Argentina

In Patagonia, the Perito Moreno Glacier rises like a wall of blue ice above Lago Argentino, and pieces of it fall into the water with a crash and become icebergs. Further north, at El Chaltén, the jagged peaks of Fitz Roy turn pink at dawn above the steppe.

Buenos Aires is a city of European-style architecture, with tango in the streets and cafés, a historic centre around the Plaza de Mayo and the colourful houses of La Boca. In Mendoza, vineyards with the Andes in the background produce Malbec, and at Iguazú the waterfalls drench the jungle.

Argentina is vast and domestic flights are often needed. At the table: grilled meats, empanadas and alfajores. The seasons are the reverse of Europe's: summer in Patagonia begins in December.