Parintins, Brazil

With a population of just 58,783, Parintins is a remote outpost in the heart of the Amazon. This municipality is the second-largest city in Amazonas state after Manaus, located 369 km from the state capital. While the Parintins Folklore Festival draws visitors each June, the city itself offers little in the way of modern comforts - the tropical climate is hot and humid year-round, with an average annual rainfall exceeding 2,300 mm. Bureaucracy is also a persistent headache, as the city's remote location makes many government services slow and unreliable. Unless you're drawn to the region's indigenous culture and vibrant folklore traditions, Parintins is unlikely to satisfy the needs of most expats.