For my international flights and Brazil Airpass I always book through Deb Strange at Flight Centre. Call her on 03 9593 2835 or email deborah.strange@flightcentre.com.au for the best price. The cheapest fares generally need to be paid for quickly, others you can pay a deposit and pay in full 45 days before the flight.
There are several routes to Rio de Janeiro. You can fly with LAN (Chile’s national airline) via Santiago, with Aerolineas Argentinas via Buenos Aires. Or you could take the longer route via Los Angeles.
While Santiago, with its dramatic Andes backdrop, is an interesting city to spend a couple of days exploring, Buenos Aires, with its sophisticated, cosmopolitan atmosphere is a more exciting city.
Read the recent interview with Brazilianista tour leader Andrew Draffen as he recalls his early visits to Brazil and offers tips for travellers.