Private tour in Rio De Janeiro Lais T

Rio de Janeiro half day Private tour - 4h

5.0

(29) reviews

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Hours icon 4 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
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Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 4 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Lais T.

5.0

Guide rating

364

Reviews

Tours delivered

15 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

If you have a short window to visit the city of Rio and want to make the most of it, this tour is for you! In 4h, I am at your disposal with the car. We will focus in your main interests and pace. Wether it is history, architecture, nature, adventure, music, gastronomy, art, museums, culture, religion, beaches, sports, hiking, climbing, biking, helicopter tours and so on. We will be in contact to adjust the itinerary, considering the distance between the attractions and your needs. If you like a lot of information, in a relaxed an non-robotic way, I am the guide for you! :-) I consider myself a world citizen, very open minded, interested in multiple subjects and, most of all, a people's person :-) Former teacher, Biologist, tour guide, artisan, mom, political activist and traveler by passion. Tell me your interests and lets explore Rio your own way!!

Recent Reviews

Eugenia V.United States
February 2026

We had an amazing experience with Lais Tammela in Rio! She was warm, knowledgeable, and made the whole day feel effortless and fun. We got to see the iconic highlights as well as some hidden gems, and she shared so much interesting insight about the city without it ever feeling overwhelming. She was attentive, flexible, and made us feel completely comfortable and safe throughout. You can tell she truly loves Rio and what she does. Highly recommend booking with her — it made our trip so much more special!

Julie F.
September 2025

We have been traveling internationally for 57 years. We have had dozens of tour guides. Most have been good but LAIS is by far the best tour guide ever. Her expertise of Rio is amazing. Her knowledge of the history, the intricacies of the city of Rio & the nation of Brazil plus her love of her country puts her in an entirely different league as a tour guide. Most of all she has a great ability to treat people as family. It is an amazing talent that very few have. The best part of our first visit to Rio was not Christ the Redeemer or Sugar Loaf (both great) but Lais!!! We did 3 day tours with her and an airport transfer. If you come to Rio, Lais is a must to have as your tour guide. Thank you Lais for making our first trip to Brazil amazing!! Harry and Ellen

Steven P.United States
April 2025

I would given 10 stars if possible . Lais was the perfect guide ! Very friendly , extremely passionate and expertly fluent in English - Lais was knowledgeable and entertaining as we explored the Carnival experience ! We enjoyed ourselves thoroughly ! Thank you again Lais !!!

Brock R.
March 2025

Probably the best tour my wife and I have taken while traveling. Laís couldn’t have been more knowledgeable or friendly. An expert on the history of Rio de Janeiro and Brazilian culture. Incredibly accommodating and tailored the tour to our requests with great additional recommendations. Laís made touring the incredibly busy Christ the Redeemer both stress free and fun.

Kathleen B.United States
February 2025

Toursbylocals comes through again with Lais. She is easy to communicate with, dependable, patient, a GREAT driver and is flexible. Lais obvious loves Rio and knows all about the attractions and neighborhoods you will visit with her. PLUS, she is able to skip the lines at Sugarloaf and Christ The Redeemer. We thoroughly enjoyed our 2 days with this enthusiastic guide!

Sherry C.United States
January 2025

Our third and final day with Lais was awesome! We had a short time to revisit things we had previously missed. Lais was very sweet to go and retrieve her car on such a hot day and pick us up at the entrance of the park after touring the beautiful parks. She even took us to an air conditioned restaurant for lunch and my husband and I sampled the local beer. She is a very informative and caring person and I wholeheartedly recommend her for touring this beautiful city!

Your Rio De Janeiro tour itinerary

This tour can have customized itinerary. Choose the attractions that interest you the most and we will plan an itinerary together. :-) These are the main attractions in Rio, and the time needed for each visit: - Botanic Gardens (my specialty) - 4h - Historic Center - 4h - African Heritage - 4h - Pantanal Carioca - 4h - Hiking in Tijuca National Park - 4h - Biking on the beaches - 4h - Santa Teresa - 4h - Political History in Brazil - 4h - Maracanã Stadium - 2h - Carnaval Experience - 3h - Farmers market (food tour) - 3h - Burle Marx Garden - 5h - Deserted beaches - 4h - Jewish Tour - 3h - Petrópolis - 8h - Niterói (Architcture) - 5h - Coffee Valley - 9h - Gastronomy class - 4h - Samba class (instruments or dance) - 3h - Hang glidding or paraglidding - 3h - Northeastern fair (folklore) - 3h - Parque Lage - 1,5h - Christ statue - 4h - required self purchase of tickets in advance - Sugar Loaf (Fast Pass) - 3h - required self purchase of tickets in advance Feel free to contact me with all of your questions

Want to customize this tour?

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: Private Transportation / Category: Suv

Modern, clean, comfortable and air-conditioned car (Jeep Renegade Moab). Subway, ferry, tram or walks can be included according to your itinerary. This tour can be arranged for bigger groups, please contact me for prices and details.

What's included
Other: The best of Brazilian hospitality
Private Guide
Private Transportation
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. Admission tickets, food, drinks, souveniers
Food Drinks Snacks
Tickets: - Christ Statue or Sugar Loaf Mountain - required self purchase of tickets in advance
Meeting location

Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Hotel (South Zone or Downtown) or Cruise Port

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
City Highlights
Art And Culture
Adventure
Nature Wildlife And Safaris
Food And Drink
Tour reference number
21340
Languages
Portuguese
English
Spanish
Activity level
Light
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Wheelchair Accessible

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 travellers who want to explore the city with a local guide, focusing on their personal interests. Whether you're into history, architecture, nature, music, gastronomy, or adventure, Lais T. can tailor the experience to suit your preferences. It's also suitable for families with children and travellers with mobility needs.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in Rio de Janeiro be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

Is this private tour in Rio de Janeiro suitable for cruise ship passengers as a shore excursion?

What languages is this tour offered in?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 4 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 4 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

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