Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden

Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden is a must see for anyone who loves plants and gardens

Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden
Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden cc licensed photo by Felipe Ventura dos Santos

When visiting Rio, sometimes you just need a bit of a time-out from all of the hustle and bustle of the city. This is something that the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden is certain to provide.

The Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden was founded in 1808 by Prince Regent Dom Joao. He intended for it to be a research center in addition to a recreational area. The Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden is not just a place to go and see the local flora, there are also plants brought in from other parts of the world. You will be able see the first tea, cloves and cinnamon which were brought to Brazil in an attempt to grow them locally instead of having to import them. There are over five and a half thousand different species of plants in the gardens which makes for pleasant strolls and a peaceful exploration of nature. Some of the highlights include a lake filled with enormous water lilies, beautiful orchids, a selection of carnivorous plants and a Japanese Garden.

Interestingly, the row of 134 palms which form the Avenue of Royal Palms are all descended from a single tree. The Palma Mater can no longer be seen as it was hit and destroyed by lightning many years ago.

When you are tired of looking at the flora, you can take a turn through the library. The library is one of the largest of its kind. It contains more than thirty two thousand volumes all focused on botany. There are also a number of monuments which have great historical and cultural value to the inhabitants of Rio de Janeiro. For example, there is the Fountain of the Muses which was made in Derby in England and was at Henrique Lage's Villa until 1895 and there is an old gunpowder factory on the premises.

The Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden is found at the foot of the Corcovado Mountain in the shadow of the Christ the Redeemer statue. Only forty percent of the park's 140 hectares are cultivated. The rest of the park is natural Atlantic Forest. The Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden was designated a biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 1992.

For a slight change of pace and a moment of relaxation, visit the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden. You will see plants that cannot be seen outside of Rio de Janeiro and take a break from the chaos of the city all at the same time.

Facts For Your Visit

Fee: Yes

Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays

  • Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Address: R. Jardim Botânico, 1008 - Jardim Botânico, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 22460-030, Brazil

Phone: (21) 3874-1808

Official Website: Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden

Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden Reviews

Rated 4.7 out of 5 Star Rating

4 Star Rating A fantastic place to wander and ponder. In additions to the amazing flora, with some amazingly tall palms, there is the chance to see in the wild toucans, sloths and howler monkeys. Spend 90 mins or three hours, it's a great place to step out of the city into a peaceful retreat. No parking anymore though.
Ian Smith - a month ago

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4 Star Rating After paying R$70 (cash only facilities) to spend the morning immersed in nature, I was disappointed when I was told to get off the grass- one is only allowed to sit delicately on the benches provided on pathways...there are many other rules to comply with within the gardens. It felt more like a living museum than an interactive and connected experience one would hope for. Wifi is available but to get onto the network, you need internet... 🙄 The gardens itself are beautiful, thanks to Mother Nature. Worth spending a couple of hours here, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Kirshnee Moodley - a month ago

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3 Star Rating This place is a bit over-rated. Been to different botanical gardens in the world and I think this one is not very impressive. Some of the plants are not well maintained and there is not much information about the plants. But I love the animals and birds here! They are sooo cute!
Nomadic Dreamer - 2 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating Visiting the local botanical gardens always gives you a great insight into the natural features of the area and this is no exception. A great place to wander and admire the local flora. Quiet and peaceful.
gentile paglia - a month ago

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5 Star Rating An amazing place that’s definitely worth a visit. You can only pay in cash, ticket price is 73 R$. It’s very wet there, so get your lightest clothes on and maybe come after the lunch. The park is open til 5 o’clock.
Yulia Udovitsina - 3 months ago

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Directions

Metro and Metro Bus Line Nearest Station Walking Time
Line 1 - Orange or Line 2 - GreenBotafogo5 MInutes

How to get to Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden 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' and ride it to the Jardim Botanico Baixo Gávea stop. Exit the bus and walk north along Av. Rodrigo Otavio which becomes Rua Jardim Botanico until you see the entrance to the Garden on your left (5 minutes).

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