Itaperuna, Brazil

With a population of just 78,000, Itaperuna is a sleepy municipality in the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro, far from the glitz and glamour of the capital. The city's isolation, 230 km from Rio, means bureaucracy is a persistent headache, and the climate can be humid and unpredictable. While Itaperuna may lack the excitement of coastal cities, it could appeal to those seeking a quieter, more affordable slice of Brazilian life, away from the crowds.