Visit San Martin de los Andes, Argentina

The largest town in the northern lake district, San Martín has a rapidly-rising population of 32,000.

Built in a valley on the shore of the beautiful Lago Lacar, it has a theater, cinema, and plenty of shops and restaurants that cater to visitors.

A recently-elected lady mayor insisted that roses be planted in every garden and public space, and the town has benefited hugely from her policy. She is likely to win this year's election in a landslide victory.

Local culture in San Martin

Local government also set aside land and built houses for the remaining indigenous Mapuche population in the 1970s. The community occupies some 10,000 hectares in Lanin National Park, just outside the town, and currently numbers some 100 families.

Chapelco, situated 10 km from San Martín, has an airport, skiing pistes, and a new golf course, designed by Jack Nicklaus.