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 melancholic Argentinean tango to the ancient Inca ruins of Bolivia.

The two largest countries in the continent, Brazil and Argentina, are perhaps the most diverse and most travelers 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 neighbor, 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.

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.

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 travel during the peak season – mid December to early March – when the weather is hot and humid. But if you’d rather avoid paying higher prices 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.

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 air passes which allows you to take a few internal flights and is cheaper than purchasing tickets separately. Or if you’re planning on traveling between Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, and Brazil, you should consider buying a pass that will allow for two stops in each country.

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, renting 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.