Cheap Flights to South America

Best student & youth fares right now to South America

Check out some of the fares below from Canada to South America, and remember to keep checking back, as these prices are updated daily. You can also always search the box above to search for the deals you need!

Student flights from Canada to South America

Packed full of incredible natural wonders, amazing archaeological sites and fascinating cities, South America makes for an incredible experience. It’s the cities you’ll experience 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, unique attractions, and acts as a perfect jumping off point for further exploration overland throughout their respective countries and the wider continent.

For example, if you want to see the ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu, you’ll need to make your way to Lima, the capital of Peru, before making your way using in-country transport to the foot of the world-famous Inca Trail. If it’s the otherworldly salt flats of Bolivia that’s got you booking your flights, 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 deals, 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 all have international airports. 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 Canada to South America

North America in general is pretty well-connected to South America, with regular flights from major Canadian cities to major South American airport hubs. Despite the distance, there’s a lot of flight options! Whether you’re looking for a route from Vancouver to Lima, Toronto to Quito, Calgary to Rio or Montreal to Buenos Aires, you’ll be sure to find a flight. Many flights have a layover in the US.

Some of the most popular airlines for flights to South America include American Airlines, Aeromexico, Avianca, Air Canada and more.

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 Ecuador 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 Canada), 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 Canada to South America?

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

Why do Canadian students love visiting South America?

South America is growing in popularity with student travellers due to the massive amounts of adventure available and the generally low cost of living and travelling compared to Canada. While it may not be as popular as Europe in terms of holidays or study abroad, it still has a lot to offer!


South America universities and campuses

South America is home to plenty of well-ranked universities, so whether you’re interested in studying Spanish, history or international business, there’s a place to do so in South America. Some of the top universities include University of Sao Paulo in Brazil and the University of Desarrollo in Chile. But even if you’re not studying at one of these universities, there’s a lot to be learned from studying abroad in South America! Experience a completely new culture in a land that has centuries of history and brush up on a new foreign language. Check with your home university to see what study abroad or exchange programs might be easily available for 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. The street food in Central and South America is also top-notch and is a perfect way to save money while still getting some delicious eats!

Frequently asked questions about flying from Canada to South America

What are the top events in South America?

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