Santiago de Chile Airport is one of the major points of entry to South America. Sao Paulo, Buenos Aires, Bogota, Santiago and Lima can be considered to be the main hubs of South America, so many flights to other parts of South America will connect in one of these hubs.

The "best" gateway into South America depends on your final destination, but São Paulo (GRU), Lima (LIM), and Bogotá (BOG) are the three primary strategic hubs for 2026 travel. São Paulo's Guarulhos International is the busiest airport on the continent, offering the most extensive connections to Europe, North America, and Africa, making it the top choice for those visiting Brazil, Argentina, or Uruguay. Lima's Jorge Chávez International is widely considered the best hub for the western coast, providing seamless connections to Cusco (for Machu Picchu), Chile, and Ecuador. Bogotá's El Dorado is a rising favorite for its modern infrastructure and its role as a "middle-point" for travelers coming from North America. For those specifically exploring the "Southern Cone," Santiago de Chile (SCL) offers excellent, efficient service and is often a cheaper entry point for those arriving from the South Pacific or Australia. Choosing a major hub like Lima or São Paulo typically results in lower transoceanic fares and more flexible schedule options compared to flying directly into smaller regional capitals.