Hacienda La Calera, Chile

Forget the idyllic oasis - living in Hacienda La Calera means dealing with the harsh realities of the Atacama Desert. With a population just shy of 50,000, this tiny settlement is little more than a pit stop, offering "abundant grass and water" for travelers on their way to Bolivia. The town's origins date back to the 1700s, when it served as a small hacienda producing alfalfa, figs, pumpkins, and watermelons. But these days, the bureaucracy of navigating this remote outpost is a persistent headache.

Ultimately, Hacienda La Calera is best suited for the most rugged adventurers, those willing to brave the desert climate and sparse amenities in exchange for a taste of Chile's isolated interior.