Lakes showcase some of water's most alluring qualities, from mesmerizing ripples and mirror-like reflections to crystalline clarity. The world has millions of them, from tiny grass-lined ponds to massive freshwater expanses easily mistaken for oceans, but some lacs, lagos, and lochs simply stand out more than others. A few of these irresistible bodies of water owe their charisma to climate, others to geologic luck of the draw, and some are even made by the humans who admire them. These 20 beautiful lakes--some of which may surprise you--differ in the details, but all are uniquely beautiful and well worth a visit.--Donna Heiderstadt
Lake Como, Lombardy, Italy
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Maligne Lake, Alberta, Canada
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Lake Pichola, Udaipur, India
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West Lake, Hangzhou, China
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Dove Lake, Tasmania
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Lake Lucerne, Switzerland
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Lake Powell, Arizona
Lake Titicaca, Bolivia & Peru
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Derwentwater, Keswick, England
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Lake Tahoe, California & Nevada
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Pehoe Lake, Patagonia, Chile
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Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
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Lake Superior, Michigan
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Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand
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Crater Lake, South Central Oregon
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Loch Duich, Scotland
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Plitvice Lakes, Croatia
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Lakes of Killarney, Ireland
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Lake Kawaguchi, Japan
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Lake Bratan, Bali
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