During the bustling summer of 2025, beaches in Chile, Brazil, and Uruguay became thronged with Argentine tourists, enticed by affordable vacation opportunities made possible by the strengthening Argentine peso. Popular locales like Viña del Mar, Concón, and Reñaca in Chile have turned into vibrant holiday spots, where visitors relish in sharing traditional yerba mate teas and enjoying beach activities.
This trend marks a notable increase in Argentine outbound tourism at the beginning of the Southern Hemisphere's summer. Compared to the previous year, December 2024 saw a remarkable 76.4% rise in Argentine travelers heading abroad, with 80.7% choosing neighboring countries. Chile emerged as the leading choice, followed closely by Brazil and Uruguay.
The Argentine peso's appreciation by around 41% against the U.S. dollar since late 2023 has been a significant factor driving this influx. President Javier Milei's administration implemented economic reforms aimed at combating inflation and reducing government expenditure, thereby bolstering the currency's strength on the international market.
Besides the favorable exchange rate, several factors have made vacations abroad more appealing for Argentines. The devaluation of foreign currencies, the convenience of nearby destinations, and the high cost of domestic vacations have redirected many travelers to explore international shores.
Chile has particularly benefited from this trend, hosting 40% of the 5.2 million visitors in 2024 and early 2025. According to Chilean tourism officials, Argentine tourists are also spending more, with average expenditures of about $63.3 per person per day.
The enthusiasm for travel isn't limited to Chile. Argentina's neighboring countries, including Brazil and Uruguay, are also witnessing a surge in Argentine visitors. Brazil, for instance, welcomed 6.6 million foreign tourists in 2024, with nearly 1.9 million from Argentina alone. The allure of Brazil lies in its recently depreciated real, making travel expenses more attractive for budget-conscious travelers.
In Uruguay's exclusive Punta del Este resort, visitors have similarly enjoyed a return to travel after economic constraints and a long hiatus due to the pandemic. The region has seen almost half of its visitors come from Argentina, drawn by recent economic improvements and reduced travel costs.
The Argentine travel boom is also influenced by the elimination of a tax on foreign credit card purchases, leading to enhanced purchasing power for international tourists. As inflation falls and people's finances recover, destinations across neighboring countries are seeing an influx of tourists eager to take advantage of the economic climate.
Despite Argentina's internal challenges, its citizens are making the most of improved economic conditions to explore and relax in adjacent nations, signifying a positive shift in their travel habits. This phenomenon highlights the broader dynamics of regional tourism and the pervasive impact of macroeconomic policies on personal choices.