In recent months, Santiago de Chile has emerged as a hotspot for shopping tourism, especially among Argentinians. The favorable exchange rate, combined with the allure of international brands not available in Argentina, has driven a significant surge in demand. From May to August, tourism in Santiago saw a 30% increase compared to the same period last year. Travel agencies have begun offering express trips, with some lasting only 24 hours, catering to the growing desire for quick, efficient shopping excursions.
A Weekend Escape for Shopping Enthusiasts
Long weekends have become the prime time for Argentinians to embark on shopping trips to Santiago. While short visits from Mendoza and San Juan have been common for some time, these brief excursions are now catching on in Buenos Aires as well. Alejandro Festa, Manager of Lodging and Tourist Services at Despegar, noted this rising trend:
“We’ve started to see this demand coming from Buenos Aires too,” Festa said. “There is a notable surge in interest for the long weekend in October, with searches increasing by 31% compared to the previous weeks. When we compare it to the same holiday in 2023, hotel searches have grown by 61%, while flight searches have jumped by 55%.”
Despegar, a leading online travel company, has confirmed that Santiago de Chile is now one of the top destinations for Argentinians traveling abroad. The proximity, combined with shopping opportunities and affordable stays, has made Santiago an attractive alternative to more traditional shopping destinations like Miami.
Santiago vs. Miami: The Proximity Advantage
The appeal of Santiago for Argentinian shoppers isn’t just in the brands available but also in its geographic closeness. While Miami has long been a favorite for shopping, Santiago offers the same international brands with a shorter travel time and lower costs. Skiing during the winter months also adds to the city’s charm as a multi-faceted destination.
“During the winter of 2024, Santiago’s ski season offered more competitive prices compared to previous years,” said Guido Boutet, Marketing Manager at Travel Services. “Santiago was previously a popular choice for shopping, competing with Miami. The advantage of being closer, accessing the same international brands, paying for a cheaper stay, and being able to make short trips helps Santiago stand out as a destination that Argentinians can visit more than once a year.”
As the cost of international flights to Miami increases and the dollar exchange rate rises, more Argentinians are opting for Santiago, which offers the same luxury shopping experience without the long-haul flight and hefty expenses.
The Growing Trend of Day Trips
While the majority of travelers visiting Santiago from Argentina stay for around three days, there’s a growing demand for quick, day-long shopping trips. This trend initially began in Mendoza due to its close proximity to the Chilean capital but has since spread to Córdoba and Buenos Aires. According to Guido Boutet, about 10% of those traveling to Santiago from Argentina now do so for just 24 hours.
“The route from Córdoba to Santiago, which has direct flights from LAN, has seen an annual growth of 10% since flights resumed post-pandemic,” added Boutet. “The increase in flights is noteworthy because Córdoba is close to the Chilean border, and many tourists choose to drive or take buses.”
This uptick in demand for short trips highlights Santiago’s convenience for Argentinians who want to shop without spending days away from home. The ability to hop on a quick flight, shop for a few hours, and return the same day has made Santiago a preferred destination for those looking for efficiency.
What Does It Cost to Shop in Santiago?
The main draw for many Argentinians shopping in Santiago is the favorable exchange rate and access to international brands that are either limited or unavailable in Argentina. Popular stores include H&M, Decathlon, and Falabella, which offer a variety of products that cater to diverse consumer needs.
Despegar has already started marketing packages for the upcoming long weekend in October. For example, a package departing on October 11 and returning on October 13, which includes a direct flight and a stay at a four-star hotel, costs approximately $328,733 ARS per person. Meanwhile, the most affordable direct flights to Santiago are currently priced at $250,000 ARS. For many Argentinians, especially those from Buenos Aires, this is a reasonable investment for a short shopping trip.
However, others opt for an even more economical route: traveling first to Mendoza and then making an express shopping trip to Santiago. Flybondi, a low-cost airline, has seen a rise in demand for flights between Buenos Aires and Mendoza. The airline offers four daily flights on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays, with three daily flights on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Tickets for September start at $48,272 ARS for one-way trips, with the option of paying in three interest-free installments. This option allows shoppers to reach Mendoza and then cross the border to Santiago for a brief yet rewarding shopping spree.
The Role of Airlines in the Shopping Boom
Flybondi isn’t the only airline benefiting from this surge in demand. LATAM Airlines, which operates direct flights between major Argentine cities like Buenos Aires and Córdoba and Santiago, has also experienced a boom in bookings. Airlines are capitalizing on this trend by offering more flights and competitive pricing to attract even more shopping tourists.
The ability to travel quickly and affordably from Argentina to Chile, coupled with access to coveted international brands, has made shopping tourism an exciting trend. Argentinian consumers, faced with economic instability at home, are finding solace in Chile’s malls and outlets, where they can purchase products at favorable prices while enjoying a quick and convenient getaway.
Why Santiago Is Beating Miami
For years, Miami was the go-to destination for Latin Americans looking to indulge in a shopping extravaganza. Its massive malls, luxury brands, and tax-free zones attracted tourists from across the region. However, Santiago’s competitive pricing, proximity, and similar brand offerings are allowing it to compete with Miami in ways it couldn’t before.
The shorter distance from Argentina to Santiago, coupled with cheaper flights and accommodation, means that travelers can take multiple trips to Chile in a single year, maximizing their shopping opportunities. Additionally, many Argentinian tourists have realized that they can find the same brands in Santiago’s shopping districts as they would in Miami, without the added burden of a long international flight or visa requirements.
The Future of Shopping Tourism in Santiago
As the demand for shopping trips to Santiago continues to rise, it’s clear that this trend is here to stay. Travel agencies are capitalizing on the interest by offering tailored packages that cater to the needs of Argentinian consumers, from express day trips to longer weekend getaways. With airlines adding more routes and increasing flight frequency, it’s becoming easier and more affordable for Argentinians to make the short journey to Santiago, whether for a day of shopping or a winter ski trip.
Santiago’s growth as a shopping tourism destination is also contributing to its broader appeal as a travel destination. The city offers not only great shopping but also cultural attractions, world-class restaurants, and nearby natural wonders such as the Andes mountains. As a result, it’s becoming an all-around destination for Argentinians seeking both leisure and retail therapy.
In conclusion, Santiago de Chile is rapidly becoming a top shopping destination for Argentinians. The combination of proximity, international brands, affordable flights, and attractive vacation packages has fueled a surge in shopping tourism that shows no signs of slowing down. Whether for a quick 24-hour trip or a longer stay, Santiago is poised to become a mainstay in Argentinian travel itineraries.
