Sao Paulo. (Best of Latin America).

BEST TRAVEL AGENCY FOR OUTDOOR ESCAPES

Freeway Adventures. With two decades of experience running ecotourism and adventure trips, Freeway Adventures can help you get out of town for a breath of fresh air and a rush of adrenaline. Its offerings include regularly scheduled weekend outings to two destinations just hours from Sao Paulo: Brotas, for rafting, canyon visits and hiking; and the Campos da Bocaina for hiking and horseback riding through a mountainous coastal slice of the Atlantic rainforest. Phone: [phone]. www.freeway.tur.br

BEST NEW HOTEL FOR BUSINESS TRAVELERS

Grand Hyatt. Nearly three dozen new hotels recently opened in the Sao Paulo metropolitan area in less than 18 months. An unsettling glut for hotel executives means a plethora of new choices for business travelers, and many seem to be choosing the Hyatt. The U.S. chain's first property in Brazil was tabbed best new hotel by the prestigious Quatro Rodas travel guide and as best business hotel by the respected business magazine Exame. This 470-room hotel has a 2,800-square-meter events center with 13 meeting rooms and a capacity of 1,400 people. The Grand Hyatt is tucked into the rapidly expanding Berrini business district. Phone: [phone]. www.hyatt.com.br

BEST RESTAURANT TO IMPRESS CLIENTS

Fasano. An invitation to Fasano transmits the message that you are hip enough to understand where to take people to impress them. There are two menus: one features the house's Italian classics, the other focuses on the hybrid creations of Italian chef Salvatore Loi. At press time Fasano was still located at Rua Haddock Lobo, 1644, Jardim Paulista, but soon it is slated to move to Rua Taiarana 78/88, Cerqueira Cesar; phone: [phone].

BEST TRANSLATION SERVICE

Business English. This translation boutique boasts a client list that could double as a Who's Who of Brazilian business: Banco Itau, Lucent Technologies do Brasil, the publishing division of the Folha Group, etc. Proprietor Mark Edward Murray is a native of the United Kingdom, and he understands the language of business like few translators. He earned his undergraduate degree in economics and accountancy and is a member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants of the UK. Phone: [phone]. E-mail: [e-mail]

BEST UP-AND-COMING BUSINESS TRAVEL AGENCY

Innovatour. This budding company takes the honors in the "we try harder" category. Focusing exclusively on the English-speaking market, proprietor Mauricio Tomassini Vigio guarantees personalized service. Innovatour is attracting attention-and business-from blue chip clients like McDonald's. Phone/fax: [phone] or 55-11-4191-5123. E-mail: [e-mail]

BEST WORKOUT AFTER MEETINGS

Companhia Athletica, Maybe you want to put in some time on the treadmill or perhaps you're adventuresome and would like to try your hand at the Brazilian martial art capoeira. You can do both, and more, at one of Companhia Athletica's four gyms in Sao Paulo--including two that bracket the emerging Berrini business district. They're all open 363 days a year, closing only on Christmas and New Years Day. Daily and temporary memberships are available for visitors. Phone: [phone]. www.ciaathletica.com.br

BEST AUTHENTIC BRAZILIAN FOOD

Consulado Mineiro. "Hearty" is perhaps the best adjective for the food from Minas Gerais, once a colonial hotbed of gold and diamond mining. Its distinctive dishes emerged from a mishmash of Portuguese, African and indigenous influences. The Consulado Mineiro, offering a relaxed and authentic taste of Brazil, faces an attractive square that hosts a popular Saturday crafts fair. Parca Benedito Calixto 74, Pinheiros. Phone: [phone]. www.consuladomineiro.com.br