Flights to South America

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Best student & youth fares right now to South America

South American on your mind? Check out some of the fares below from the US to South America, and remember to keep checking back, as these prices are updated daily, according to the best deals of the moment!

Student flights from the USA to South America

Packed full of incredible natural wonders, amazing archaeological sites and fascinating cities, South America will capture your heart unlike anywhere else. You'll experience the cities first when flying in, whether you’re touching down in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, Buenos Aires in Argentina, Lima in Peru, Bogota in Colombia, or Santiago in Chile. Each boasts a huge amount of things to do and unique attractions, and each acts as a perfect jumping off point for further exploration throughout their respective countries and the wider continent.

For example, if you want to see the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu, you’ll need to make your way to Lima, the capital of Peru, before using in-country transport to travel to the foot of the world-famous Inca Trail. If it’s the otherworldly salt flats of Bolivia that’s caught your eye, you’ll need to search for a flight to La Paz, the capital of Bolivia. If you just want a stunningly-located metropolis, bursting at the seams with culture, look no further than Rio.

Whatever your reason for wanting to visit South America, StudentUniverse can get you there for less. Our unique partnerships with major airlines that connect you with this amazing continent mean we can offer exclusive discounts and promo codes, so get searching today!

map of south america

What are the main South American airport hubs?

The main airport hubs in South America can be found in (or near) the continent’s major cities and capitals. So Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo in Brazil, Buenos Aires in Argentina, Lima in Peru, Santiago in Chile, Bogotá in Colombia and Caracas in Venezuela. If it’s an overland adventure you’re after, you can book what’s known as a multi-city flight: landing in one place, like La Paz in Bolivia, and leaving from another, like Quito in Ecuador.

How to fly from the USA to South America

The US and North America in general are very well connected to South America, with regular direct flights from all major American cities to all major cities in South America. So whether you’re looking for a route from New York to Bogota, Chicago to La Paz, Los Angeles to Rio de Janeiro, or Dallas to Santiago, we’ll have something to suit your needs. Search using the box at the top of the page for options.

When is the best time to fly to South America?

Because of its huge size, the best time to fly to South America in terms of climate depends in part on which area you want to visit. The northern regions—places like Colombia and Venezuela—are on or near to the equator, meaning it’s pretty warm year round. On the other hand, southern regions, like Patagonia on the southern tip of Argentina, are markedly cooler. Keep in mind that due to most of the continent being in the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons are turned on their head (compared to the US), meaning spring and summer run from September-March, whereas autumn and winter run from April-August.

When is the cheapest time to book a flight from the USA to South America?

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Prices based on bookings made 60-91 days prior to departure.

Why do American students love visiting South America?

South America is growing in popularity with young American travelers due to the massive amount of adventures available and the generally lower cost of living compared to the US. While it’s not a top study abroad destination right now, opportunities in that regard are growing quickly. Read on for info on major universities, lifestyle and how to explore on a budget.

South America universities and campuses

South America is home to some of the world’s top universities. Some of these include the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil, which often tops relevant ranking tables across the continent; Pontificia Javeriana University in Colombia; and the University of Desarrollo en Chile. Even if you’re not studying at one of these universities, there’s lots to be gained by studying in South America! Brush up on your Spanish and experience a new culture in a land that has centuries of history. Most US schools have some options for study abroad programs in South America, so check into what’s available to you!

South America lifestyle and culture

From ancient civilizations to modern day, the people of South America encompass a mixture of different cultures. Spanish and Portuguese are the dominant languages. English is also widely spoken. The people in South America love to party and dance (Rio hosts Carnival, the world’s biggest street party) each year, and samba clubs can be found everywhere. You’ll also find some amazing food! The culture, generally, is very warm and welcoming and you might be surprised how quickly South American culture starts to feel like home.

Exploring South America on a student budget

South America is easy to explore on a student budget, with low living costs (think cheap food and accommodation) and attractions that are often free. Bus travel is low-cost when it comes to traveling overland, and if you use night buses you can save on a night’s accommodation. Bolivia is generally seen as the cheapest of the countries in South America (set aside about $20 per day) while places like Brazil and Chile are a bit more expensive.

Frequently asked questions about flying from the USA to South America

What are the top events in South America?

Where is the best place to see wildlife in South America?

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