Neuquén, Argentina

Capital City

With just 289,763 residents, Neuquén is hardly the bustling metropolis one might expect from Argentina's largest city in Patagonia. This remote provincial capital is an isolated outpost, far from the comforts of Buenos Aires. While the discovery of the nearby Vaca Muerta oil fields has brought a real estate boom, the persistent Patagonian winds and punishing bureaucracy remain a headache for newcomers. Ultimately, Neuquén is best suited for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path lifestyle, far from the crowds and complexities of big-city Argentina.