Barra do Piraí, Brazil

This small city in Rio de Janeiro state sits in a valley surrounded by the Serra da Concórdia mountains, about two hours from the capital. The parkland here is the real draw—hiking trails through 14,710 acres of protected Atlantic Forest, with waterfalls you can have mostly to yourself. But make no mistake: this is rural Brazil. The nearest international airport is in Rio, and you’ll hit bureaucratic walls fast if you don’t speak Portuguese.

Living in Barra do Piraí means trading urban convenience for space and quiet. The town center has basic services, but you’ll drive to Volta Redonda or Rio for specialist healthcare or imported goods. Crime rates are lower than Rio’s favelas, but still keep your wits about you after dark. The expat community is nearly nonexistent—this is for self-sufficient types who want to disappear into small-town Brazil.