Gualeguaychú, Argentina

Capital City

With a population of just 95,337, Gualeguaychú is a small city in Argentina's Entre Ríos province. While it hosts an impressive annual carnival that draws crowds of up to 400,000, the reality of daily life here is more mundane. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as the city saw its fair share of unrest and military occupation during the tumultuous period between 1810-1853. And the weather can be extreme, with summer temperatures soaring above 35°C and winter lows reaching freezing. For those seeking a laidback, provincial lifestyle close to the country's capital, Gualeguaychú may be a suitable fit. But it's hardly the vibrant, cosmopolitan experience one might expect from an Argentine tourism hotspot.