Macapá, Brazil

Capital City

With a population of just 282,745, Macapá lacks the cosmopolitan amenities and opportunities of Brazil's major hubs. The capital of Amapá state is largely isolated, connected to the rest of the country only by air and sea. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as the city's fortress-like origins continue to influence its infrastructure and development. And while the tropical climate brings lush greenery, the constant high temperatures and rainfall can be oppressive. Macapá may appeal to adventurous types seeking a quieter, more remote Amazon experience, but for most, the lack of modern comforts and persistent logistical hurdles make it a tough sell.