Should I book all flights together or separately?

Book international and major domestic legs together through airline partnerships when possible. This gives you connection protection. Only book separately if you're saving significant money or need maximum flexibility.

Which airlines have the best South America coverage?

LATAM has the most extensive network covering Chile, Peru, Brazil, and beyond. Avianca dominates Colombia and Central America connections. Copa is excellent for Panama connections to anywhere in South America.

How do I handle altitude concerns when routing through high-altitude cities?

If connecting through La Paz (12,000+ feet) or Cusco (11,000+ feet), plan for at least 4-6 hour layovers to account for potential altitude effects. Consider overnight stops if you're sensitive to altitude changes.

What's the best routing for hitting multiple countries?

North to south or south to north works best. Popular routing: Miami → Bogotá → Lima → Cusco → La Paz → São Paulo → Buenos Aires → home. This follows natural geographic flow and takes advantage of good airline partnerships.

When do flight prices spike for South America?

December-February (summer season), Easter week, and July-August. Book 3-4 months ahead for these periods. Shoulder seasons (April-May, September-November) offer 20-40% savings on flights.

How to Book Flights to South America with Best Routing

Book flights to South America through major hubs like Lima, São Paulo, or Bogotá for the best connections and prices. Use multi-city searches, book 6-8 weeks ahead, and consider positioning flights to Miami or Madrid first for better routing options.

Choose your gateway city strategically. Target Lima (LIM), São Paulo (GRU), or Bogotá (BOG) as your main entry points. These cities have the most international connections and competitive pricing. Buenos Aires (EZE) and Santiago (SCL) work well for southern destinations but often cost more from North America.
Use multi-city search tools effectively. Search Google Flights, Kayak, or airline websites using multi-city options rather than one-way tickets. Input your planned route (like Lima → Cusco → La Paz → São Paulo) to find the most efficient routing and avoid expensive last-minute domestic flights.
Consider positioning flights through hub cities. If direct flights are expensive, book separate tickets: first to Miami, Madrid, or Amsterdam, then onward to South America. This works especially well from smaller US cities or European locations without direct service.
Time your booking window. Book international flights 6-8 weeks before departure for best prices. Domestic South American flights can be booked closer to travel (2-4 weeks) as they don't fluctuate as dramatically.
Check South American airline partnerships. LATAM, Avianca, and Copa have extensive regional networks. Book through their websites or partners like American Airlines or Delta to access better routing options and connection protection that third-party sites can't offer.
Plan for connection times. Allow minimum 2 hours for domestic connections and 3 hours for international connections in South America. Infrastructure varies significantly between airports, and delays are common during rainy season (December-March).

Should I book all flights together or separately?: Book international and major domestic legs together through airline partnerships when possible. This gives you connection protection. Only book separately if you're saving significant money or need maximum flexibility.
Which airlines have the best South America coverage?: LATAM has the most extensive network covering Chile, Peru, Brazil, and beyond. Avianca dominates Colombia and Central America connections. Copa is excellent for Panama connections to anywhere in South America.
How do I handle altitude concerns when routing through high-altitude cities?: If connecting through La Paz (12,000+ feet) or Cusco (11,000+ feet), plan for at least 4-6 hour layovers to account for potential altitude effects. Consider overnight stops if you're sensitive to altitude changes.
What's the best routing for hitting multiple countries?: North to south or south to north works best. Popular routing: Miami → Bogotá → Lima → Cusco → La Paz → São Paulo → Buenos Aires → home. This follows natural geographic flow and takes advantage of good airline partnerships.
When do flight prices spike for South America?: December-February (summer season), Easter week, and July-August. Book 3-4 months ahead for these periods. Shoulder seasons (April-May, September-November) offer 20-40% savings on flights.