About flights to Chile
Chile pulls in a specific kind of traveler — people who've already done the easy trips and want something that actually surprises them. Most international flights arrive from within South America, with Brazil leading the pack at 10 non-stop routes and Argentina close behind at 7. But there's a solid stream from the US too, six routes worth, which tells you the country has broken through into mainstream long-haul consciousness. Altogether, 52 inbound non-stop international routes land across 20 commercial airports. That's not a country people stumble into. That's a destination people plan for.
Why visit Chile?
Chile is absurdly long — 4,300 kilometers tip to tip — and that geography alone justifies the flight. You can surf in the north, ski in the Andes, and watch glaciers calve in Patagonia, all within one country. Santiago functions as a legitimate business hub, drawing corporate travelers from Colombia, Peru, and across the region. Patagonia pulls serious hikers who've been saving up PTO for years. The Atacama draws photographers and stargazers who know it hosts some of the clearest skies on earth. Wine tourism around the Central Valley keeps growing. And because Chile sits in the Southern Hemisphere, its ski season runs June through September — which is exactly when everyone in North America is sweating and looking for a reason to go somewhere.
Where flights to Chile land
- SCL Santiago — 63 non-stop destinations (Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport)
- PUQ Punta Arenas — 7 non-stop destinations (Carlos Ibanez Del Campo International)
- LSC La Serena — 6 non-stop destinations (La Florida)
- CCP Concepcion — 6 non-stop destinations (Carriel Sur International)
- ANF Antofagasta — 5 non-stop destinations (Cerro Moreno International)
Top origin countries flying to Chile
Where most of Chile's incoming traffic comes from:
- Brazil — 10 non-stop routes into Chile
- Argentina — 7 non-stop routes into Chile
- USA — 6 non-stop routes into Chile
- Colombia — 5 non-stop routes into Chile
- Peru — 4 non-stop routes into Chile
- Bolivia — 3 non-stop routes into Chile
- Canada — 2 non-stop routes into Chile
- Mexico — 2 non-stop routes into Chile
Tips for travelers heading to Chile
SCL is where most people land, and honestly it makes sense — Arturo Merino Benítez handles 63 non-stop destinations and connects to everything else domestically. But if Patagonia is the whole point of your trip, flying into PUQ in Punta Arenas saves you a brutal connection. Most nationalities, including US passport holders, get 90 days visa-free. The peso is straightforward, and ATMs in Santiago are reliable. Peak season is December through February — prices climb, trails get crowded. If you can travel in November or March, you'll get nearly identical weather with noticeably fewer people around you.
Frequently asked questions about flying to Chile
What is the busiest international airport in Chile?
Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) in Santiago is Chile's top arrival hub, serving as the main hub for the country's 52 inbound international routes. Most visitors to Chile arrive through this airport, making it the primary entry point for international travelers.
Which country sends the most flights to Chile?
Brazil is the top origin country for inbound flights to Chile, followed by Argentina and the United States. These three countries account for the majority of international air traffic arriving in Chile.
What is the best month to visit Chile?
December to February (summer in the Southern Hemisphere) offers the best weather for most of Chile, with warm temperatures and minimal rainfall, though prices are higher during this peak season. For budget-conscious travelers, shoulder months like October-November or March-April provide pleasant weather with lower fares and fewer crowds.
Do I need a visa to visit Chile?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality; citizens of the USA, Canada, Australia, and most European countries can enter Chile visa-free for tourism purposes, typically for up to 90 days. It's recommended to check with the Chilean consulate or official government website for your specific country's requirements before traveling.
What is the cheapest way to find flights to Chile?
Use flight comparison websites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Kayak to compare prices across multiple airlines and booking platforms, and consider flying during shoulder seasons (April-May or September-November) for better rates. Setting up price alerts and booking flights 2-3 months in advance typically yields the lowest fares to Chile.