Easygoing Brazil (tel. 011/3801-9540; www.easygoing.com.br) specializes in private tours for foreign visitors. They work with excellent English-speaking guides. The company offers a 1-day tour of São Paulo for R$150 that includes the city's "must-sees" and leaves room for your interests, whether it's art, museums, fashion, parks -- anything. Easygoing also runs several tours that will take you out of São Paulo -- to a coffee plantation, or to the mountain resort of Campos do Jordão, or on a hike along the Cantarareira hills that look over the city (R$250-R$350). Prices are for a private tour for two people; with three or more the price goes down significantly. Easygoing even has a 1-day tour of Rio (though we don't recommend it unless you have absolutely no alternative). They fly you to Rio on the early flight, show you the sights, and return you to São Paulo in time for a late dinner. The tour is popular with high-powered execs who only have a day to get away (R$425 not including airfare).

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.