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Secrets of the south: a visitors guide the Southern Cone.


Discover the best hotel in Asuncion, or where to get the best steak in Buenos Aires Buenos Aires (bwā`nəs ī`rēz, âr`ēz, Span. bwā`nōs ī`rās), city and federal district (1991 pop. . Know where to shop in Uruguay and where Santiago's best restaurants can be found. LATIN TRADE'S readers reveal the best business centers, bars, nightclubs and malls across the capitals that dot the southern reaches of South America South America, fourth largest continent (1991 est. pop. 299,150,000), c.6,880,000 sq mi (17,819,000 sq km), the southern of the two continents of the Western Hemisphere. .

ASUNCION

BEST HOTELS

In the Villa Morra Villa Morra is a barrio (neighbourhood) of Asunción, the capital of Paraguay. It has a population of 4114 people. The name "Villa Morra" comes from the family name of one of the first owners of the Asunción Tramways company, Mr. Franciso Morra.  neighborhood, the 30's-style mansion Hotel Villa Morra Suites has 30 rooms, a gym, pool, Jacuzzi, business center, auditorium and a restaurant. An ordinary suite goes for US$80. [595] (21) 612-715. www.villamorrasuites.com.py.

An elegant and refined atmosphere awaits the business traveler at the Sabe Center Hotel. In the historic downtown shopping district of Asuncion, the hotel has 88 rooms and a floor with office space and meeting rooms. Room rates from $70 to $250. [595] (21) 450-093. www.sabecenterhotel.com.py

BEST RESTAURANTS

Inside the Villa Morra Suites, La Cava combines the traditional and the modern on its international menu, along with a complete selection of wines and desserts. [595] (21) 612-715. Barbecue, pastas and Paraguayan dishes accompanied by romantic bolero bolero (bəlâr`ō), national dance of Spain, introduced c.1780 by Sebastian Zerezo, or Cerezo. Of Moroccan origin, it resembles the fandango.  music are at the scene at La Paraguayita. [595] (21) 204-497

BEST TRAVEL AGENCY

Founded in 1956, Inter Express is Paraguay's oldest. Professionalism and straight dealing is the agency's motto, helping this 45-employee shop become the domestic market leader. [595] (21) 490-111

BEST CAR RENTAL

The managers at National Car Rental say they have perfected the combination of U.S. professionalism and Latin American warmth. Now in its 28th year, the company brings highly-trained personnel, a complete fleet of vehicles and the latest technology to make it a leader at the national level. Rates from US$40 to $120 daily [595] (21) 492-157. www.national.com.py

BEST MEETING SPACES

The Hotel Excelsior Hotel Excelsior occupied number 112/113, Königgrätzer Straße (today’s Stresemannstrasse ) on Askanischen Platz in the Berlin district of Kreuzberg. It was once one of the largest and most luxurious hotels in Europe but its destruction during World War II resigned it to the  Summit offers 3,500 square meters of meeting rooms with space for up to 3,700. The dozen rooms are equipped with the latest technology and come with highly trained managers. Rates run from US$100 to $700 per day. [595] (21) 495-632. www.excelsior.com.py.

The Yacht and Golf Club has eight rooms for up to 1,200 and integrated banquet and convention services. It is frequently the spot for official events. Rates run from $100 daily. LATIN TRADE Latin Trade is a monthly magazine covering global business in Latin America and the Caribbean. Similar to Forbes and Fortune Magazine in coverage, the magazine was founded in 1993 and now publishes 87,000 copies 1 each month in Spanish, Portuguese, and English.  readers selected the hotel's golf course as the best in Asuncion. The Santoja Fitness Spa, on the hotel grounds, was also selected as the best spa in the city [595] (21) 906-121. www.hotelyacht.com.py

BEST SHOPPING

The Mariscal Lopez shopping center shopping center, a concentration of retail, service, and entertainment enterprises designed to serve the surrounding region. The modern shopping center differs from its antecedents—bazaars and marketplaces—in that the shops are usually amalgamated into  is known as the heart of Asuncion, located in the middle of Villa Morra. Its four floors provide an immense shopping complex with 145 stores and eateries. Popular farmers' markets It has been suggested that this article be split into multiple articles.  and flower stalls often set up shop here. Dinner in one of its many restaurants costs around US$10 per person. [595] (21) 611-272. www.mariscallopez.com.py

BEST COFFEE

El Bolsi is in the older section of Asuncion, near the ornate city hall and the cathedral. On the same corner and operated by the same family since 1960, it's inside a 19th-century house. A cappuccino cap·puc·ci·no  
n. pl. cap·puc·ci·nos
Espresso coffee mixed or topped with steamed milk or cream.



