Guariba, Brazil

With a population of just 37,498, Guariba is a sleepy backwater far from the glitz of Brazil's major cities. The northern brown howler, a critically endangered monkey species, is the main draw here - but good luck spotting one, as fewer than 250 individuals remain, with less than 50 considered mature. The howler's habitat has been decimated by logging and cattle ranching, a grim fate mirrored in the human population. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, and the remote location means basic services can be a struggle. Overall, Guariba is a poor choice for anyone seeking the comforts of modern urban life.