Sacaba, Bolivia

Capital City

With a population of 172,466, Sacaba is the second largest city in the Cochabamba Department, but it's hardly an easy place to call home. Post-colonial architecture may dot the inner city, but much of it has been neglected due to a lack of municipal care. And while Sacaba is known for its culinary delights like cuy and chicha, the weather can be a persistent headache, with temperatures ranging from a frigid 1°C in winter to a muggy 19°C in summer.

Those looking to escape the crowds of nearby Cochabamba will find Sacaba a quieter alternative, with many residents commuting to the larger city for work. But with limited space and a history of political unrest, this provincial capital is best suited for those able to navigate its bureaucratic challenges and adapt to its unpredictable climate.