Argentine Tourism to Chile Sees Over 20% Decline at Start of Summer Season

Significant Drop in Cross-Border Travel

The traditional flow of Argentine tourists to neighboring Chile has experienced a notable decline of over 20 percent at the onset of the Southern Hemisphere's summer season, spanning from late December to the first week of January. Data from the Los Libertadores International Pass indicates that approximately 84,000 people crossed into Chile during this period, a significant reduction compared to the more than 107,000 recorded in the same timeframe last summer. This reversal follows a period in 2024 and early 2025 that saw a substantial increase in Argentine visitors to Chile.

Economic Pressures and Exchange Rate Shifts

Several economic factors are primarily responsible for this recent downturn. A key driver is the reduced savings capacity of Argentine families, limiting their ability to afford international travel. Historically, Argentine tourism to Chile has been highly sensitive to economic conditions and exchange rates in Argentina. While a strengthened Argentine peso in 2024 made Chile a more affordable destination for shopping and leisure, the current situation presents a different picture. The exchange rate has also played a role, with the 'fall of the dollar' meaning Chileans are now exchanging fewer pesos for the greenback, potentially making Chile less economically attractive for Argentines.

Beyond Economics: Other Contributing Factors

Beyond the immediate economic pressures, other elements are influencing Argentine travel choices. Adverse weather conditions in some regions have led many Argentine tourists to opt for vacations within their own provinces or choose alternative destinations. Furthermore, the nature of 'shopping tourism,' which previously accounted for a significant portion of cross-border travel, is undergoing a transformation due to the rise in online sales through international platforms. Analysts have also cited a perception of insecurity as a possible cause, following an incident on November 27 where a bus carrying 28 Argentine tourists was robbed in the town of Tiltil.

Impact on Chilean Tourism Sector

The decline in Argentine visitors, traditionally a major source market for Chile's tourism industry, is expected to have an impact on local businesses, particularly those in border regions and popular tourist destinations. In previous years, Argentines constituted a significant percentage of international arrivals to Chile, sometimes accounting for over 40 percent of all visitors. The current reduction in their numbers signals a challenging start to the summer season for parts of the Chilean tourism sector, which had otherwise seen a strong recovery in 2024 with over 5.2 million foreign visitors.