Should I book everything at once or separately?

Book international flights first, then domestic connections. Airlines rarely offer good multi-country packages, and you'll pay premium prices for the convenience.

Is the LATAM Airpass worth it?

Yes, if you're visiting 4+ countries in 30 days. Below that, point-to-point tickets often cost less and give you more flexibility on dates.

What about overland travel between countries?

Buses connect most countries but take 12-24 hours versus 2-hour flights. Mix both: fly the long routes (Colombia to Peru), bus the short ones (Argentina to Chile).

Do I need transit visas?

Usually no if you're not leaving the airport, but check each country. Some require transit visas even for same-day connections.

How to Book Multi-Country Flights in South America

Book multi-country flights in South America using regional airlines like LATAM and Avianca, or purchase a South America Airpass for 3+ destinations. Open-jaw tickets (fly into one city, out of another) cost the same as roundtrip and give you maximum flexibility.

Choose your routing strategy. Decide between point-to-point tickets, an open-jaw ticket, or a South America Airpass. Open-jaw works best for 2-3 countries. Airpasses make sense for 4+ destinations in 30 days.
Check LATAM and Avianca networks first. These two airlines cover 90% of South American routes. LATAM dominates the Pacific coast and Brazil. Avianca covers Colombia, Ecuador, and has good connections throughout the continent.
Book open-jaw for maximum savings. Fly into one country and out of another. Lima to Buenos Aires costs the same as roundtrip to Lima, but saves you a backtrack flight. Popular combinations: Lima in/Santiago out, or Bogotá in/Rio out.
Consider the South America Airpass. LATAM offers 3-10 flight coupons valid for 30 days. Minimum 3 flights for $299, each additional flight around $99. Must be purchased before arrival and with an international ticket to South America.
Book domestic legs separately. International routing rarely includes good domestic connections. Book your international flights first, then add domestic legs on local carriers like Gol (Brazil), JetSmart (Chile), or Sky Airlines.
Time for seasonal price swings. Book 2-3 months ahead for dry season travel (May-September). Shoulder seasons (March-April, October) offer 30% lower prices with decent weather.

Should I book everything at once or separately?: Book international flights first, then domestic connections. Airlines rarely offer good multi-country packages, and you'll pay premium prices for the convenience.
Is the LATAM Airpass worth it?: Yes, if you're visiting 4+ countries in 30 days. Below that, point-to-point tickets often cost less and give you more flexibility on dates.
What about overland travel between countries?: Buses connect most countries but take 12-24 hours versus 2-hour flights. Mix both: fly the long routes (Colombia to Peru), bus the short ones (Argentina to Chile).
Do I need transit visas?: Usually no if you're not leaving the airport, but check each country. Some require transit visas even for same-day connections.