Long distances, Sky and JetSmart flights, and the bus seats worth paying for

Chile is 4,300 kilometers long; Santiago to Punta Arenas is a three-and-a-half-hour flight, and the low-cost airlines (Sky, JetSmart) sell cheap seats weeks ahead. For medium distances, the buses are among South America's best: "cama" seats recline flat for overnight trips to the north or the Lake District. Hostels are good, and the "cabañas" (cabins) in the south are cheap for groups. Tipping is 10%, suggested on the bill as "propina"; you can decline it.