Santiago del Estero, Argentina

Capital City

At over 311,000 residents, this northern Argentine city is hardly a quaint rural haven. The population has swelled, but infrastructure has not kept pace - a persistent bureaucratic headache for newcomers. Summers reach a sweltering average high of 34°C, while winters can dip below freezing. Despite its historical status as the "Mother of Cities," Santiago del Estero today is a mixed bag, with an agricultural economy and a climate that is as intense as the local politics. For the adventurous few, it may hold appeal, but most would be wise to seek opportunities elsewhere in Argentina.