Río Gallegos, Argentina

Capital City

With a population of just over 115,000, Río Gallegos is a remote outpost in Argentina's windswept Patagonia region. The city's bitter cold and relentless winds are a persistent headache, with temperatures often plummeting below freezing even in summer. And while the government has tried to boost development here, the bureaucracy can be a maze to navigate. Still, Río Gallegos serves as an important military and transportation hub for the far south, with an international airport and flights to the Falkland Islands. For those seeking an isolated, rugged lifestyle far from the crowds, this may be just the place.