We have the JFK to SCL leg booked via Avios for next May. I don't see any availability for LAN going SCL to MDZ.

We'd like to visit MDZ, IGR, and then hopefully fly back home out of EZE. Any advice to using AA miles or Avios for getting around? The SCL to MDZ flight is pretty expensive to pay cash. Have other programs if needed...

A LA AirPass makes the SCL-MDZ flight very cheap. Bit you need minimum three segments. Even with "throw-away" dummy segments, the AirPass is cheaper than a standard one way fare. It's worth exploring is option as it makes Chile and Argentina travel quite inexpensive. Just link the AirPass with your existing ticket to get the cheap price.

I have only flown between scl and mdz, but the bus trip is supposed to be beautiful and have very dramatic scenery. Interior flights in Argentina can be very expensive at times. Avios and the blue fx market are your friends. Potential discounts for those with only hand luggage.

If you are in DCA then you will be IP blocked from seeing the "everywhere else in the world" prices on LAN's Chilean site.

SCL MDZ is currently on sale for US$79. Doesn't say if that is one way or return but I see a return for US$109 in July

Are they the prices that you see?

As abitlost says, top bus ride too

Mrs. FindAWay and I took this bus and absolutely loved it! We sat in the upper deck at the very front - it was a great experience with amazing views (including Aconcagua) that I highly recommend if OP has the time!

The bus trip SCL to MDZ is very scenic, and the buses very comfortable. Agree withe the top front seats.

Bus travel around AR is cheap and a good way to see the country.

For next May I'm seeing $477 one way SCL -> MDZ for next May. It's $377 return(wth?). The bus sounds nice but we only have 10 full days in country. Not sure that we have time for that.

I'm not seeing any Avios availability on that route for any random dates I am checkeing.

I'm checking out the LAN Airpass but can't get to IGR without routing via Lima.

Going SCL-MDZ-IGR-EZE sounds ideal as EZE will be our departure city.

Probably too early got any "deals" for next May. We did MDZ-SCL over New Years and LA wanted an unbelievable $800 one way. Wound up only paying $200 when I bought MDZ-SCL-MVD tickets and just no showing SCL-MVD, but that wouldn't help with your itinerary.

The LAN flight to/from IGR flight shows availability from Buenos Aires mid-May on britishairways.com, but don't forget that you need to specify the smaller AEP airport. BAEC charges 7.5k Avios while AA charges 6k AAdvantage miles each way (AA's "wholly within select South American Countries" awards, but like all LAN redemptions requires a telephone booking fee). From MDZ to AEP, BAEC charges only 4.5k Avios.

Over the years I've noted that SCL - MDZ award availability on britishairways.com comes and goes within hours. I've seen unlimited availability on three daily flights every day for a week, which then reverts to zero availability on any flight. It's as though one touch of a button causes all redemption availability for the entire route to be zeroed-out for long periods of time. I would advise leaving that particular segment until considerably later, especially since you have a very attractive alternative by bus.

Thank you! That was helpful.

You really need to find a way of masking your IP address, from Colombia on the LAN Chile site I see returns in May for $79 per person.