Grand Brazil: the best of the largest and most populous country in Latin America.

Brazil's four largest cities are great places to do business and, as logically follows, there are lots of five-star establishments around to serve the traveling business person. Sao Paulo is the city most visited by executives, Rio de Janeiro often hosts major conventions, while Belo Horizonte and Porto Alegre are also important, especially in terms of doing business in the country's huge domestic market. Before taking a trip to Brazil, it's worth taking a peek at the advice of LATIN TRADE readers.

BELO HORIZONTE

BEST SHOPPING CENTER 

The oldest shopping mall of this mining capital, the 25-year-old BH shopping continues to be the preferred choice among residents and visitors of this city. With 300 units, the mall houses all types of businesses, from upscale brandname stores to department or supermarkets. Three dining areas house a variety of restaurants. Got a couple of hours on your hands? There are seven movie theatres plus a mix of services that include a post office, banking, film-developing and magazine stands. Located between Belo Horizonte and the old city of Nova Lima amid the most exclusive neighborhoods, BH Shopping provides covered parking spaces for 3,500 automobiles. According to management, an average 4,500 people visit the mall daily. [55] (31) 3330-8620. www.bhshopping.com.br

BEST CAR RENTAL

With agencies in 54 Brazilian cities, Avis Brasil has a fleet of 8,800 vehicles ready for its clients, with the aim of conquering the Brazilian market. The company has invested heavily in technology and services to please its clients and recently launched its trademark 'Avis Rapid Return" system that lets customers print receipts on computers installed in the cars themselves, and often sends company representatives to pick up cars in places arranged by customers. An international central reservations 2center can connect with 4,800 agencies worldwide, giving Brazilian customers the ability to make reservations in the 165 countries where Avis is present. Avis also offers weekly and monthly price promotions. [55] (11) 3674-4001. www.avis.com.br

BEST WEEKEND ESCAPE

Declared a World Heritage Landmark by Unesco, Ouro Preto is Brazil's largest example of baroque architecture. The city, nestled in the mountains of Minas Gerais state, was built by slaves and artists at the end of the 18th century, during the height of a gold rush. Churches and museums aside, cuisine is another main attraction the city offers. In upscale restaurants one can appreciate the culinary secrets of this mining town, where recipes mix Portuguese, African and indigenous seasonings. Ouro Preto is only 90 kilometers from Belo Horizonte. Buses normally take about an hour and 45 minutes to arrive. The municipality's Web site publishes more information on hotels, lodges, restaurants and tourist sites. [55] (31) 3559-3208. www.ouropreto.mg.gov.br

PORTO ALEGRE

BEST NEIGHBORHOOD

Considered one of the most elegant neighborhoods in Porto Alegre, Moinhos de Vento is 15 minutes away by car from the downtown and caters to a variety of tastes. Dozens of cafeterias, bars and pubs ring out during happy hour. Nightclubs and restaurants of all styles, from the traditional meat and pizza fares to Thai, Mexican, Japanese and Spanish cuisines are available. This neighborhood of Rio Grande do Sul's capital is home to the Sheraton Porto Megre and the so-called parcao, large parks where the young and families gather on weekends. On Fernando Gomes Street, one can enjoy a cold draft beer or an excellent dinner with the family at reasonable prices.

BEST WEEKEND ESCAPE

Perched on a hilltop at 825 meters above sea level and 115 kilometers from Porto Alegre, the municipality of Gramado is the main tourist destination in Rio Grande do Sul state. This city of 30,600 people takes in 2.5 million tourists a year who come to enjoy the natural beauty, fine dining and shopping. The peak season is in the South American winter, when temperatures dip below freezing and snow falls occasionally. There are 120 bars and restaurants and more than 1,000 stores selling anything from furniture, clothes, chocolates or art. The town also develops hiking and trekking routes. [55] (54) 286.1475.

