Eldorado do Sul, Brazil

This sleepy riverside town is hardly the idyllic Brazilian escape some might imagine. With a population of just 17,703, Eldorado do Sul is firmly in the shadow of its much larger neighbor, Porto Alegre. And as the mayor tragically attested, the city was recently devastated by catastrophic flooding, with the entire municipality described as "100% destroyed."

While the area's natural setting along the Guaíba River may initially seem appealing, residents must contend with the area's persistent bureaucratic headaches and vulnerability to extreme weather. Eldorado do Sul is clearly not for the faint of heart - only the most resilient and adaptable would likely thrive in this challenging environment.

Unless you have a high tolerance for red tape and natural disasters, this is likely not the Brazilian destination for you.