulations. Specific obligations by category will be established by the National Directorate of Public Use.
Requirements for authorization include being over 18 years of age, being an Argentine national or a foreign resident in the country, proficiency in Spanish, submitting a criminal background certificate, and having read and understood the content provided by the APN. Site Guides must additionally pass a knowledge exam. The specific requirements for each category may be defined and updated by the National Directorate of Public Use.
Authorization is granted for a single category and for a specific Protected Area, and entails registration in the Guide Registry. To operate in another category or area, a new application must be submitted. Authorized guides must pay an annual fee according to the current Institutional Fee Schedule. They may request temporary suspension of their activity, which pauses the fee obligation until resumed. Permanent withdrawal implies the loss of all acquired rights, and three consecutive unpaid annual fees will result in automatic removal from the registry, without prejudice to collection actions for the outstanding amounts.
Violations will be sanctioned by the APN, with the initial assessment by the Protected Area’s Superintendency. Sanctions may include a warning, fines (ranging from two to ten times the annual fee), suspension (from one to three months), or disqualification (from one to three years). Any person acting as a guide without APN authorization will be required to immediately cease the activity and will be sanctioned with a fine of five to ten times the annual fee and a one-year disqualification. Repeated offenses will increase the fine to fifteen times the annual fee and extend the disqualification for an additional year.
In the case of multiple concurrent violations, the most severe penalty will apply. Unpaid fines or pending sanctions will prevent the granting or renewal of authorizations, without prejudice to APN’s authority to deny a request based on the seriousness of the offense.
The Resolution will enter into force thirty business days after its publication. Guides currently authorized will retain their category until their next annual renewal. The National Directorate of Public Use will be responsible for defining the necessary procedures and complementary guidelines.