RIO DE JANEIRO

BEST HOTEL

Of the three main U.S. hotel chains operating in Rio, JW Marriott is the only one on the waterfront and near the city's bars, restaurants and shopping malls. Inaugurated in 2001 and one of the city's newest hotels, the Marriott has 245 modern rooms offering telephone lines, broadband Internet connection, clock radios, CD player and a carrying case for portable computers. The executive floors have their own breakfast and happy-hour rooms. The gym, which is also open to the public, includes plasma-screen televisions facing the bike machines. On New Year's Eve, the Marriott hosts a bash. On that night, a million people gather at the Avenida Atlantica to throw flowers into the ocean and enjoy fireworks. [55] (21) 2545-6500. www.marriottbrasil.com

BEST RESTAURANT

Terraneo, located in the JW Marriott hotel, was chosen by our readers to be the best restaurant in Rio de Janeiro. There is always food served buffet-style, complete with a variety of salads and some hot plates. At night, the New World-inspired menu boasts the seal of Chef Reinhard Danzinger, who blends Latin, Chinese and Indian flavors, including a Peking Duck glazed with oriental spices and served with a roasted heart of palm. Want a more local flavor. Don't forget to ask for a caipirinha de limon to get things going. Also, there's very Brazilian dishes: Filet mignon or other choice cuts with vinaigrette dressing served with yucca pure and couve minera, a Brazilian vegetable. Friday is reserved for Moroccan fare between noon and 4:00 p.m. Located on the first floor of the hotel, the Terraneo offers enjoyable views of the Copacabana beach. [55] (21) 2545-6500.

BEST CAR RENTAL

Rent and automobile by either Hertz or Localiza and pick it up at the Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport, the Santos Dumont airport or in respective outlets in Copacabana. Both companies also offer multilingual chauffer services. With exchange rates still favorable for foreign tourists, renting a car is not that expensive. Hertz cuts rates by half on weekends and holidays. [55] (21) 3398-4338. www.hertz.com.br.

With 24-hour reservation hours, Localiza offers economy-class cars such as a Palio or a Celta on up to executive-class brands such as Corolla and Vectra. On weekends, Localiza always has a deal, such as reduced daily rates. [55] (31) 3247-7600. www.localiza.com.br

BEST MEETING SPACE

With a monthly occupancy rates of about 70% for business class, the JW Marriott boasts 12 halls for large events or conferences covering 600 square meters. The event halls, all named after Brazilian indigenous tribes, are equipped with video-conferencing equipment, broadband Internet access, projectors, slides, sound and lighting. The biggest event hall, the Salon Wayana, covers 218 square meters, enough to handle 250. Three other rooms, Javae I, II and III, can combine to form one big room. The Marriott also offers "redcoat" service, a technology specialist available for an event to troubleshoot any type of interruption capable of disrupting a meeting. [55] (21) 2545-6500. www.marriottbrasil.com

BEST SHOPPING

The Rio Sul was the first shopping mall built in Rio. Opened in 1980, there are 400 stores, offering everything from clothing and jewelry to sporting goods to books. There is also a free bus service that bring guests from nearby hotels to the shopping center. [55] (21) 2545-7200. www.riosul.com.br

The most sophisticated of all malls in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Conrado Fashion Mall is between Leblon and Barra de Tijuca and caters to the city's elite, buyers would be more concerned with a product's quality than price. It's here where you'll find the most famous brands, Brazilian or foreign, like Giorgio Armani, Andrea Saletto and Club Chocolate. Stores aside, there are restaurants and theatres as well as sufficient parking. [55] (21) 3322-0252. www.scfashionmall.com.br

BEST WEEKEND ESCAPE

Ever since the French actress Brigitte Bardot discovered this fishing village in the 1960s, Buzios has maintained its elegance and is increasingly frequented by tourists from all over the world. An 90-minute car ride from Rio de Janeiro, Buzios is on an eight-kilometer peninsula with more than 20 beautiful beaches. Beaches such as Joao to Fernandes, Joao Fernandinho and Ferradura are the preferred destinations for Argentine tourists, especially the young. Honeymooners and couples prefer Ferradurinha. There are also less developed beaches such as Jose Goncalves. Along the city's central street, aptly named Orla Bardot, you'll find the main cluster of bars, restaurants and shops that stay open until midnight during the summer. Although Buzios is packed with lodges, make reservations early if you're planning to visit during the peak season or on a holiday.

