February is traditionally the peak vacation month for Chileans, with thousands of families traveling across the country to enjoy the summer holidays. However, the 2025 season is shaping up to be a record-breaking period for international tourism in Chile, particularly with the influx of Argentine visitors. While the Pacific coastline remains a significant draw, another key factor is influencing this trend: school supplies in Chile are up to three times cheaper than in Argentina.
Record Argentine Influx into Chile
In Argentina, the school year is set to begin on February 24 in most provinces, though some students return earlier for exams and other academic commitments. Despite this, many Argentine families are taking advantage of the summer break to travel to Chile, combining vacation with cost-effective shopping.
The impact is particularly noticeable in cities near the border, such as Mendoza, San Juan, and Córdoba, which primarily use the Cristo Redentor Pass to cross into Chile. According to Argentine Gendarmerie data, the Los Libertadores border complex has seen wait times of up to four hours due to the heavy flow of travelers. Over the first weekend of February alone, more than 34,000 people made the round trip.
Further complicating travel, a recent mudslide forced the closure of the border on the Argentine side for over 48 hours. When it reopened, there were reports of five-kilometer-long lines and as many as 8,000 departures in a single day, numbers similar to the January daily averages.
Chile’s Tourism Boom in 2025
The Chilean National Tourism Service (Sernatur) is expected to release official foreign visitor statistics for January soon. However, early estimates from the Federation of Tourism Companies of Chile (Fedetur) indicate that international tourist numbers could surpass six million, marking the strongest summer since the record-breaking 2017 season.
Máximo Picallo, president of the Chilean Gastronomy Association (Achiga), highlighted the positive impact of Argentine tourism:
“January has been very successful, with a significantly higher number of Argentine tourists compared to previous years.”
He added that this trend is unlikely to change in February. While Chileans typically take more vacations this month, Argentine tourists are expected to continue arriving in large numbers, particularly for shopping.
The Price Gap: Why Argentines Prefer to Shop in Chile
The stark difference in the price of school supplies between Chile and Argentina is a primary reason for the surge in shopping tourism.
Take, for instance, a simple university notebook. At ChangoMás (formerly Walmart) in Argentina, a 60-page notebook costs AR$7,399, equivalent to CLP$6,490. In contrast, Líder in Chile sells a 100-page Harry Potter-themed notebook for just CLP$1,790—making it 72.4% cheaper than its Argentine counterpart.
Price Comparisons: School Supplies in Chile vs. Argentina
The price gap becomes even more evident with imported brands. A 30-liter Head backpack in Argentina is listed at AR$248,000 (CLP$217,600), whereas a 27-liter reversible model from the same brand costs just CLP$19,990 in Chile.
Similarly, an eight-pack of Sharpie markers costs CLP$10,726 in Argentina, while at Líder in Chile, the same product is available for CLP$5,990—nearly half the price.
Argentine families also find significant savings on essential school clothing. Leather children’s shoes, which average CLP$35,000 in Argentina, are available in Chile for as low as CLP$14,990. Meanwhile, a single white school shirt costs approximately CLP$16,000 in Argentina (AR$18,200), whereas in Chile, a two-pack is available for CLP$8,990.
The summer of 2025 is proving to be a historic season for Chilean tourism, with a remarkable influx of Argentine visitors. While the country’s stunning beaches and vibrant cities remain attractive, the substantial cost savings on everyday essentials—particularly school supplies—are a powerful incentive for families to cross the border. With the trend expected to continue through February, Chile is poised to achieve one of its best tourism seasons in recent years.