Esmeraldas, Ecuador

Capital City

With a population of just 155,487, Esmeraldas is a small coastal city that punches above its weight as Ecuador's major seaport. However, the reality is that this regional hub faces some persistent challenges - the bureaucratic hassles of the oil industry, for instance, and the U.S. State Department's warnings about crime in the northern border region. On the plus side, Esmeraldas boasts a warm climate, beautiful beaches, and a thriving culture of music and indigenous heritage. Overall, this is a place that may appeal to those seeking a laidback coastal lifestyle, but not without some headaches to contend with.