Cheap flights to South America

Peak season:

South America is a massive continent so it’s almost impossible to highlight just one peak tourism season. Countries such as Brazil and Argentina are pretty much year-round destinations, but the peak season in both these countries run from December through March, which is the summer months in which most tourists show up. It can be challenging to find cheap flight deals to South America from December through March for obvious reasons. Other countries such as Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador don’t have winter or summer months, but they do have wet and dry seasons. Due to the various seasonal changes, each country has its peak and off season. Generally speaking, the festive season over Christmas is when flight prices to South America are at their most expensive.

Off season:

Just like the peak season, it’s hard to differentiate between off seasons in the South American countries. The cheapest flights to South America can however often be found during the months of June and October, which is when the majority of South America’s countries experience their winters or monsoon seasons. Once you’ve decided where exactly you’d like to go in South America, you should aim to book your flights to that country during the off season to help you save as much as possible on flight and accommodation prices.

With its plethora of natural and cultural wonders, South America has always been a continent that captivates travelers from across the world. From its idyllic beaches to its snow-capped mountains, the tropical rainforests and the intriguing natives, when taking a quick inventory of what South America boasts, it’s not hard to understand why it’s such a fascinating destination. If you’re planning on taking a cheap flight to South America, you’ll be welcomed by a curious combination of familiarities, such as colonial churches, beach culture, and European languages, all topped off with a touch of the exotic!

Which airlines operate flights to South America?

Since South America comprises out of a variety of countries, you’ll see that there are plenty of airlines that offer flight routes to and from South America. Once you’ve figured out where you’d like to go in South America, you’ll have a clearer indication of exactly which airlines operate flights to your countries of choice. You’ll probably end up seeing names such as British Airways, Brasil Central Linha, LAN Airlines, Tap Air Portugal, and Finnair coming up once you’ve refined your destination-specific search.

How to get from the airport to the city center?

Brazil – Rio de Janeiro

If you’re heading to Brazil and touching down in Rio de Janeiro, you’ll have a few different options as to how you can get to the heart of the city. The Bus Rapid Transport system is a popular public transport service that’ll get you to the city center quickly and affordably. The airport is also serviced by a range of metered and pre-booked taxis, all of which can be found outside of the arrival terminals, which can be an excellent way of getting to the city in no time.

Argentina – Buenos Aires

For travelers heading to Argentina and arriving at Buenos Aires International airport, there are a few options which can be used to get to the city center. Buses and taxis provide safe, affordable, and efficient solutions for tourists looking to get into the city center from the airport. Alternatively, you can also check with the hotel you’re lodging with to enquire about any free shuttle services that might be on offer from the airport to the hotel premises.

Peru – Lima

You can easily get to the Lima city center if you’ve decided to arrive in Peru as part of your South American holiday. Taxis can be booked inside of the airport and found parked outside of the arrival terminals. Taking a cab to the city is one of the quickest and easiest ways on commuting around the city as well. If you don’t mind walking to the bus stop just outside of the airport, you can also make use of one of the buses which shuttle between the airport and the city center, although this might not be a viable option for travelers with loads of baggage.

Chile – Santiago

Simply put, public transport isn’t widely available at Chile’s airport in Santiago. One of the best and most affordable ways of getting to the city center from the airport is by using a metered or pre-booked taxi. Alternatively, you may also check with your hotel to find out whether or not they offer a complimentary shuttle service from the airport.

What is the best way to travel around South America?

Countries in South America are large, and many parts of the inner continent are not easy to access by road. The fastest and often cheapest way of getting around is by plane. Domestic flights are a convenient option in larger countries such as Argentina and Peru, while international flights offer connections to other countries on the continent. You can save money on flights to South America's many cities when you book flights in advance. If you are flexible on time and prefer a more scenic route, long-distance buses are very affordable. Want to keep your options open? You can also hire a car. Lookup vehicle rental services at your destination airport once you've booked flights to South America.

What are some things to do in South America?

From stunning natural landscapes to world-renowned cultural landmarks, South America has plenty to offer tourists. Dance the night away and try tango dancing in its home of Buenos Aires. Discover the lush rainforests of Costa Rica and spot turtles and lizards on the volcanic Galapagos Islands. Avid hikers will enjoy exploring the Andes, from the rocky peaks of Patagonia to the Inca trail leading to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu in Peru.

How long is the flight to South America?

You can find cheap flights to South America from various international airports in South Africa, such as Johannesburg and Cape Town. There are currently no direct flights to South America from South Africa, so your journey time will depend on the number of stops on your route. The quickest flights from Johannesburg to Costa Rica usually take around 23h 50min. Flying from Cape Town to Buenos Aires takes around 35h 25min. For those travelling to Peru, you can fly from Durban to Lima in around 29h 15min. When you book flights to South America, consider that journeys with two or more stopovers may be quicker than journeys with one long stop. Compare flights to find the best South America flight deals for you in both price and journey time. Given the time difference when crossing the Atlantic, we recommend finding flights to South America that depart in the evening to arrive the following afternoon.

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

Before you book flights to South America, research the visa requirements of your destination. While South African citizens do not need a visa to visit some countries such as Argentina and Peru, other nations like Bolivia and Colombia require a visa for South African passport holders. Keep in mind that visas do add an extra cost to your journey, even if you find particularly cheap flights to South America. You should also research currency exchange rates before your flight to South America as it may be cheaper to exchange US dollars with local currency.