Lage Park | Parque Lage
Rio's Lage Park is stunning and highly recommended
Parque Henrique Lage is located at 414, Rua Jardim Botanico, in the city of Rio de Janeiro. It lies north of Ipanema Beach and the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, at the foot of Corcovado Mountain. This beautiful garden became a public park in the 1960s with no admission charge to the public. Featuring historical architecture (some as old as the 1840s) and protected rainforest gardens with several walking trails. In 2004 the gardens of Parque Henrique Lage became part of the Tijuca National Park.
The park has many adventures for the whole family. Take advantage of one of the picnic areas. There’s a children’s playground. Stroll across the bridges and along the hiking trails, geared for a variety of different levels of hikers. Wander through the Italian villa that got its start in the early 1920s. The historic estate is now a visual arts school: Escola de Artes Visuais do Parque Lage. This school is opened to the public. Walk through the halls and witness students at work creating art. Make your way to the balcony that overlooks the villa’s Swimming pool. Enjoy a tasty meal at the Cafe du Lage. At this little oasis you will get a spectacular view of Corcovado and Christ the Redeemer.
The park provided the setting where Snoop Dogg and Pharrell filmed their music video “Beautiful.”
In 1922 Henrique lag had the mansion redesigned to please his wife, Italian opera singer Gabriella Besanzon. Henrique Lage hired an Italian architect and designer Mario Vodret, who gave the mansion its Italian marbles, tiles, interior paintings by Salvador Paylos Sabate of salons, and a courtyard that frames the central swimming pool and fountain. This gives you the feeling that you are in an Italian villa. The design added to the existing style gives an eclectic style to the mansion.
To enter the premises you go through double gates inviting you along a windy driveway lined with Royal Palms. This leads to the beautiful structure surrounded by 52 hectares of picturesque gardens and trails. The premises are filled with ponds, lush rainforests and miles of paths that wind through shady areas creating a calming atmosphere. Explore man-made caves, made from artificial rocks and logs. One cave showcasing 12 beautiful aquariums. These aquariums are embedded in the walls, displaying a variety of fish from lakes and rivers in Brazil. The largest tank has the capacity to hold 6,000-litres. Children love to view these gorgeous species.
June 14th, 1957 the Historical and Artistic Institute listed Henrique Lage Park a historical and cultural heritage of the city of Rio de Janeiro.
If you are an experienced hiker, you will likely enjoy hiking up through hills and rainforest to the summit of Corcovado. It is not advisable to hike this trail alone though, as tourists have been robbed on it.
After touring Parque Henrique Lage make your way to Jardim Botanico the nearby Botanical Gardens. These gardens feature plants from all around the world, covering an area of 338 acres. There’s a fee to enter the gardens.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee:Address: R. Jardim Botânico, 414 - Jardim Botânico, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 22461-000, Brazil
Official Website: Parque Lage
Parque Lage Reviews
Rated out of 5
The palace is under maintenance but the park itself was lovely. We walked around & went exploring in the grotto areas, it was nice to feel like children again! We saw monkeys which was cool!
Kirsten - 2 weeks ago
Worth visiting if your in the area - however, nowhere near as good as the botanical gardens. There’s a waterfall and small lake to see at the top, along with a cave, small aquarium and some small shelters . In need of some serious maintenance I think. Looks like the cafe/main building is closed until June.
Matt Hook - 4 months ago
The park’s main building is still under construction, but the rest of the area more than makes up for it. The scenery is stunning, with winding trails that lead to breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the city. Whether you’re hiking, taking photos, or just relaxing, there’s plenty to enjoy here. It’s definitely a can’t-miss spot in Rio for anyone who loves nature and great views.
Tyce Treadway - 4 months ago
The park is beautiful, look for flowers and wildlife (monkeys, birds). The cafe was closed for maintenance but the park is worth visiting regardless.
Makuki - 2 months ago
Nice park, sadly the building I wanted to see was in renovation (I assume) so ye but besides that nice place
Itsme-scar - 4 months ago
Directions
| Metro and Metro Bus Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Line 1 - Orange or Line 2 - Green | Botafogo | 3 MInutes |
How to get to Parque Lage by Metro and Metro Bus
Purhase a Metro na Superficie farecard take the Metro to Botafogo Station and transfer to the blue 'Metro na Superficie Bus' destined for Gavea and ride it to the stop far side of Rua Rua Nina Rodrigues which is a little past beyond the park entrance. Exit and walk back along Rua Jamim Botanico to the park entrance. (3 minutes).
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Photo Gallery
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Photo Credit: acmoraes - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: acmoraes - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: acmoraes - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: acmoraes - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: acmoraes - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: acmoraes - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Catarina Oberlander - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Fora do Eixo - cc license via Flickr