Cheap Flights to South America: How to Find the Best Deals

Destinations & Guides

Por: Huillca Expedition

Traveling to South America can be an unforgettable experience, but the cost of flights can take up a significant portion of your budget. However, with the right strategies, you can find affordable flights without sacrificing comfort or flexibility in your travel dates.

This guide explains the best ways to find cheap flights to South America, including budget-friendly airlines, tools to compare prices, and tips to take advantage of discounts and special offers.

Best Time to Book Flights to South America

The timing of your flight purchase directly affects the ticket price.

Book flights 3 to 6 months in advance to secure the best fares.
Travel during the low season (March–June and September–November) to find lower prices due to reduced demand.
Avoid holidays like Christmas, New Year, and Easter, as prices tend to be higher.
Consider flying on less popular days like Tuesdays or Wednesdays, which are often cheaper than weekends.

Airlines with the Best Prices for South America

Choosing low-cost airlines or those offering promotional fares can significantly reduce your travel expenses.

Airline	Home Country	Features
Sky Airline	Chile	Low-cost carrier, domestic and international flights
JetSMART	Chile	Affordable fares on South American routes
Viva Air	Colombia	Budget flights from North America and within South America
GOL	Brazil	Affordable flights within Brazil and international connections
Avianca	Colombia	Promotional fares on routes to South America
LATAM	Chile	Discounted international flights with stopovers

It’s recommended to compare prices across multiple airlines, as some offer exclusive discounts on their official websites.

Best Tools to Find Cheap Flights

Several platforms allow you to search, compare, and monitor real-time flight prices.

Google Flights – Displays price trends and the cheapest travel dates.
Skyscanner – Compares multiple airlines and allows you to set price alerts.
Kayak – Provides price predictions to help determine whether to book now or wait.
Momondo – Finds hidden fares and combines airlines for better deals.
Secret Flying – Posts mistake fares and exclusive flight discounts.

Checking multiple tools before booking can help secure the best deal.

Strategies to Get Cheap Flights

There are several tactics to reduce the cost of plane tickets.

Be flexible with dates – Use the “whole month” search option to find the lowest fares.
Travel with only carry-on luggage – Many low-cost airlines offer lower prices for passengers without checked baggage.
Use miles or points – Credit cards with reward programs can significantly lower ticket prices.
Avoid booking during peak hours – Searching for flights late at night or early morning may yield lower fares due to lower demand.
Set price alerts – Platforms like Skyscanner and Google Flights send notifications when ticket prices drop.

Alternatives to Direct Flights to Save Money

Sometimes, breaking up the journey into multiple flights can be cheaper than buying a direct ticket.

Fly first to a city with cheaper flights, then book a low-cost flight to the final destination.
Consider layovers in countries with lower airport taxes, such as Panama or Colombia.
Book separate legs with different airlines to reduce overall travel costs.

If choosing this strategy, allow enough time between flights to avoid missing connections.

Common Mistakes When Booking Flights & How to Avoid Them

Waiting too long to book – Sometimes, holding out for a deal results in higher prices instead of savings.
Not checking alternative airports – Some cities have multiple airports, and secondary airports may offer cheaper flights.
Ignoring extra fees – Low-cost airlines often charge extra for baggage, seat selection, and other services.
Not using incognito mode when searching – Some websites increase prices if they detect repeated searches for the same route.

Estimated Budget for Flights to South America

Ticket prices vary based on season, airline, and route. Below is an estimate of round-trip fares from different regions:

Origin	Destination	Avg. Price (Low Season)	Avg. Price (High Season)
New York	Lima	$400 - $600	$800 - $1,200
Madrid	Buenos Aires	$500 - $750	$900 - $1,400
Miami	Bogotá	$250 - $450	$600 - $900
Mexico City	Santiago	$350 - $600	$700 - $1,100

Applying the strategies mentioned above can help reduce these costs even further.