Itaituba, Brazil

With a population of just 116,402, Itaituba may seem like a quaint riverside town, but the reality is anything but peaceful. This rapidly growing city in Brazil's western Pará state is known as the "gold nugget city" for its intense mining activity, which has brought both opportunity and headaches. Bureaucratic red tape is a persistent frustration, and the equatorial climate means humidity above 80% for much of the year. That said, Itaituba's stunning landscapes along the Tapajós River and proximity to the Amazônia National Park make it an appealing option for those drawn to the rugged beauty of the Amazon - if they're prepared to navigate the challenges.