Meet our expert, resident Program Directors
Emiliano Rio
"Emi was so full of life—and enthusiasm for Chile and Argentina. He looked after all our needs, shared his passion for the places we visited, and gave excellent presentations on current issues such as politics and education. He even invited us to his house for lunch, where he introduced us to his fiancée. He was just fantastic."
–Joanne Rawson & Ernie Hnatiukm, 3-time travelers, Newport Beach, California
100% of Grand Circle travelers rate their experience with Emiliano on this vacation as "excellent"
Born in: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Currently resides in: Buenos Aires, Argentina
With Grand Circle since: 2007
Languages: Spanish, English, French, Portuguese; currently learning German
Education: Studied at University of Buenos Aires; degree as a national tourist guide
Hobbies/Special interests: Trekking, reading, soccer, traveling, going to the cinema and theater, spending time with friends and family, and spending all day outdoors
Interesting Fact about Emiliano: When he says he likes to travel, he means it! Emiliano has journeyed extensively throughout Central and South America, has explored most of Europe (including France, where he lived for a brief period), and has also traveled to China. As he puts its, “These experiences make me appreciate Argentina and South America all the more, and at the same time, I’ve learned that each place in the world is special for a different reason.”
Memorable Group Experience: “When I bring my groups to La Concepcion School—which is located in the Parana Delta region of Argentina and supported in part by Grand Circle Foundation—the children often treat us to a performance of traditional songs. They are so sincere and excited to sing for us, it really touches my travelers’ hearts. I’ve even seen some of them cry because they’re so moved by the experience.”
Emiliano’s Insider Tips:
Food & Dining: “For a truly outstanding lunch in Santiago, head to Fuenta Alemana, located about half a block from the Plaza Italia. Founded by the Siri brothers more than 60 years ago, this small but bustling restaurant has been steadily serving up the most delicious sandwich in the city ever since! Known as El Lomito, it’s a heavenly combination of paper-thin slices of braised, spiced pork loin, sliced tomato, and mashed avocado, topped with plenty of house-made mayonnaise and piled between two halves of a freshly baked round bun. The portions are so generous, it’s almost impossible to eat with your hands, so the waitresses—clad in crisp white, nurse-like uniforms—wisely bring a knife and fork along with your sandwich.”
Shopping: “If you happen to be in Buenos Aires on a Saturday or Sunday, I highly recommend stopping by the Recoleta Fair, a weekends-only crafts market located in Plaza Francia, near Recoleta Cemetery. From 10 am to sunset, vendors gather to sell all manner of souvenirs and gifts, from postcards and paintings to handmade jewelry and woolen sweaters. You’ll also find musicians playing live music, as well as dancers displaying their tango skills. Even if you’re not an enthusiastic shopper, it’s a great place to people-watch and get a sense for what life is like in Buenos Aires.”