In early 2025, Chile experienced a notable increase in Argentine tourists crossing the Andes, not only seeking scenic landscapes, but also engaging in a burgeoning activity: shopping tourism. These visitors, arriving with empty suitcases and departing with them full, are transforming commerce in Chile’s border regions, leading to considerable economic activity.
A Surge in Trans-Andean Visitors
According to Sernatur, the National Tourism Service, Chile welcomed 1.8 million Argentine visitors in 2024. This represents a substantial 80% increase compared to the previous year. The Santiago Chamber of Commerce forecasts approximately 170,000 Argentine tourists in July 2025 alone, contributing an estimated USD 70 million to the Chilean economy. This influx of trans-Andean travelers is stimulating a retail resurgence, especially in regions such as Valparaíso, Santiago, Maule, and O’Higgins, where convenient land access from Argentina facilitates cross-border shopping ventures.
Shopping Malls Seize the Opportunity
The shopping mall sector quickly recognized the potential arising from this trend, focusing on key urban centers to accommodate both residents and international visitors. A notable instance is the recently inaugurated Patio Outlet La Calera in the Valparaíso Region. Situated on a 59,000 m² site at the juncture of Route 5 North and the International Road, this development represents the closest major shopping destination to Mendoza, Argentina, making it an attractive option for Argentine shoppers.
Patio Outlet La Calera will house over 100 commercial stores, in addition to dining areas, service facilities, entertainment venues, and a functional supermarket. Slated to open in the latter part of 2026, the project is expected to generate employment during its construction phase and promote continued economic activity once operational. These kinds of developments underscore the synergy between tourism and commerce, positioning shopping centers as significant contributors to regional growth; indeed this may well be the case.
Economic Impacts and Future Potential
The influx of Argentine tourists is rejuvenating commerce in Chile’s border regions, stimulating local businesses and fostering new investment opportunities. The strategic location of projects like Patio Outlet La Calera improves connectivity and accessibility, positioning Chile as a more appealing destination for shopping tourism. As these tourists fill their suitcases with everything from fashion items to electronics, they contribute substantially to the economy, with effects on employment, infrastructure, and regional development.
This trend also showcases the increasing relevance of cross-border commerce within the Southern Cone. By catering to Argentine shoppers seeking quality goods at a reasonable price, Chile is establishing a niche as a regional retail center. The success of projects such as Patio Outlet La Calera could pave the way for subsequent investments in border regions, fostering economic integration and improving ties between Chile and Argentina; generally speaking, this may well be the longer-term outlook.
A Driver of Growth
Shopping tourism from Argentina represents more than a temporary occurrence, serving as a driver for sustained economic growth in Chile. As projects like Patio Outlet La Calera are realized, they promise to enhance the country’s attractiveness as a shopping destination while generating employment and investment in regions exhibiting high potential. For Chilean commerce, the message is quite clear: when Argentine suitcases arrive empty, they depart brimming with possibility, in most cases, at any rate.