Bucket list experience:
Rio de Janeiro , Southeastern Region, Brazil
Rio’s Botanical Gardens are a delight – with leafy trails running through semi-wild gardens to lily ponds, tinkling waterfalls and spectacular views of the Christ statue and Corcovado mountain at every turn. They preserve one of the best collections of neotropical plants in the world, and are a haven for wildlife – with 140 recorded species of birds – including 20 species of hummingbird.
Founded as the private retreat of the Brazilian emperor in the 19th century, and now listed by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve, the gardens are a great break from the heat and the beach – with shady glades and al fresco cafes.
The orchid greenhouse, which is home to a superb collection of rare Atlantic Forest orchids.
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Destination Guide >There are buses to the Jardim Botanico from all over the city, but it’s easiest to take a taxi (10mins) from the nearest metro stop – Praca General Osório in Ipanema. The al fresco Café Botanica, near the entrance to the gardens, serves surprisingly good breakfasts, light lunches, snacks and fresh tropical juices.
Bring a pair of binoculars for better ogling of howler monkeys, sloths, tufted-eared marmosets, toucans and guans in the trees.
Open all year round, Tuesday to Friday. Closed Mondays.
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Rio de Janeiro , Southeastern Region, Brazil[2.1 miles]
Rooms are modern, flooded with light, and decked out with Paulo Alpes furniture. The best have views of the sunset over the beach and the Morro dos Dois Irmãos mountains.
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Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Region, Brazil[3.6 miles]
Effortlessly hip and elegant in a choice Ipanema location, this is one of Rio’s most luxurious beach hotels in an unrivalled beachfront location.
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Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Region, Brazil[3.9 miles]
This sumptuous beachside boutique, with a rooftop pool and bar, is where visiting celebs come to admire the Copacabana views and each other.
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Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Region, Brazil[3.9 miles]
There’s a rooftop sundeck with fabulous beach views, a small pool and the restaurant serves high quality comfort food including a huge breakfast (included in the price).
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Southeastern Region, Brazil
Heaven for healthy hedonists – hang glide, surf or hike by day, relax on the beach and party all night. Then, of course, there’s that carnival…
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Rio de Janeiro , Southeastern Region, Brazil[0 miles]
Rio’s lush urban rainforest climbs over the mountains that surround the Christ statue and Atlantic beaches, affording some of the world’s most beautiful urban views. Excellent for hiking, biking and wildlife-spotting.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free
Rio de Janeiro , Southeastern Region, Brazil[2.3 miles]
This iconic, art deco beauty, the symbol of South America, watches out over Rio from high on Corcovado Mountain. The panoramic views from the statue’s feet are dazzling.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Rio de Janeiro , Southwestern Region, Brazil[3.4 miles]
Get a deeper understanding of Rio life with an insider tour of its famous favelas.
Best for ages: 13+ | £25
Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Region, Brazil[4.2 miles]
Breathy and breathtaking rainforest hike to the highest peak in Rio de Janeiro’s urban mountain range, stopping at Tijuca National Park’s waterfalls on the way.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 4 hours
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Rio de Janeiro , Southeastern Region, Brazil[2.5 miles]
Rio’s prettiest, chicest ocean beach, is watched over by the impressive Dois Irmaos mountain that sits behind. The water is cleaner, and the crowd more exclusive the further south you go, where Ipanema Beach merges into the more upscale Leblon Beach.
Best for ages: Any | Free
Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Region, Brazil[2.9 miles]
Pelé da Praia has been teaching locals and tourists Brazilian football tricks on Ipanema beach for more than a decade. One-to-one tuition and group classes available. Contact him at peledapraia1@hotmail.com.
Best for ages: 8+ | £15 | 1-2 hours
Rio de Janeiro , Southeastern Region, Brazil[6.2 miles]
Experience the passion of a match in the city that considers itself the world capital of football.
Best for ages: Any | £15 | 4 hours
Rio de Janeiro , Southeastern Region, Brazil[6.9 miles]
This half-day hike through a wildlife- and waterfall-filled rainforest ends with a scary summit scramble. It rewards, though, with the best views in Rio. Guided rock climbs are also on offer.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free | 6-8 hours