BEST GOLF

Golf came to Rio de Janeiro in the 1920s. A decade later, the Itanhanga Golf Clube opened its doors. Reserved for Rio's high society, the club is home to 600 members. The Itanhanga is one of the few courses in Brazil that has 27 holes. The club frequently promotes national tournaments and was the headquarters of a stage of the European Tour. Tourists are allowed to play only when invited by a member. US$110 greens fee. [55] (21) 2494-2507. www.itanhanga.com.br

BEST NIGHTCLUB

Frequented by Barra de Tijuca's young, Ruth is in a Bali-style house. With a 400-guest capacity, the Nuth has a dance floor, a bar and a restaurant. Immediately upon entering, great wooden benches and tables surround garden with a pond full of carp and Japanese fish. The music varies, mixing hip-hop, pop and techno. Monday night is "Flashback Night," where the sounds of the 70s cater to older patrons. The last Thursday of every month is reserved for the nuthquim party, where the decor imitates the bars of the bohemian neighborhood Lapa. Songs include famous Samba tunes of the past. The club always promotes different events a party complete with numerologists and tarot card readers. Entry prices are different for men and women. [55] (21) 3153-8595. www.nuth.com.br

BEST NEIGHBORHOOD

Barra de Tijuca was created out of the need to expand Rio de Janeiro. Considered to be a relatively new neighborhood, it was developed in the 1970s. Today, the neighborhood has more than 160,000 inhabitants who enjoy a high quality of life in spacious condominiums each with its own recreational space. Barra, as its normally known, has also become a shopping, recreational and entertainment hub as well, earning a reputation as a Brazilian Miami due to its broad avenues and lifestyle that emulates the United States, including shopping centers with names like Downtown, Bayside, New York City Center, Barra Square and Millenium. With many bars, nightclubs and restaurants, Barra is ready to cater to a variety of tastes.

SAO PAULO

BEST TRAVEL AGENCY

This largest tourist operator in Brazil, CVC has moved more than 6 million passengers in its 32 years of existence. Last year alone there were 850,000 clients serviced by 6,000 travel agents working at the company's 95 sales points. In its headquarters in Santo Andre, in Sao Paulo, the company aims to sell packages to all five continents, touting air travel and ocean cruising. CVC operates three subsidiaries outside of Brazil, in Miami, Buenos Aires and Madrid. In 2005, the company hopes to open offices in Mexico and in Chile to service the Brazilian tourism industry, which grew 170% in 2004. [55] (11) 2191-8410. www.cvc.com.br

BEST CAR RENTAL

Since coming to Brazil in the 1960s, Hertz is today in 50 Brazilian cities with 79 outlets and a fleet of 7,000 cars that is renewed annually. Present in the country's main airports, the company offers a wide variety of cars, from the more popular to the most sophisticated models. Daily rentals for a basic model, such as a Volkwagen Gol, costs US$40. [55] (11) 4336-7200. www.hertz.com.br

BEST SHOPPING

Mong one of the most well-known avenues in Sao Paulo, la Faria Lima, Brazil's first shopping center prides itself on its motto of innovation and sophistication. Long known as the best and most elegant shopping mall in the country, since its founding in the 1960s Iguatemi has not stopped renovating. Today, it's Latin America's largest center for luxury goods. Its 110,000 square meters of space holds 330 stores, including some world-renowned brands like Tiffany's. Good cuisine can be found in the 44 restaurants and eateries. A large part of its clients are executives from the region. [55] (11) 3816-6116. www.iguatemi.com.br

BEST CUP OF COFFEE

Cafe do Ponto, Fran's Cafe and Santo Grao have one thing in common: Each has created their own coffee blends from the country's finest grains. Cafe do Ponto sells 92 cups of coffee a minute at its 86 cafeterias. [55] (11) 4199-6129. www.cafedoponto.com.br.

