Quedas do Iguaçu, Brazil

With a population of just 190,123, Quedas do Iguaçu is hardly the bustling metropolis some may envision. The city's economy is heavily dependent on tourism, which brings both opportunity and headaches. Bureaucracy is a persistent challenge, as evidenced by the failed 2005 proposal to revert the city's name to its original spelling. And while the subtropical climate is warm year-round, unpredictable weather patterns can swing from balmy to biting. For those drawn to the region's natural wonders and cultural diversity, Quedas do Iguaçu may be worth considering - but the realities of life here are far from the glossy brochure depictions.