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

Latin Trade, Feb, 2005

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.