Book Cheap Flights to Chile

About Chile

Chile is a country where you can lose yourself in fragrant vineyards and bustling streets before surrendering to the fierce call of the wild. Chile is home to over 18 million people and one of the most prosperous nations in South America. Attractions include Lauca National Park in the Andes, the Moai statues on Easter Island and Valparaíso.

Get ready to explore the wild heart of South America with cheap flights to Chile. The capital city of Santiago is home to Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL), which is a 20-minute drive from the city centre. Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport serves LATAM and Air France. Popular international flights to Santiago depart from Johannesburg and Cape Town. Flight duration from Johannesburg to Santiago is approximately 16 hours.

Popular flights to Chile

Flight Route Airline Trip Type Travel Dates Searched Price From
* Please note that the prices are subject to availability and block out dates do apply over peak season.

Why visit Chile

chile wild landscapes

Wild Landscapes

Chile is pure wilderness. Marvel at the snowy peaks of trembling volcanoes, explore untamed jungles and shimmering lakes, and be awed by the arid mystique of Atacama Desert.

chile interesting places

Interesting Places

Santiago is a bustling metropolis, Castro is a rustic village on stilts, Santa Cruz is for wine lovers, Iquique flaunts sleek decadence, and Valparaíso is a wonderful mess of colour.

chile easter island

Easter Island

Mysterious and mystical, Easter Island was once one of the most isolated places on earth. Today it is home to 1000 moai carvings that whisper stories of the enigmatic Rapa Nui.

General information

Essential details you need to know before your trip

Currency Chilean Peso
Exchange Rate 1 ZAR = 51.80 CLP
Language Spanish
Hub Airport Santiago International Airport (SCL)
Airline LATAM Airlines
Time Zone GMT-3 / GMT-5 (Easter Island)
Travel Adaptor Type C & L

Best time to visit Chile

Chile is famous for its contrasting climates: semi-arid in the north, Mediterranean in the central regions, tundra and alpine in the east and south-east, oceanic in the south, and sub-tropical on Easter Island. Temperatures can range from 38 degrees Celsius in summer to -1 degree Celsius in winter. The best time to visit Santiago and Valparaíso is during summer (December to February) as most residents head for the coast during these months. Patagonia is beautiful during autumn (March to May) and spring (September to November) and the Atacama Desert is best during autumn, winter (June to August) and spring. The Tapati Rapa Nui festival is a celebration of indigenous traditions that happens on Easter Island in February and the Chilean Lake District is great in winter, when volcanoes are ripe for skiing. For cheap flights to Chile, the best time to visit is from March to April and October to November.

Weather & Climate in Chile (Santiago)

Average temperature (°C) & rainfall (mm) per month

Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Low °C 11°C 11°C 9°C 7°C 5°C 3°C 3°C 4°C 5°C 7°C 9°C 11°C
High °C 30°C 29°C 27°C 23°C 18°C 15°C 15°C 16°C 18°C 22°C 25°C 28°C
Rainfall (mm) 10 10 10 10 50 40 80 40 20 10 10 10

Chile is home to some of the wildest and most far flung places on earth.

From the dry Atacama Desert, which has been likened to the surface of Mars, to the glacial fields of Torres del Paine in Patagonia, Chile is a place where your heart gallops beside untamed horses and your soul responds fiercely to the call of the wild.

Although the country is most famous for its beautiful landscapes, it is also home to some of the most interesting cities in South America, 14 wine regions, superb culinary experiences, and Portillo, a ski resort in the Andes mountains.

Santiago boasts a thriving art scene and fascinating cultural attractions. Valparaiso is iconic with its haphazard stack of colourful homes, street art and tango bars. Le Serena is known for its architecture and beaches, while Castro is a charming palafita stilt village.

Venture out of the cities and you will encounter rugged snowy mountains, trembling volcanoes, alpaca-dotted valleys, turquoise lakes, and Easter Island, a volcanic island that is home to mysterious moai statues.

Compare several airlines and book your cheap flights to Chile online at Travelstart!

South African passport holders do not require a visa to visit Chile for stays up to 90 days. Ensure your passport has a validity of at least six months and three blank pages for entry stamps. You will need to check if transit visas are required for connecting flights.

The South African Embassy is located in Santiago.

Address: Avda. Apoquindo 2827, Piso 4, Las Condes

Phone: (+56) 2 2820 0300

Although Chile is safer than most countries in South America, it is still recommended that you remain vigilant and use common sense as you would in any other unfamiliar country. Travel insurance to cover theft and medical expenses is recommended.

Avoid travelling at night. Avoid carrying large sums of cash and valuables, as pick-pocketing can happen. Do some research on which areas should be avoided. Landmines are a danger in the north and south, particularly near the borders. Chile is in an active volcano and earthquake region - follow emergency channels in the event of a natural disaster. Be wary of the Chilean Recluse Spider - while it is not aggressive, its venom is dangerous.

Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required if you are travelling from an infected area. Easter Island is at risk for dengue fever and Zika virus, so precautions should be taken to avoid mosquito bites. If you will be spending time on the western-side of the Andes, medication to prevent Oroya fever is recommended. Immunisation against hepatitis A & B, typhoid and rabies is recommended. Other vaccinations include MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, meningitis, varicella, polio and influenza. Bottled water is recommended.

Item Cape Town Johannesburg Santiago
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant R 100.00 R 100.00 R 96.82
Domestic beer (0.5 lt draught) R 25.00 R 25.00 R 29.05
Cappuccino (regular) R 23.18 R 22.93 R 35.38
Taxi 1 km (Normal Tariff) R 10.00 R 10.00 R 12.59
Pack of cigarettes (Marlboro) R 40.00 R 40.00 R 60.03
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