[Italian,
 and a slice of cake go for US$2. [595] (21) 491-841. www.bolsi.com.py

BEST-KEPT SECRET

Cafe Bohemia has in the last few years become a favorite place to meet friends. A wood-paneled place adorned with Brazilian and Paraguayan art works, the vibe is due in part to abundant music and videos from the 1970s and '80s. Pizzas, snacks and a range of beverages abound. [595] (21) 662-191

BEST CONVENTION CENTER

Carmelitas Center is a good choice for planning events, and its staff" can take care of the tiniest of details. Services include meeting rooms, equipment, banquets, decorations, music and lighting. The complex has 10 conference rooms that can handle anywhere between eight and 500 people. [595] (21) 610-470. www.carmelitas.com.py

BEST WEEKEND ESCAPE

The town of Pilar Pilar

strong-minded female leader of a group of guerrillas in the Spanish Civil War. [Am. Lit.: Hemingway For Whom the Bell Tolls]

See : Female Power


Pilar
, about 380 kilometers by highway from Asuncion, is known for its history, architecture, wetlands, flora and fauna. It's surrounded by rivers, lakes and streams. Hotels average US$9 a night. [595] (21) 441-530. www.senatur.gob.py

BUENOS AIRES

BEST HOTEL

"The Hotel InterContinental recently installed king-size beds and feather pillows. In addition to traditional rooms, it has two, 180-square-meter presidential suites. Its spacious bathrooms are decorated with marble and private balconies offer panoramic views of downtown Buenos Aires. Bates Bates   , Katherine Lee 1859-1929.

American educator and writer best known for her poem "America the Beautiful," written in 1893 and revised in 1904 and 1911.
 start at US$200 per night. [54] (11) 4340-3100. www.interconti.com.ar

BEST RESTAURANT

Cabana Las Lilas in the Puerto Madero Puerto Madero is a neighborhood, or barrio, of the Argentine capital, Buenos Aires, which occupies a significant portion of the Río de la Plata riverbank. History
In the 1930s, port facilities were relocated to Puerto Nuevo
 neighborhood offers riverside dining for lunch or dinner. It specializes in Argentine beef Beef is a key component of traditional Argentine cuisine. Argentina has the world's highest consumption rate of beef, at 68 kg a year per capita. As of 2006, livestock farmers keep between 50 and 55 million head of cattle, mostly in the fertile pastures of the Pampas, and the  raised by the restaurant's owners. Meals average US$25 per person, with wine $55. [54] (11) 4313-1336. www.laslilas.com.ar

BEST TRAVEL AGENCY

Pezzati Viajes, now 20 years in business, can arrange trips around Argentina as well as abroad. It also can provide cruises from eight to 14 days during summer. [54] (11) 4393-1800. www.pezzati.com

BEST CAR RENTAL

Avis has cars ranging from compacts to more sophisticated rides. Rates begin at US$37 daily. The company has 40 offices in Argentina and counters at 25 of its airports. [54] (11) 4378-9620. www.avis.com.ar

MEJOR SPA

Colmegna Spa offers cosmetological services, a hair salon A hair salon (also called 'Hairdresser' and 'Hair Parlour')is a place where one goes to get their hair cut, as well as styled, highlighted or coloured.

There are many different types of hair salons that one can choose to go to.
, manicures and pedicures. Its US$70 "spa day" includes: a swim in a heated pool, Turkish bath Turkish bath

Bath originating in the Middle East, combining exposure to warm air, steam immersion, massage, and a cold bath or shower. The Turkish bath (hammam) reflects the fusion of the massage and cosmetic aspects of the Eastern bath tradition and the plumbing and heating
, sauna, hydro-massage, a workout with a personal trainer personal trainer person n(persönlicher) Fitnesstrainer m, (persönliche) Fitnesstrainerin f , lunch, a 30-minute massage, manicure, pedicure and haircut. [54] (11) 4326-1257. www.colmegna.com.ar

BEST MEETING SPACES

Complejo La Plaza can handle conventions and corporate meetings. [54] (11) 6320-5350. The Sheraton Buenos Aires Hotel & Convention Center has 15 rooms with a total of 6,500 square meters. The convention area can accommodate from 20 to 2,000. [54] (11) 4318-9100. www.sheraton.com

BEST SHOPPING

Unicenter, 25 kilometers from downtown Buenos Aires, has 300 stores selling a wide variety of brands. The food court can hold up to 1,800 diners and has a selection of cuisines to fit all tastes. [54] (11) 4733-1166. www.unicenter.com.ar

