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Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden

  • Rio de Janeiro , Southeastern Region, Brazil

Last updated: 04 April, 2024

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.

Don’t miss

The orchid greenhouse, which is home to a superb collection of rare Atlantic Forest orchids.

Logistics

Price: Free
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

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.

When to do it

Open all year round, Tuesday to Friday. Closed Mondays.

Who to go with: organised tours

3

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

  • Rio de Janeiro

Enjoy close the natural diversity of Rio de Janeiro. Begin your tour at the Botanical Garden (options with and without tickets included) and visit the Sensory Garden, the Brazilwood (tree that gives name to the country), the Turtle Lake and the lake with the giant-water-lily. Walk through the bicentenary imperial palm trees as you go to the orchidarium and bromeliad house. Then, visit the Vista Chinesa gazebo (on Saturdays and Sundays will be off the route as vehicles are not allowed) and enjoy a panoramic view of Rio de Janeiro. In a distance, you can also see Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf. Follow to an adventure at Tijuca National Forest, one of the largest urban forest in the world. Observe the Taunay Waterfall and walk through a simple trail as you learn more about the Atlantic Forest, its flora and fauna. Get back to the vehicle and pass by the famous São Conrado beach to observe the hang gliders and paragliders, before returning to the hotel through a panoramic route.

Price $34

Min age 1

Rating 4.36 / 5 [116 ratings]

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  • Rio de Janeiro

Spend an idyllic tour at the world-famous Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden, or Jardim Botânico. On this guided tour of the sprawling UNESCO biosphere reserve, amble down the Avenue of the Royal Palms, and stroll past trees and plant life from around the world, including gigantic water lilies from the Amazon. Learn the garden’s history and glimpse wildlife such as monkeys and toucans along the way. Then enjoy free time to wander the grounds on your own before taking transport back to Rio hotels.

Price $49

Min age 3

Rating 4.66 / 5 [27 ratings]

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  • Rio de Janeiro

Explore one of the largest urban forests in the world with a tour to the Tijuca National Park. Meet the tour guide at your hotel lobby and head to the Tijuca Forest. The area is home to different small species of animals, such as squirrels, monkeys, porcupines, foxes and armadillos. Plus, a million different butterflies, birds, and reptiles. Just remember that they are wild animals, so you must keep your distance and never feed them. Enjoy the tropical rainforest and learn about its rich biodiversity. On the way, admire the Vista Chinesa belvedere, the Taunay waterfall and the Mayrink Chapel. Take a pause to see from a distance the monolithic Pedra da Gávea and the Christ the Redeemer statue. As a bonus, we add the Botanic Garden in this tour for you. Explore the collection of more than 7,000 species of tropical plants, bromeliads, orchids and native Brazilian plants in the Botanic Garden. Tour guide, roundtrip transfer, entrance to Tijuca National Park included.

Price $72

Min age 0

Rating 4.45 / 5 [20 ratings]

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