South America - Cheapest way to get to Brazil, Uruaguay, and Argentina from YVR (Canada)?

In 2012, I want to make a trip down to South America. I'll be base in Vancouver (YVR) by next year. I don't really care which country I see first, but I want to get down to either of those countries as cheap as possible. Right now I mainly want to visit Rio De Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Montevideo, and Buenos Aires. I know that both Brazil and Argentina have visa reciprocity fees.

If you were me and were in base in YVR, which cities would you go in order to minimize airfare costs and visa reciprocity fees? I also don't mind flying out of SEA if that means a much lower fare. Any tips and or information would be greatly appreciated!

I priced YOW-SCL (via BA) in March @ $1354 inc. taxes. UA has the best timetable, but not sure about connections via SEA? Also, check out the thread on a proposed AC-UA alliance rejected by CA Competition Tribunal. This suggests fares to SA are already high & destined to go higher.

You might also look into a South American Airpass. Info on several can be found here:
http://www.airtimetable.com/airpass_south_america.htm

You might also look into a South American Airpass. Info on several can be found here:
http://www.airtimetable.com/airpass_south_america.htm

How will that help me if I'm going to be flying from YVR?

You mention several different countries that you want to go to. The airpass can make the cost of flying around South America cheaper. But you can not purchase it while in South America, it has to be purchased prior to arriving. And if you should decide to limit your travels to just Brazil, there is also a Brazil airpass.

Try and make an itin that would arrive from MVD and depart from EZE/AEP.

That way you could avoid the Visa Reciprocity fee as long as you get into Buenos Aries via any form of transport aside from Air. A ferry looks to be about $40 CAD

You could book an open jaw for your transcontinental flight, and then connect them.

YVR-SAO-MVD // EZE-RIO-YVR

If you do that, then all you would need to pay for in addition to your intercontinental flight would be SAO-MVD and EZE-RIO.

If you have miles any spare miles, you might be able to redeem for 2 oneway South American Flights. on TAM or LAN?