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

Latin Trade, Feb, 2005

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.