NEW Favela Republica Private Tour with Local Residents

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