Cheap flights to South America

South America embodies a soul that’s found nowhere else in the world. And each country has its own traditions and cultures; from the highly extrovert Brazilian samba to the deeply sacred pilgrimage site of Las Lajas in Colombia.

The two largest countries in the continent, Brazil and Argentina, are perhaps the most diverse. And most travellers booking flights to South America choose to combine a trip to both countries. Brazil is a blend of diverse cultures: Portuguese, native Indian, African, European, Middle Eastern and Asian all living in this wild and exciting land. While in Argentina its European influences dominate its art, architecture, literature and lifestyle. But what both countries do have in common is the Iguazú Falls, the spectacular 275 cascading waterfalls which are taller than Niagara Falls and possibly one of the most unforgettable sights in the world.    

North of Argentina is Bolivia, a country nestled between the Andes and the Amazon rainforests. Because of its isolation the country has retained the ancient traditions of its ancestors, making it a fascinating and mysterious place to visit. Bolivia’s neighbour, Peru, is just as captivating; its history dates back to the Inca Empire with Machu Picchu, its most illustrious symbol. The countries in the northern end of South America including Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela might not be as renowned for their ancient wonders as the other countries but what they do have is a natural beauty – spectacular landscapes, tropical rainforests, and pristine beaches – that makes them inimitable.

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South America climate

South America can be split into four climatic zones: tropical, dry, cold and temperate. Depending on which area of the continent you’re visiting, the elevation and weather factors including rain and wind contribute to the climate variations, making it unpredictable and erratic in some areas.

When is the best time to fly to South America?

Argentina and Brazil, both in the Southern Hemisphere, can be visited all year round but most people prefer to book flights to South America during peak season – mid December to early March – when the weather is hot and humid. But if you’d rather avoid paying top dollar for South America flights and accommodations, then the best time to go is in winter between the months of June and October. Chile, also in the Southern Hemisphere, has climactic variations from the north to south. The north can be visited at any time of the year while central and southern Chile should be avoided from June to September when snowfall can get heavy.

The Andean countries including Ecuador, Venezuela, Bolivia, Colombia and Peru have two distinct seasons: wet and dry, and depending on the altitude and proximity to the equator, each country’s peak season will differ slightly.

Bolivia has the most unpredictable weather in South America, thanks to its topography and altitude. Generally the best time to visit is during the dry season between May and October. Peru is another country with complicated weather due to its high elevation and close proximity to the Pacific Ocean. The best time to visit is summer, from January to March when days are hot and humid.

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Getting around South America

Internal South America flights are the most convenient, but not necessarily the cheapest way to get around from one country to the next. While visiting Brazil, for example, internal flights are notoriously expensive so it’s a good idea to get a Brazil Pass which allows you to take a few internal flights and is cheaper than purchasing tickets separately. Or if you’re planning on travelling between Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, and Brazil, you should consider buying a Mercosur Air Pass that will allow for two stops in each country. Read more about this and other available air passes in our Air Pass travel tip. 

Buses are the next most popular form of transport, to some the only form, and provide a cheaper alternative to flying and a great way to see the country. However it’s not always advisable to take overnight buses especially in Ecuador and Peru where armed robberies on night buses are not uncommon.

In addition to being expensive, hiring and driving a car can be dangerous and inconvenient but taxis in most major cities are available and can be hired for long journeys.

Cycling isn’t encouraged in the majority of South American countries – particularly in Colombia and Guyana – where the quality of the roads can be poor.

How long is the flight to South America?

The length of travel time when flying to South America will depend on where you're flying from and where you're flying to. Before you book, it is advisable to compare flights to South America. When departing from Kuala Lumpur and landing in Sao Paulo, you'll find flights operated by LATAM Airlines that have a single stopover at Doha Hamad International Airport and a flight time of around 23h 30min. If you're travelling from Penang, you'll find flights to Sao Paulo Guarulhos International Airport with two stopovers in Kuala Lumpur and Dubai in around 30h 30min. Other popular and cheap South America flight deals include flights to Colombia. You'll find flights from Kuala Lumpur Airport to Bogota El Dorado Airport in around 29h 30 min with one stopover at Amsterdam Schiphol along the way. KLM operate another one of the popular flights to South America, this time from Kuala Lumpur to Lima J Chavez International Airport in around 34h, with a single stopover in Amsterdam.

What is the best way to travel around South America?

Once you book flights to South America, you'll want to figure out the best way to travel around the area you're in. If you find yourself in Sao Paulo, one of the best ways to get around the city is on foot, or make use of the bike-sharing system, Bike Sampa. When travelling between cities, Congonhas Airport serves the city with domestic flights. When boarding cheap flights to South America heading to Lima, you'll be glad to know that Lima has an extensive bus and metro system operating throughout the city, though exploring the city on foot is the most common way to travel around. Travelling around Bogota on foot is the ideal way to get around but if you want to avoid that, you can make use of the TransMilenio or taxi systems in the city.

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

Before flying to South America, you'll want to make sure your passport is valid for at least two or three months after your departure date. Make sure to exchange money before getting to the airport to avoid a lower exchange rate. Bring a hat and enough sunscreen to last the whole trip to avoid getting sunburnt.

What are some things to do in South America?

Take advantage of South America airfare because the continent is teeming with activities to get involved in and world-renowned sights to see. Start off by exploring Lake Titicaca in the Andes Mountains, which straddles the border between Bolivia and Peru. From there, you'll want to make your way into Peru and visit the ancient Inca temple of Machu Picchu. Consider taking time out to head to Ecuador and spend time exploring the Galapagos Islands or visit the most dangerous road in the world in Bolivia. The Amazon River is one of the world's longest rivers. One of the best ways to explore the river is to join a small cruise.