Teresópolis, Brazil

With a population of just 120,709, Teresópolis may seem like a quaint mountain escape, but the reality is a persistent bureaucratic headache. The Serra dos Órgãos National Park is a breathtaking natural wonder, but the uncontrolled development has led to devastating floods and mudslides that killed over 400 people in 2011. While the city boasts one of Brazil's mildest climates, making it a popular training ground for the national football team, the subtropical highland conditions can be a shock for those used to tropical heat. Teresópolis is best suited for outdoors enthusiasts who can navigate its administrative red tape and weather challenges.