Adventure corridors from Edmonton
Flights from Edmonton to South America usually connect through a Canadian or US hub, then continue to a main gateway such as Lima (LIM), Sao Paulo (GRU), Rio de Janeiro (GIG), Bogota (BOG) or Santiago (SCL). From there, regional flights open up Cusco, Iguazu, Patagonia and the rest of the continent.
Connecting through the United States is often the most direct way south, but it means clearing US border controls. Canadian citizens generally travel easily, while other passport holders may need an ESTA or visa even just to transit. We check this against each passport in your group before recommending a routing.
Inca Trail planning frameworks
Machu Picchu is the trip many travellers come for, and it needs to be planned from the fixed dates backward. Classic Inca Trail permits are limited and can sell out months ahead for the dry season, and the trail closes every February for maintenance. Permits must be arranged through a licensed trek operator, so your trail date should be settled before your flights.
Cusco sits at about 3,400 metres, so we suggest building in time to acclimatize before any serious hiking. Many travellers spend a few days in Cusco or the lower Sacred Valley first. Your flights can then include a buffer, so a delayed connection in Lima does not cost you a permit you cannot move.
- Step 1: choose your trek or Machu Picchu entry date
- Step 2: add acclimatization days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley
- Step 3: work backward to your Lima and Cusco flights
- Step 4: add a buffer day before the flight home
Multi-destination flight connections
Doubling back to one city wastes days and money. An open-jaw itinerary lets you fly into one city and home from another, such as into Lima and out of Rio. Add a regional flight in between and a single trip can take in Peru and Brazil without retracing your steps.
Regional flights can have their own baggage limits, and some hiking gear may push you over them. We check these details across the whole itinerary and tell you where a tight connection or a smaller aircraft could cause trouble.
Before you go
Entry rules vary by country and can change. Brazil reintroduced visa requirements for Canadian passport holders in 2025, so confirm the current rules for your passport well in advance. Some regions also have vaccination recommendations. The Government of Canada travel advice pages are the best place to start.
Key hubs and gateways on this route
-
LIM
Lima The main gateway to Peru and to flights on to Cusco.
-
GRU
Sao Paulo The largest hub in Brazil, with wide regional reach.
-
GIG
Rio de Janeiro A natural open-jaw start or finish in Brazil.
-
BOG
Bogota A well-connected northern gateway to the continent.
Airlines to compare
Which airline works best depends on your dates, your bags and your connection. These are among the carriers we can check for this trip, subject to current schedules.
- Air Canada
- United Airlines
- Delta Airlines
- WestJet
Three steps to your flight
- Send request: share your dates and passengers.
- Review quote: compare options, bags and fare rules.
- Confirm and ticket: approve it, and we issue your ticket.
Edmonton to Brazil & South America flights: common questions
How far ahead should I book an Inca Trail trip?
Permits are limited, so plan months ahead for the dry season. Confirm your trek date with a licensed operator first, then book flights around it. The trail closes every February.
Can I visit Peru and Brazil on one trip?
Yes. An open-jaw itinerary with a regional flight lets you fly into one country and home from another without doubling back.
Do I need a visa for Brazil?
It depends on your passport. Brazil reintroduced visa requirements for Canadian passport holders in 2025. Check current rules with official sources before you book.
How many days should I allow for altitude in Cusco?
Many travellers allow two or three days before strenuous hiking, but everyone reacts differently. Speak with your doctor if you have health concerns.