BEST COFFEE

Traditional tango bar Cafe Tortoni is on the legendary Avenida de Mayo Avenida de Mayo (Spanish: May Avenue), is located in Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina. This avenue connects Plaza de Mayo with Plaza de los Dos Congresos, which extends 1,500 metres in a west-east direction before merging into the Rivadavia Avenue. . Open since 1858, it was named for a famous Parisian cafe. Inside you'll find a vast collection of donations from famous folks who have stopped by over the decades. [54] (11) 4342-4328. www.cafetortoni.com.ar

BEST BAR

The Kilkenny, an Irish bar, is the country's official representative for the Irish brew Guinness, which is served both in bottles and directly from a traditional tap. Each St. Patrick's St. Patrick's or Saint Patrick's may refer to:
  • Saint Patrick's Day, named after the saint
  • St. Patrick's Purgatory, an ancient pilgrimage in Lough Derg, County Donegal, Ireland
 Day (March 17), the bar overflows with partygoers. [54] (11) 4312-7291. www.thekilkenny.com.ar

BEST CAN'T MISSES

In the La Boca La Boca is a neighborhood, or barrio of the Argentine capital, Buenos Aires. It retains a strong European flavour, with many of its early settlers being from the Italian city of Genoa.  neighborhood, Caminito symbolizes Buenos Aires' tango culture. The small street--just 100 meters long--is lined with displays telling the story of the immigrant roots of its inhabitants
:This article is about the video game. For Inhabitants of housing, see Residency
Inhabitants is an independently developed commercial puzzle game created by S+F Software. Details
The game is based loosely on the concepts from SameGame.
. Along the way, dancers perform to a range of arrabalera music. The Puerto Madero neighborhood is a collection of corporate office buildings that went up in the 1990s along the banks of the Rio de la Plata River La Plata River

River, eastern central Puerto Rico. It flows about 45 mi (70 km) northwest and north, to empty into the Atlantic Ocean. Part of it is dammed to create a lake which provides hydroelectric power.
. Between office buildings you'll find restaurants and cafes, all facing the water.

BEST GOLF

Pilar Golf Club is in the northern area of greater Buenos Aires Greater Buenos Aires (Spanish: Gran Buenos Aires) is the metropolitan area of the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina, which consists of the Federal Capital and the following 24 partidos (administrative subdivisions) of the Province of Buenos Aires:
 and has 27 holes on 200 hectares suitable for any handicap. The complex has a 5,400-square-meter clubhouse and golfers can walk the course or rent an electric cart. [54] (2322) 490-880. www.pilargolf.com.ar

BEST NIGHTCLUBS

Along the Costanera Norte Costanera Norte is a 43 km privatized expressway (autopista urbana) connecting northern Santiago, Chile from east to west, along the northern bank of the Mapocho River, using an electronic toll collection system. It was inaugurated on April 12 2005. , a good choice is the Buenos Aires News, which has an area of terraces, a bar and restaurant that can seat up to 300. [54] (11) 4778-1500. www.buenosairesnews.com.

Pacha is another good choice for a night on the town since it's often frequented by Argentine show-biz, fashion and art types. It costs US$7 at the door, then around $4 for a drink. [54] (11) 4788-4280. www.pacha-ba.com

BEST BUSINESS SERVICES

With 25 locations, Taller 4 is Argentina's first superstore-style copy chain. Here you'll find everything for your printing needs. [54] (11) 4343-0343. www.taller4.com

BEST NEIGHBORHOOD

Recoleta is an elegant district with French architecture. On Calle Alvear you'll find late 19th- and early 20th-century mansions built during the city's European-influenced period. Recoleta is also home to fashion designers and high-end jewelry stores, as well as first-rate bars and restaurants.

MONTEVIDEO

BEST HOTEL

In the middle of the Punta Carretas neighborhood sits Sheraton Montevideo Hotel, with 207 rooms and 10 suites. All rooms have high-speed Internet See broadband. . The hotel is next to the Punta Carretas Shopping, one of the main shopping centers in Montevideo, and three blocks from the city's main golf course. An executive room goes for US$115. [598] (2) 712-3474. www.sheraton.com

BEST BUSINESS NEIGHBORHOODS

Pocitos is the most densely populated neighborhood in the Uruguayan capital. A traditional walking path surrounds the area. Pocitos is also known for its cuisine, thanks to its bars and cafes. Montevideo's historic barrio bar·ri·o  
n. pl. bar·ri·os
1. An urban district or quarter in a Spanish-speaking country.

2. A chiefly Spanish-speaking community or neighborhood in a U.S. city.
, La Ciudad Vieja Ciudad Vieja is a municipality in the Guatemalan department of Sacatepéquez.

