Botanical Garden of Rio de Janeiro — Attraction in Região Geográfica Imediata do Rio de Janeiro

The Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden or Jardim Botânico is located at the Jardim Botânico district in the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro. The Botanical Garden shows the diversity of Brazilian and foreign flora. There are around 6,500 species (some endangered) distributed throughout an area of 54 hectares (130 acres) as well as numerous greenhouses. The garden also houses monuments of historical, artistic, and archaeological significance. There is an important research center, which includes the most complete library in the country specializing in botany with over 32,000 volumes. It was founded in 1808 by King John VI of Portugal. Originally intended for the acclimatization of spices like nutmeg, pepper and cinnamon imported from the West Indies, the garden was opened to the public in 1822, and is now open during daylight hours every day except 25 December and 1 January. The 140 hectares (350 acres) park lies at the foot of the Corcovado Mountain, far below the right arm of the statue of Christ the Redeemer and contains more than 6,000 different species of tropical and subtropical plants and trees, including 900 varieties of palm trees. A 750 metres (2,460 ft) line of 134 palms forms the Avenue of Royal Palms leading from the entrance into the gardens. These palms all descended from a single tree, the Palma Mater, long since destroyed by lightning. Only about 40% of the park is cultivated, the remainder being Atlantic Forest rising up the slopes of Corcovado. The park is protected by the Patrimônio Histórico e Artístico Nacional and was designated as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 1992. The Botanical Garden has an important research institute, which develops a wide range of botanical studies in Brazil. The institute has taxonomists who specialize in the identification and conservation of the...

This is a huge park within the city of Rio de Janeiro that is connected to the Tijuca Forest, one of the last remaining pieces of the “Mata Atlântica” (South American Atlantic Forest) that existed before the arrival of European colonizers. Over 200 years ago, the Emperor of Portugal, Dom João VI, had the foresight to reserve for his and future generations a large piece of this forest as a nature preserve. Since the creation of the Jardim Botânico, it has been expanded to include species of plants, not only native to Brazil, but also from all over Latin America.

During our two-hour visit to the Jardim Botânico, we were able to see many examples of the flora (and even some of the fauna) that are alive and thriving in this immense park. For example, we walked on a pathway lined by incredibly tall palms. We also saw trees with trunks of enormous dimensions. We walked alongside a waterfall that drains rainfall coming from the heights of the Tijuca Forest. We strolled through greenhouses containing all types of lovely orchids. And we observed large turtles sunbathing and swimming in a pond.

[One note of caution: Be sure to apply insect repellent when visiting Jardim Botânico. As of the 3rd week in March 2019, several recent cases of dengue and Chikungunya were reported by condo residents near here. I got several itchy welts either from my visit to Jardim Botânico or from my hotel room in Copacabana, where the staff would leave the door to the balcony open every day after making up the room. Luckily, one week later, I've had no symptoms of either febrile illness.]

This was an amazing experience and one that reminds us of the importance of the forests of Brazil, not only to the Brazilians but also to...

Loved visiting this historical Botanical Garden. It's absolutely stunning, surrounded by the jungle covered hillsides of Rio. The Garden itself, is very beautiful. I would suggest spending a whole day here so you're able to see everything. I would also suggest bringing your own food and drinks as the "snack bars" or little cafés don't have very good food and are expensive. The historical context of the Garden is fascinating. Dating back to 1808 when the Portuguese moved the capital from Salvador (where they first landed in Brasil 300 years earlier) to Rio de Janeiro. The old growth trees and stone waterways are really special and worth the visit in itself, especially if you're a tree lover. The exhibits I wasn't as impressed with, such as the Orquidario and Medicinal Plants. I felt that they could do a much better job at showcasing these plants. Especially the medicinal garden, the plants were sad and unhealthy and it was clearly not being maintained well. I say this as a farmer/gardener and only because being a famous Botanical Garden I had pretty high expectations. I also wish they incorporated more of the plants and fruit that is growing at the Garden into the experience. For example, there are jackfruit trees growing all over the property, the ripe fruit not being harvested, many rotting on the ground. There are many beautiful species of wildlife that do eat the fruit and plants, but so much more that's not being utilized. Overall the work (research & study) they do from and at the Garden is incredible and valuable and the experience was amazing. We will definitely be visiting again and again. I'm excited to see the evolution of the Garden over the years. Top 10 favorite places to visit in...