Guatemala City. (Best of Latin America).

BEST BUSINESS MEAL

Jean Francois. Quiet and classy, this international restaurant with a French touch hides in an unlikely location: through a corridor in an upscale shopping mall in Zone 10 or, as it is known for its liveliness, Zona Viva. But Jean Francois' lovely candlelit courtyard and spectacular dishes make you forget where you are. Start with a Guatemalan mushroom appetizer, anachates. Then you can discuss business over robalo le classique, a local fish sauteed in butter and fresh herbs, or the chipotle steak smothered in spicy pepper sauce. Wash it all down with something from the fine Latin American wine cellar. Diagonal 6,1363, Zona 10. Phone: [phone].

BEST HOTEL

Westin Camino Real. This elegant 388-room hotel in the heart of the business and entertainment district shines following a major redecoration. Rates start at US$140 (not counting the whopping 22% tax) but for just a slight jump, travelers can nab a so-called Guest Office Room (with desks and in-room fax machines) or accommodations on the Premier Floors with butlers and extra concierge services. Either will also give you access to an executive lounge with complimentary continental breakfast, coffee and snacks through the day and international newspapers. All rooms have Internet connections, but that's sometimes not enough. The business center keeps long hours, from 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., and offers a range of services, including secretaries, cell phone rental and translations. For meetings, the hotel boasts small boardrooms for up to 15 people and even a convention space with a capacity of 300. After meetings, guests have at their fingertips a gym with personal trainers, lighted tennis courts, squash and racque tball courts, massage services and three swimming pools; phone: [phone]. www.starwood.com/westin

BEST TRAVEL AGENCY

Clark Tours. U.S. expatriate Alfred Clark opened this travel agency in 1927. In the 75 years since, it has established itself as a top operation adept at specialized requests. Multilingual Clark Tours is the American Express representative in Guatemala; phone: [phone]. www.clarktours.com.gt

BEST BUSINESS RESTAURANT WITH A BAR

Tamarindos. Fusion cuisine reigns at this superb restaurant. Some dishes are Thai, others are Italian. There's also seafood, salads and grilled meats. Three years ago, Conde Nast Traveler dubbed stylish Tamarindos one of the "100 most exciting new restaurants in the world:' This eatery, unlike some others in the city, has a good bar so you can always meet for drinks before dinner. Calle 2-19A, Zona 10; phone: [phone].

BEST SHOPPING

Chichicastenango. This white stucco village 140-kilometers (and a twoand-a-half-hour drive) from Guatemala City has been an important trading town since the time of the Mayans. On its two market days, Thursdays and Sundays, it bursts with brilliant textiles, flowers, incense, fruits and vegetables, baskets, carved masks, handmade soap and other delightful souvenirs. This is one of the most spectacular Indian markets in the region; if you can't find gifts to take home, you just aren't trying. Your hotel can make arrangements for a day at "Chichi'

BEST ESCAPE

Tikal. While Europe wallowed in the Dark Ages, the sophisticated Mayans were thriving in marvelous cities that peeked above the rainforest in what is now Guatemala. One of the most astonishing of these is Tikal, once home to tens of thousands of inhabitants. Numerous travel operators offer guided day trips (by small plane) from Guatemala City to the Unesco World Patrimony Site and national park that houses Tikal's stepped pyramids, including the 65-meter-high Temple of the Double-Headed Serpent.