Cheap Flights to South America from Australia

Best student & youth fares right now to South America

Student flights from Australia to South America

South America is a dream for adventurous travellers, with its extraordinary natural wonders, gripping historical sites and energetic cities. It’s the cities you’ll experience first when flying in, be that the capital of Argentina, Buenos Aires; the most famous city in Brazil, Rio de Janeiro; or the capital of Peru, Lima. Then there’s Bogota in Colombia, Caracas in Venezuela and La Paz in Bolivia.

When it comes to things to do, this is bucket list central. Hike the world-famous Inca Trail to the lost (well, technically found) city of Machu Picchu, drive in a 4x4 across the Bolivian salt flats, trek through the Amazon Jungle, gaze at the thunderous falls of Iguazu, or learn salsa in Santiago, Chile.

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

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What are the main South America airport hubs?

South America’s air hubs can be found in and based around its major metropolitan areas, like capital cities. So we’re talking Bogota in Colombia, Lima in Peru, La Paz in Bolivia, Santiago in Chile and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. South America is awesome to explore overland as part of a larger adventure, so keep in mind that you can purchase a ticket that lets you fly into one city, like Quito in Ecuador, and out another, like Buenos Aires in Argentina.

How to fly from Australia to South America

Australia enjoys good connections to South America, with several airlines operating several flights a week from major Australian east coast cities, like Sydney and Melbourne, to Santiago in Chile, which is the closest hub geographically, located as it is on the westerly coast of the continent, which is bordered by the Pacific. Airlines that run this route include Qantas, Australia’s flagship carrier.

When is the best time to fly to South America?

As anyone who’s glanced at a world map knows, South America is a massive place that covers a huge topographical range. This means the precise weather and climate will depend on the exact part you want to visit, but generally speaking, due to its position in the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons match those of Australia: summer and autumn in the first half of the year; winter and spring in the second. The areas nearest the equator, like Colombia and Venezuela, are obviously the hottest year round, whereas southern areas, like Patagonia, will see more varied seasons, with guaranteed snow and ice in winter.

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

Avgprice JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecDate of search $1800$1900$2000$2100$2200$2300$2400$2500$2600$2700$2800

Prices based on bookings made 30-60 days prior to departure.

Why do Australian students love visiting South America?

Aussie students love South America because of the amazing adventures it offers, along with a low cost of living, certainly in comparison to major Australian cities like Sydney and Melbourne. The continent isn’t a top study abroad destination right now, but it’s quickly gaining credibility with students who want to experience life in places like Buenos Aires and Santiago.


South America universities and campuses

South America enjoys some of the world’s top universities, such as the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil, which boasts hundreds of study programs for both under-graduates and graduates. Pontificia University in Colombia is also worth a look, as is Diego Portales University in Chile.


South America lifestyle and culture

Europeans arrived in South America in the Middle Ages and colonised most of it (to the devastation of native populations, who didn’t have any immunity to diseases like smallpox) and as such, the main languages spoken today are Portuguese and Spanish. The people love samba and dancing generally, and you’re never too far from a street party.


Exploring South America on a student budget

There are some amazing attractions in South America that can be experienced on a student budget, and the general cost of living - like accommodation and food - is cheaper than that of Australia, so your dollar will take you much further than it would back home. Bolivia is the cheapest country, while Brazil and Chile are more expensive.

Frequently asked questions about flying from Australia to South America

What are the top events in South America?

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