Bariloche

On the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi, Bariloche is the gateway to Argentine Patagonia. In winter, Cerro Catedral becomes one of South America's largest ski resorts; in summer, the lakes and trails of Circuito Chico and the Llao Llao peninsula reveal another, equally striking landscape.

There is handmade chocolate on every corner and mountain cooking — fondue, trout, Patagonian lamb. Snow: July to September.