Private tour in Rio De Janeiro Lais T

Brazil's Political History explained by a local - Rio Downtown Walking tour

5.0

(4) reviews

-
Hours icon 6 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
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-
Hours icon 6 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Lais T.

5.0

Guide rating

365

Reviews

Tours delivered

27 hrs

Avg. response time

Hi! My name is Laís Tammela. As cariocas say, I am "carioca da gema" (which means I was born and raised in Rio). I love to travel, but most of all, I love to share with others my love for the city of Rio de Janeiro! I am certified by Ministério do Turismo to serve as a tour guide in Brazil and South America. I am also a Biology Bachelor and licensed for teaching Science and Biology. For seven years, I worked as a Science and Biology teacher, attending students from 5 to 17 years old. In 2000, I lived in Brisbane, Australia, where I studied English and worked in an Australian Zoo. That was a great experience!! In 2007, I lived in Dallas, U. S. , where I studied tourism, worked at Farmers Branch CVB and taught Biology at Richland College. In 2014, I had a marvelous season in Europe, living in Berlin for 4 months and travelling through Finland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Holland, France, Germany, Denmark and Austria. For years I have hosted my friends from all over the world in Rio and I just LOVE to do it! Since 2009, I decided to become a full-time professional tour guide. I take private tours in Rio with my car (Jeep Renegade Moab) but I can also make arrangements for larger groups (up to 42 people). I have biking and walking tours or we can have fun navigating the Public Transport system in the city - subway, tram, light rail, bus and ferry. Please check all different tour options I have below, all private and personalised to you, including: Tailored tours for 4h, 6h or 8h; Highlights tour - Christ and Sugar Loaf; Nature tours - Botanic Gardens (my favorite), Sitio Burle Marx, Hiking in the jungle, observing Birds, Capibaras and Caimans (aligators); Historic or Political tours; African Heritage tour; Food tours - Farmers market; Art and Culture tours - Santa Teresa, The Maze, Art Museums or Galleries; Soccer Games; Carnaval Experience; Biking tours; Favela tours; Coffee Valley tour; Petropolis Imperial City tour; Rio for Kids; etc. I am fascinated about different people and cultures and it is with great pleasure that I spend the day sharing the "carioca's way of life" and Brazilian culture with others. If you are willing to become a citizen of the world, like myself, come visit Brazil and share with me the wonders of Rio de Janeiro city!! I will tailor the tours according to your interests. In 17 years of guiding, I have hosted couples and families in Rio for up to 10 days straight. And we did different things every single day. :-) Be my guest!! I will be pleased to arrange your pick up from the airport. Ask me how. :-) "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime. " Mark Twain - Accredited by the Official Brazilian Tourism Board (Min do Turismo) and Ministry of Tourism - Bachelor in Biological Sciences - Major: Ecology and Licensed for Teaching by Federal University of Rio de Janeiro - Brazil - Travel, Tourism and Management Certificate by Richland College - Dallas, TX - Adoption Doula Training Program by Instituto Doulas de Adoção - Member of the Waldorf School in Rio de Janeiro - Wilderness First Aid Trained

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Lais T.

Overview of your Rio De Janeiro tour

From 1500 to 2025, Brazil has been a Colony, Kingdom, Empire, Republic. . . we had 2 dictatorships, 2 impeachments and many, many protests and riots. From 1989 to 2025, I joined most of them! As a strong political activist, I helped create and pass in Congress and Senate, the working Federal Law that regulates the work of driver guides, like myself. I participated in the board of directors of an Educational association and a tour guides association. This tour is also about corruption scandals, feminism, structural racism, fascim, populism and so on. More than 37 parties in government, mandatory elections, one of the best environmental laws in the world. . . Marielle Franco, "Car wash" investigation, LGBTQAI+ rights, left and right. . . If you are interested in politics (as we should all be), this is the tour for you!

Recent Reviews

Alex K.United States
June 2026

The tour was fantastic! Lais is very knowledgeable, we came to Brazil knowing very little but curious to learn more and she adapted the tour based on our questions. We happened the schedule the tour on a day Brazil was playing in the World Cup so much of the city was shut down, and even so we learned so much about the rich history and current politics of Brazil.

Sarah T.United States
December 2025

I cannot recommend this tour more highly! Laís was a wonderful guide and the tour was a fascinating dive into the history of Rio/Brazil with many links to the modern political climate in Brazil and around the world. Laís is dynamic, hilarious, and super knowledgeable and was very flexible with our group. You should try this tour!

Laurent S.Switzerland
December 2023

This is probably one of the best tours we've ever lived. We had the chance to talk with Lais about politics in Brazil, which is fascinating in itself, but also about daily life and history. She gave us a ton of informations on her hometown, that she knows inside and out, and about her country. Lais was a lovely guide, very attentive to us during a heat wave and she adapted her tour to the conditions. She is also lovely as a person and we are happy to have met her.

Gayle K.United States
July 2023

This was the second of two tours I took with Lais and it was just as transformative as the first. This is such a unique and important tour, especially for anyone interested in understanding how Brazil's political history informs its political present. My husband and I are involved in community organizing and education in New York City, and very much appreciated learning about legislative campaigns in Rio to advance social justice. We're so grateful for our time with Lais!

Your Rio De Janeiro tour itinerary

- Meet and greet at Tabacaria Africana - Praça Quinze de Novembro - Camara dos Vereadores - Palacio Tiradentes - Praça XV - Cinelandia - Palácio do Catete At the end of the tour I will show you how to use public transportation back to your hotel or will help you to find a taxi.

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Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Public Transportation / Category: Subway

Walking tour and subway

What's included
Other: The best of Brazilian hospitality :-) Fluent English speaking guide
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. You MUST bring cash, in Reais, in small bills (R$5, R$10, R$20) to pay for public transportation
Public Transportation
Tickets
Meeting location

Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Tabacaria Africana - Praça Quinze de Novembro - 38, Centro

Other details
Tour categories
History
Off The Beaten Path
Tour reference number
653955
Languages
Portuguese
English
Spanish
Activity level
Light

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Rio de Janeiro best suited for?

This private tour in Rio de Janeiro is perfect for those interested in Brazil's rich political history and activism. If you are passionate about politics, feminism, structural racism, and environmental laws, this tour will provide deep insights into these topics. It's also ideal for travellers who want to connect with a local expert like Lais T. for a more personalized experience.

What should I bring or wear?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 6 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 6 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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