Huaraz, Peru

Capital City

The 99,462 residents of Huaraz face a heavy tax burden and persistent bureaucratic headaches. Situated at a dizzying 10,013 feet in the Andes, the city was largely destroyed in a 1970 earthquake that killed 25,000 people. While the scenic Cordillera Blanca mountains draw adventurous tourists, the climate is cold and wet for much of the year. For those able to navigate the red tape, Huaraz offers a base for exploring the region's stunning natural wonders - but it's no tropical paradise.