Happy landings.(Best of Latin America: Latin Trade reader's choice)(Cover Story)

Quick, where's the best steakhouse in Caracas? How about adventure travel agencies in Mexico City, shopping in Santo Domingo or car rental in Sao Paulo? Have no fear, LATIN TRADE readers to the rescue.

Getting the deal done is paramount, but we figure you have that under control. But knowing the best ways to get what you need in a new city, that takes inside knowledge. So we asked our readers to name names, and they did. Ever heard of Patricia, the best manicurist in Sao Paulo? Our readers have. They told us about getting around in Bogota, beef on the menu in Buenos Aires, even where to get a good martini in San Jose.

For the latest edition of the Best of Latin America, we at times turned to travel professionals and locals who know how to have a good time, but the majority of our city tips came directly from you, the traveling business public. You'll see lots of familiar faces, especially among our readers' picks for the best hotels or car rental agencies. But their reasoning is rich in detail. The lobby of the JW Marriott in Quito, for instance, overflows with roses. The Westin in Guatemala City can arrange secretarial services. The Granados Park in Asuncion will press your clothes for free.

This being the year of free trade, we also asked our readers to mention some of their favorite destinations outside Latin America. High on the list were big U.S. airline hubs serving the region, like Houston, Miami and Atlanta. New York, too, ranked high in importance and in detail (ask a concierge at the Hotel Pierre if you need something unusual) and so did Los Angeles, where celebrity watching is high art at Sky Ban

Perhaps the most fun are the restaurant recommendations. They range from down home--Chilean lomitos, parillada in Montevideo and southern barbecue in Atlanta--to the highly refined. Lima's La Rosa Nautica serves a chocolate souffle soaked in Grand Marnier. Don't miss it, say our sources.

Business travel is a long, hard road, a necessity that nevertheless can take a lot out of even the most dedicated professionals. Keep this issue tucked in your overnight bag or laptop case. The next time you wake up to hear a flight attendant say "Put your tray tables in the locked and upright position" perhaps the day ahead can be one of anticipation and fun, once the deal is closed and everyone's ready to relax.

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