Perched on the banks of the dreamy Lácar Lake, San Martin de los Andes is a Patagonian paradise. Birdwatchers flock and flutter to the annual South American Bird Fair, while thrill seekers love to kayak, ski, or mountain bike along the gorgeous landscape. Arts and crafts shops and artisan food producers will delight visitors that love a sensory sampling of local cultures.

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.

Building on its must-visit location, the once-tiny El Calafate has grown quickly to cater to and profit from the visitors to nearby Los Glaciares National Park. Many visit to see such natural wonders as Perito Moreno Glacier, a massive glacier that’s actually composed of many other pieces of shifting ice. Yet travellers will find that El Calafate is much more than merely a gateway to the Patagonian wild—it’s a fun town offering all sorts of outdoor adventures.

Normally, one wouldn’t equate "relaxing spa holiday" with "hanging out near an active volcano," but if you’re up for something more exotic than facials and massages, Banos might be the perfect place for you. The thermal mineral pools here are heated by the volcano, and while there are several, offering different amenities, the easiest one to visit is Las Piscinas de la Virgen. Banos also has plenty of outdoor activities, like rafting and biking on scenic paths.

Bucolic alpine region on Lake Sochagota, 120 miles from Bogota. Known for the area’s hot springs, it’s a popular weekend getaway for residents of Bogota.

Sure, you can leave the sunny sands in favor of a crocodile watch or horseback ride, but when the main strand is called Seven Mile Beach, it's clear what draws most visitors to Negril. Depending on how much sun you want, you're welcome to go topless or even sunbathe in the buff in some places.