Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden (Jardim Botanico)

The Basics

Rio’s shady Botanical Garden, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and home to a part of the Atlantic Forest, is a lovely place to wander and escape the city’s crowds, traffic, and penetrating sunshine. Highlights include a lake containing massive water lilies, a huge catalog of orchids and bromeliads, and the Japanese Garden. Prince Regent Dom João founded the garden in 1808, and today they are used as a research center as well as for public enjoyment. Walk down the Avenue of Royal Palms, lined with 134 majestic palm trees, and into the garden, where you will find the first tea, cloves, and cinnamon imported and acclimated to Brazil. While admiring the flora, look out for native wildlife, including capuchin monkeys, tufted-ear marmosets, and more than 140 species of bird.

Guided tours of the Botanical Garden offer insights into its history and mission from a knowledgeable local guide. You can easily combine guided tours of Corcovado, the Christ the Redeemer statue, and Sugar Loaf Mountain with a stop at the botanical garden, as well as other city highlights such as Ipanema, Copacabana, and Parque Lage.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Rio’s Jardim Botânico is a must for nature and wildlife lovers.

• Entrance fees are payable in cash only. Guided tours of the garden typically include these fees.

• The Children’s Park offers a sandbox and play structure for kids 10 years old and under, as well as picnic tables and a café with kid-friendly food.

• The Jarbô Café and Garden Café offer breakfast, lunch, dinner, and beverages.

How to Get There

The garden is situated in the Jardim Botânico neighborhood, in southeast Rio. Reach it easily by catching any bus marked Jardim Botânico from Centro or the 571, 572, or 594 from the Zona Sul.

When to Get There

The garden is open during daylight hours every day except December 25 and January 1. Check ahead for special programming including music and shows geared toward kids. Weekdays are known for peace and quiet; the garden is busy with families and visitors on the weekends.

Research at the Botanical Garden

The on-site Barbosa Rodrigues Library holds a collection of more than 109,000 volumes of rare works, dissertations, theses, and scientific papers on botany. The garden’s seed and plant catalog is part of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation, aimed at saving current plant species from extinction.

Is there an admission fee for the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden?

Yes, the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden's admission fee should be paid in cash. The fee is discounted for students, Brazilian residents, people aged 60 and over and 21 and younger, and people with disabilities. Children under 5 can visit for free.

How do I get to the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden?

To get to the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden from the center of Rio de Janeiro (Centro), you can catch any bus marked Jardim Botânico. From the Zona Sul, you can take the 571, 572, or 594 bus. It’s about a 10-minute taxi ride from Centro.

What are the main attractions at the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden?

The main attractions at the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden include the Avenue of Royal Palms, lined with more than 130 palm trees planted when the garden first opened; the Amazon section, which showcases the diverse flora of the Amazon region; and the orchidarium (orquidário) greenhouse, which is home to 600 species of orchids.

What wildlife can be seen at the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden?

Some of the wildlife species that can be seen at the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden include black capuchin monkeys, common and black penciled marmosets, lizards, and more than 100 types of birds, including great kiskadee, green-headed tanagers, red-necked tanagers, golden-capped parakeets, Jandaya parakeets, and maroon-bellied parakeets.

Are there any restaurants or cafes inside the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden?

Yes, there are restaurants and cafes inside the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden. There is an outdoor snack bar on the garden grounds, close to a playground, and a café just outside the main entrance. Both offer meals and snacks throughout the day.

Is it worth visiting the Rio De Janeiro Botanical Garden?

Yes, it is worth visiting the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden. The garden showcases an extraordinary diversity of tropical plant life with many interesting species you may otherwise never get to see. If you have at least half a day to spare, it’s worth a visit.