Once, the capital of the country, it is now a municipality in the department of Sacatepequez.
, is also home to the financial district and the city's major museums.

BEST SHOPPING

Ten minutes from downtown Montevideo Centro is the downtown neighbourhood of Montevideo, Uruguay. Its main avenue is 18 de Julio avenue, which goes from Plaza Independencia to Artigas Boulevard.

All the commercial area used to be concentrated in this neighbourhood, but after the opening of the first malls,
 is Punta Carretas Shopping, a decade old in 2004. It has 180 shops and five large department stores This is a list of department stores. In the case of department store groups the location of the flagship store is given. This list does not include large specialist stores, which sometimes resemble department stores.  in 84,000 square meters total, as well as 10 movie screens. [598] (2) 711-6940. www.puntacarretasshopping.com

BEST RESTAURANT

Panini's specialty is pasta. In the Ciudad Vieja, it seats 110. [5981 (2) 916-8760. www.paninis.com.uy

BEST SPA

Neptune Spa & Fitness Center offers panoramic views of the city, particularly Rio de la Plata La Plata (lä plä`tä), city (1991 pop. 640,344), capital of Buenos Aires prov., E central Argentina, 5 mi (8.1 km) inland from Ensenada, its port on the Río de la Plata. . Enjoy the heated pool, a complete gym, aerobics, Jacuzzi and sauna. A month's membership costs US$42. Located on the 26th floor of the Sheraton Montevideo, next to Punta Carretas Shopping. [598] (2) 710-2121

BEST MEETING SPACE

The Sheraton Montevideo Hotel hosts 300 business events each year. Eight-five percent of its guests are executives, mostly from Argentina and the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. . There are nine small and medium meeting rooms and a big room that can seat 600. [5981 (2) 712-3474. www.sheraton.com

BEST TRAVEL AGENCY

Jetmar has been in business for four decades in Uruguay, with six offices, one of them in the Carrasco International Airport Carrasco International Airport (IATA: MVD, ICAO: SUMU) is the largest airport in Uruguay. It is located at the north of Ciudad de la Costa in the Canelones department, close and towards the east side of the capital city of Montevideo, which it serves. . In Montevideo, the agency offers city tours with a bilingual guide and lunch in the traditional Mercado del Puerto for US$100. [598] (2) 902-0793. www.jetmar.com.uy

BEST GOLF

Club de Golf del Uruguay is just five minutes from downtown Montevideo. Built in 1930, it's in the Punta Carretas neighborhood. [598] (2) 710 1721. www.cgu.com.uy

BEST WEEKEND ESCAPE

Just 120 kilometers from Montevideo is Punta del Este Punta del Este (pn`tä thĕl ās`tā), city (1996 pop. 8,252), E Uruguay, on the Atlantic Ocean. , one of the best-known resort areas in South America. Taxi, a two-night stay at the Hotel Conrad with breakfast costs approximately US$325. From the port, boats take visitors to Isla de Lobos, considered to be one of the main sea-lion preserves in the world.

BEST NIGHTCLUB

The World Trade Center Montevideo has one of best-known nightclubs in the city: Lotus. Located in the Pocitos neighborhood, just about any visitor can find it safely. Open Wednesday to Saturday. [598] (2) 628-1379

SANTIAGO

BEST HOTELS

The Hotel InterContinental is in the heart of the Vitacura neighborhood, not far from the capital's downtown business centers. Rooms start at US$125. [56] (2) 394-2224. www.hotelintercontinental.cl.

Twenty-five kilometers from the Arturo Merino Merino

Breed of medium-sized sheep originating in Spain that has become prominent worldwide. It has a white face, white legs, and crimped fine-wool fleece. Known as early as the 12th century, it may have been a Moorish importation.
 Benitez airport and above the Avenida Kennedy business district, in the Las Condes Las Condes is a commune of Chile located in Santiago Province, Santiago Metropolitan Region. The area is inhabited primarily by upper-mid to high income families. Most of Las Condes comercial activity is situated along Apoquindo Avenue where locals have labeled the location  neighborhood, is the luxurious Hyatt Regency, with 310 rooms and suites and a spectacular view of the Andes. Rooms start at US$165. [56] (2) 218-1234. www.hyatt.cl.

BEST RESTAURANTS

Aqui Esta Coco, a cozy and elegant locale, specializes in Chilean shellfish, with seating for up to 150. Dinner starts at US$27. The wine cellar has 10,000 bottles, one of the country's largest. [56] (2) 235-8649. www.aquiestacoco.cl.

