Villarrica, Chile

This city of 55,478 people may seem idyllic, but don't be fooled - the mild, humid climate brings heavy rainfall for half the year, and bureaucracy is a persistent headache. Tourism, farming, and forestry drive the economy, though mining has declined since the volcano buried its riches. Despite its natural beauty and nearby hot springs, Villarrica is best suited for hardy souls who can tolerate the region's bureaucratic challenges and changeable weather.