Rio Botanical Garden, Rio de Janeiro

Rio Botanical Garden, Rio de Janeiro

Sprawling over 140 hectares at the foot of the Corcovado Mountain, the lush Jardim Botânico contains a huge collection of 6500 species of plants from all over the world, not only tropical ones.

Sprawling over 140 hectares at the foot of the Corcovado Mountain, the lush Jardim Botânico contains a huge collection of 6500 species of plants from all over the world, not only tropical ones. It is a Biosphere Reserve designated by the UNESCO. Planted in the 1800s, it is both a park and a scientific laboratory. Highlights include Avenue of Royal Palms lined with palms all of which have the same parent, the orquidário which has 600 varieties of orchids, Japanese Garden with cherry trees, bamboo and bonsai, Amazon Garden with tropical flora such as Pau-mulato trees and Lago Frei Leandro covered with Vitória Régia water lilies, and the Bromeliarium with 15000 Bromeliads. The gardens also have ponds, fountains, children’s playground, an old gunpowder factory, grotto Karl Glasl, a sundial, several sculptures such as the Fountain of the Muses and Bust of Friar Leandro, cast iron statue of Greek Goddess Tethys by Louis Savageou, and impressive openings such as the neoclassical Gateway of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts. The park is also home to entomofauna and 140 species of birds.

Despite its wealth of flora, fauna and monuments, it does not get very crowded, and is visited by families on weekends. Drop into the Visitor Centre for planning your way around, and pick up a few souvenirs on your way out.