The small Brazilian village of Gramado is a quaint and woodsy respite that boasts some delightful surprises. After you’ve fully enjoyed the paddleboats and surrounding Black Forest pines of Lago Negro, pay a visit to Snowland, a unique indoor snow park. Kids will love a visit to Mini Mundo, a miniature park that features tiny replicas of famous landmarks.

Perched at the Triple Frontier, where Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina meet, Puerto Iguazu is linked to Brazil by the Tancredo Neves bridge. It is home to the Museum of Images of the Jungle, the Mborore Museum, a bird rehabilitation center and the famed Iguazu National Park. The National Park is home to 275 waterfalls, including the world-renowned Iguazu Falls, which plunges 270 feet. A subtropical climate means it's warm in winter and hot in summer, with temperatures soaring up to 104°F.

This urban waterworld is a fast-growing city tucked into a bend of the Parana River about 186 miles northwest of Buenos Aires. Slip into a kayak or take a cruise for the best river views, or hit the city centre, bustling with discos, theatres, pedestrian malls, restaurants and parks popular with cyclists. A national monument on the riverbank honours the city's historic role as the site where the Argentine flag was first flown.

Boasting the most challenging extreme ski runs in all of Latin America and one of the world’s longest intermediate runs, Las Leñas (near Mendoza) offers 27 runs total in all levels of difficulty, as well as slalom stadium and unbeatable off-piste areas. Between summit and base lies a 4,000 foot vertical drop.

NNipping at the ankles of the Andes, San Carlos is a world-renowned ski destination, set in a landscape offering all the natural wonders of Argentina. Visitors can experience snow, lakes and peaceful beaches, along with vibrant nightclubs and gourmet cuisine. Throughout the year, the area hosts several music festivals, art exhibitions, expositions and conventions.