Guapimirim, Brazil

With a population of just 60,517, Guapimirim is a sleepy municipality well outside the bustle of Rio de Janeiro. While 70% of the area is protected green space, the city's remote location and limited development mean basic services and amenities can be a persistent headache. Bureaucracy is a common complaint, as residents navigate the complex web of environmental regulations governing the region's parks and protected areas. Still, for nature lovers seeking an escape from the city, Guapimirim may offer the serene, off-the-grid lifestyle they crave.