Bariloche and Nahuel Huapi Lake

San Carlos de Bariloche sits on the shore of Nahuel Huapi Lake, inside Argentina's oldest national park, surrounded by forested mountains. With its stone-and-timber buildings and chocolate shops, it often reminds visitors of Switzerland, and its Civic Centre square looks straight out over the water.

Drive the Circuito Chico, a loop of lakes and viewpoints, and ride the chairlift up Cerro Campanario for one of the finest panoramas in the region. Boat trips cross the lake to forested islands, and Cerro Catedral becomes a busy ski resort from about July to September.

Bariloche is a popular honeymoon spot and an easy family base, about two hours by air from Buenos Aires. Spring and autumn are quieter, with wildflowers or golden leaves on the hills.