Cheap flights to South America

Peak season:

Why book flights to South America? From the melancholic Argentine tango, to the ancient Inca ruins of Bolivia, South America’s traditions and cultures are unique in the world, and offer an experience like no other. Most travellers choose to visit the two largest countries in the continent, Brazil and Argentina, simply because they are the most diverse but there are plenty of other fascinating destinations. Bolivia nestles between the Andes and the Amazon rainforests making it an ideal base to visit both, while Peru’s Machu Picchu is a major drawcard for many tourists. Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela in the north may lack ancient wonders but make up for it in natural beauty spectacular landscapes, tropical rainforests, and pristine beaches. South America has four climatic zones: temperate, tropical, dry and cold, with differing peak seasons for each country. Mid-­December to early March is peak season for Argentina and Brazil when the weather is hot and humid. Peru has complicated weather but high season coincides with the dry season from May through October and most people choose to book flight tickets in July and August. For Bolivia the dry season between May and October is also preferable. For northern countries such as Venezuela peak season is November through February when winter hits Europe and North America.

Off season:

Different countries have different off seasons in South America but in general the best time for off season travel is during the southern hemisphere’s winter months (June to August). In saying that central and southern Chile experiences heavy snowfall from June to September so should be avoided. For Peru and Bolivia the low season is from December to March which is the rainy season. This is when prices for flights to South America and accommodation are considerably lower.

Which airlines operate flights to South America?

Depending on your destination when booking flights to South America you should be able to find several airlines that make the trek across the Pacific Ocean including Qantas, Air New Zealand LATAM Airlines Chile and China Airlines. If you’re travelling to Brazil or Argentina expect a stopover in Santiago in Chile for refueling.

How to get from the airport to the city centre?

South America is well set up for international flights with some of the busiest airports being: São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport in Brazil, El Dorado International Airport in Columbia Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport in Santiago and Jorge Chávez International Airport in Peru. Once landed you should be able to get to the city centre in a timely fashion by bus or taxi depending on the traffic and/or weather. Domestic air travel is the safest way to fly between countries and a great way to view the mountains and rainforest.

What is the best way to travel around South America

South America’s travel infrastructure varies from country to country. Argentina’s and Brazil’s travel networks are of a comparatively higher standard, especially around large cities. Throughout the continent, you will find the usual, rail, bus, and car hire, options. You will also find plenty of flight operators including smaller budget airlines operating throughout South America. Within the Amazon basin, travel by boat is common, and in some remote corners it is the only option. Organised coach tours are also available.

What are some things to do in South America?

This vast continent has so much to offer. The best-known attraction is the Amazon which spans eight South American countries. Within the Amazon biome, you can take river tours, stay at eco-hotels, visit Amazonian tribes, or take a wildlife trek. On the Western coast of the continent, you could visit the Andes mountains which stretch from Ecuador in the north down to Argentina. Here you can trek, see the famous salt lakes, or visit Machu Picchu. Argentina boasts the world’s last wilderness, Patagonia, where you can meet gauchos, sip mate, and marvel at the unspoilt beauty. For a more relaxing time, you could take in Rio’s carnival or relax on the Copacabana with a cocktail. Book a cheap flight to South America for the adventure of a lifetime.

How long is the flight to South America?

South America is a vast continent made up of 12 countries. Despite its distance from Australia, it’s possible to book cheap flights to South America. When comparing flights to South America, the flight time to each country will vary. To give you an idea about the duration of flights to South America, we’ve compiled a list of flight times to several countries throughout the continent. From Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport, you can reach Rio de Janeiro-Galeao Intl. Airport,Brazil, in 17h 20min. Flying to South America from Melbourne Intl. Airport, you can get to Bogota El Dorado Intl. Airport, Colombia, in 18h 40min. A flight to Lima J Chavez Intl. Airport, Peru, takes 16h 45min. And a flight from Sydney to Quito Mariscal Sucr Intl Airport, Ecuador, takes 20h 30min.

What do I need to do before my flight to South America?

Before booking flights to South America you should understand the entry requirements for your particular country of arrival. Generally, Australian citizens can travel to any South American country without a visa and stay for a maximum of 90 days. No matter which country you arrive in, you must have a valid passport. The amount of time remaining on your passport differs country by country. Colombia, for example, requires your passport to remain valid for at least six months after your arrival date. Travellers are also advised to update their MMR vaccine and to get jabs for Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Yellow Fever. Be sure to double check entry requirements before you book flights to South America.