Pasto, Colombia

Capital City

At 410,835 people, Pasto is no small town - and the bureaucracy to match. With over 93% of the urban population connected to water and sanitation, the basics are covered, but the high altitude of 2,520-2,700 meters means a chilly, wet climate year-round. Pasto's isolation from the rest of Colombia has left it with a unique cultural identity, including the famous Blacks and Whites' Carnival, but this also means the city's infrastructure and amenities can feel stuck in the past. For adventurous expats seeking an authentic South American experience, Pasto may be worth a look, but the relentless bureaucracy and mediocre climate are persistent headaches.