Jacobina, Brazil

With a population of just 76,518, Jacobina is a small city in the heart of Bahia's interior. The legacy of the region's gold rush looms large, but the reality is a town surrounded by mountains and waterfalls, but also persistent bureaucratic headaches. Cotton cultivation and diamond mining have come and gone, leaving behind a sleepy colonial-era city center dotted with historic churches and buildings. For those seeking a quiet, remote escape from the bustle of Brazil's coastal cities, Jacobina may fit the bill - but don't expect big-city amenities or efficient local government.