Fran's Cafe meanwhile pours 900,000 cups of coffee a month at its 80 outlets. Its cafeterias Leadina the way through gastronomy also serve a wide range of snacks plus premium beers at happy hour. Guests can relax on chairs, tables or stools in these three cafeterias. [55] (11) 5056-0043. www.franscafe.com.br.

Santo Grao, however, made the concept of enjoying coffee even more sophisticated by opening a cafe & bistro at standards set by Parisian and Buenos Aires establishments. [55] (11) 3082-9969. www.santograo.com.br

BEST WEEKEND ESCAPE

The "Switzerland of Brazil," as it is known, Campos de Jordao is 1,700 meters above sea level. Its tropical mountain climate is sunny year-round, although the temperature can fall to negative five Celsius during the South American winter. The cold blends well with the abundance of pine trees, German-inspired architecture, houses resembling Swiss chateaus and chocolate caseros. It's perfect weather, too, for its famous knitted-clothing industry. These ingredients along with the abundance of charming hotels and lodges turn Campos do Jordao into the perfect fall or winter getaway only two hours by car from Sao Paulo. [55] (12) 3662-2755. www.camposdojordaoap.gov.br

BEST GOLF

On kilometer-marker 28.5 along the Raposo Tavares highway, in Cotia, Sao Paulo, the Sao Fernando Golf Club is a 19-hole, impeccably kept golf course with a restaurant and swimming pools. In order to enjoy all the club's amenities, the visitor must be accompanied by at least one of the 310 members after paying a daily rate of up to US$130, depending on the day of the week. The Sao Fernando Golf Club has partnerships with other clubs, seven in Brazil and 11 in Latin America and Europe. It's in great demand for business events and training for executives. [55] (11) 4612-2544. www.saofernando.com.br

BEST NIGHTCLUB

Salsa and merengue spice up the atmosphere at Azucar, a Cuban venue and a hit since it opened in 2000. The 250-square-meter club is in Itaim Bibi, a neighborhood famous for its nightlife, and boasts an A-list clientele ripe with executives and business owners. With an aura of the tougher years of Havana, the bar has a mezzanine and room to seat 110. The menu offers typical Cuban dishes, including seafood, tapas and tacos. Customers can also enjoy Cuban cocktails and 16 different caipirinas, not to mention 16 brands of Cuban cigars. [55] (11) 3078-3130. www.azucar.com.br

BEST SPA

Renaissance Spa & Fitness is an urban spa that takes up 1,400 square meters of space inside the Hotel Renaissance on the Alamedo Santos street one block off the Avenida Paulista in the financial heart of Sao Paulo. Designed to relax, the Renaissance Spa has four themed rooms that symbolize, through decoration and aroma, nature's elements: earth, water, fire and air. Inside, you will find an extensive variety of body and facial treatments, including an anti-stress bath, therapy with hot and cold stones and other treatments that apply Vitamin C and papaya enzymes to the face. The gymnasium features the latest-generation equipment, a squash court, saunas, heated pools and Jacuzzis, among others. Bilingual instructors available. [55] (11) 3069-2081. www.renaissancehotels.com

BEST BUSINESS NEIGHBORHOOD

Berrini-Brooklin Novo began to be explored by developers at the beginning of the 1970s. Today, it is the third-largest business center in Sao Paulo after the Paulista-Faria Lima complex in the city's heart. The Avenida Luis Carlos Berrini, in the Brooklin Novo near the Marginal Pinheiros, has seen a real-estate boom over the last three decades. The landscape consists mainly of modern buildings and walls of glass. There are currently 250 large companies employing 30,000 employees here. Many higher-end hotels, like the Hyatt and the Hilton, have set up shop here to take advantage of demand for business events in the area.