Imagination, tastes and textures reign at the Bristol, where chefs work at the culinary cutting edge, becoming in the process the biggest boosters of Chilean cuisine. Dinner here, too, starts at US$27. [56] (2) 639 3832. www.plazasanfrancisco.cl. On Avenida Apoquindo the Brazilian steakhouse Espadeiros provides an alternative for anyone in the mood for Brazilian-style specialities, which mean lots of meat. Dinner starts at $20. [56] (2) 220-7651. www.espadeiros.cl

BEST TRAVEL AGENCY

Turismo Cocha has more than 20 offices in Santiago, one in Concepcion and one in Vina del Mar Vi·ña del Mar  

A city of central Chile, a resort and residential suburb of Valparaíso on the Pacific Ocean. Population: 307,000.

Noun 1.
. It also has an office in Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport that's open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. [56] (2) 464-1000. www.cocha.cl

BEST CAR RENTAL

Hertz has a large range of vehicles. Prices start at US$58. [56] (2) 496-1000. www.hertz.cl

BEST MEETING SPACE

The luxurious Sheraton Santiago Hotel & Convention Center is in the center of a neighborhood on Avenida Santa Maria Santa Maria, city, Brazil
Santa Maria (sän`tə mərē`ə), city (1991 pop. 217,592), Rio Grande do Sul state, S Brazil. It is a major railroad terminus and the site of an important military base.
, just five minutes from the business centers of Providencia. It has 10 rooms with space for up to 2,000 total. The lobby bar and the Sheraton's spa, Neptuno, were also chosen by the readers of LATIN TRADE as among the best in the city. Rooms start at US$99. [56] (2) 234-1733. www.sheraton.cl

BEST SHOPPPING

Alto Las Condes is well located in eastern Santiago, where Avenida Kenney crosses Avenida Padre Hurtado. It's home to 200 shops, restaurants, 12 movie screens, department stores, entertainment and a complete medical center. [56] (2) 959-0001. www.altolascondes.cl

BEST COFFEE

Starbucks is at the corner of Isidora Goyenechea and San Sebastian. The cafe seats 80 and has Internet service. [56] (2) 231-8084. www.starbucks.com

BEST BAR

Las Urracas is an excellent place for both Latin and modern music. A bar and restaurant in Vitacura, it's a popular place for events and parties, so it's often full. US$11 at the door. [56] (2) 212-0860. www.lasurracas.cl

BEST-KEPT SECRET

In the eastern side of the city, Brannigan's is an elegant spot for a meal. A traditional establishment preferred by tourists and young adults, the fish dish mero with pure de aceitunas is a highly recommend dish. [56] (2) 232-5172

BEST WEEKEND ESCAPE

Vina del Mar, Chile's best resort area, has 3.5 kilometers of beach. The main street through the city is Calle Valparaiso, and every year it hosts the internationally broadcasted Vina del Mar Song Festival. [56] (32) 26-9200. www.munivina.cl

BEST GOLF

Club de Golf Los Leones is one of the best in the capital. Right in the middle of the Las Condes neighborhood. [56] (2) 462-3000

BEST NIGHTCLUBS

Las Brujas is one of the city's first and best-known nightspots. In the picturesque La Reina area. [56] (2) 273 1072. www.lasbrujas.cl.

Sala Murano is a good alternative. Metal halls and stairways give it an industrial feel. [56] (9) 235-1031. www.salamurano.cl

BEST SPA

Alongside the Casapiedra meeting center, in Las Condes and near the business centers is Balthus, which has a gym, spa, pool and a restaurant. [56] (2) 218-0170. www.balthus.cl

BEST BUSINESS SERVICES

Seventy-five years in business, Dimacofi is the country's principal business services provider. It specializes in imaging and document production. [56] (2) 549-7777. www.dimacofi.cl

BEST BUSINESS NEIGHBORHOOD

In eastern Santiago, Las Condes is one of the country's most exclusive areas, home to a range of financial entities, convention centers, hotels, shopping centers, golf clubs and gyms. [56] (2) 950-7575. www.lascondes.cl

BEST CAN'T-MISS

La Piojera is one of Santiago's most famous eateries, owned by the same family since 1916. Fragments and curiosities from Chile's history line the walls of its otherwise simple interior. [56] (2) 698-1682. www.lapiojera.cl
COPYRIGHT 2005 Freedom Magazines, Inc.
No portion of this article can be reproduced without the express written permission from the copyright holder.
Copyright 2005, Gale Group. All rights reserved. Gale Group is a Thomson Corporation Company.

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Title Annotation:Southern Cone
Publication:Latin Trade
Geographic Code:3URUG
Date:Feb 1, 2005
Words:2593
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