Riohacha, Colombia

Capital City

With a population of just 167,865, Riohacha is a sleepy coastal city that offers little to attract the average expat. The area's semi-arid climate, characterized by torrid temperatures and a mere 13 wet days per year, creates a steppe-like environment that is far from the lush tropical paradise many imagine. And while the city was once a vital pearl-diving hub, today it serves primarily as a regional commercial port, lacking the cosmopolitan amenities and opportunities of Colombia's larger cities.

Bureaucracy is also a persistent headache in Riohacha, as evidenced by the city's tumultuous history of pirate raids and relocations. Though the city has managed to grow and develop over time, the lingering influence of colonial-era trade challenges and natural disasters makes for a challenging environment for newcomers.

Unless you're a diehard Márquez fan searching for inspiration or have a specific reason to be in La Guajira, Riohacha offers little to recommend it as a destination for most expats.