La Rioja, Argentina

Capital City

This provincial capital is no Buenos Aires. With a population of just 211,651, La Rioja is a remote outpost in the arid Velasco mountains, 725 miles from the nearest major city. The climate is brutally hot, with summer highs over 113°F, and the bureaucracy is a persistent headache. Still, the city has its charms, including a 17th-century folklore museum and a 35,000-seat soccer stadium. For adventurous types seeking a slower pace of life, La Rioja could be a worthwhile destination, but most urban-dwelling Argentinians will likely find it a tough sell.