Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden

Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden
Spend time exploring this historic botanical garden to see water features and sculptures, exotic plant species and endangered animals, including the black capuchin.

Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden is an arboretum and research facility with thousands of plant species. Opossums, raccoons, monkeys and lizards often enter the garden from the neighboring Tijuca National Park. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere on your own or learn about the garden on a guided tour.

The garden features many different cultivated and natural environments, such as lakes, rivers, forests and landscaped areas. Stop at Macacos River, a picturesque waterway flowing from the Tijuca Massif. Friar Leandro Lake, a striking man-made lake filled with giant water lilies, is another highlight.

See many exotic birds, such as the beautiful channel-billed toucan, in the arboretum. The garden also contains sloths, big-eared opossums and crab-eating raccoons. Look for black capuchins, an endangered primate species that has adapted to the garden. Turtle Lake is a great place to see reptiles, including many species of lizards and harmless snakes.

Learn about the garden’s natural and cultural resources on a thematic tour. You may want to book an electric car tour to explore the 350 acres (140 hectares) of this vast space. Tours focus on the garden’s large collection of outdoor artworks, important plant species and other interesting features.

Medicinal plants, thousands of specimens of bromeliads and other fascinating biological collections can be seen in Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden. Study thousands of tropical flora species in the palm tree collection or stop at the herbarium to see dried specimens dating to the late 19th century.

Find Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden about 8 miles (13 kilometers) from downtown Rio de Janeiro. The garden is open every day, excluding Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Check the official website for opening times and tour information. Discounted parking is available for garden visitors in the neighboring Jockey Club Brasileiro car park.

With a large playground containing wooden toys and sandboxes, Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden is perfect for young families.

Reviews of Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
24
" "5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
20
" "4 - Good 41.666666666666664%
3 - Okay
2
" "3 - Okay 4.166666666666667%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 2.0833333333333335%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 2.0833333333333335%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
11 Oct 2019

Good gardens but little catering and slow. Eat before or after you go into the park.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller
12 Jun 2019

Not worth the money

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
27 May 2019

The hotel book this with Jeep Tours. Antonio the guide was just so experienced and full of knowledge. An unreal adventure, worth it with a guide that knows their stuff. Thank you Antonio.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
23 Feb 2019

The Garden is beautiful, worth a visit.

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Miramar by Windsor Copacabana
Miramar by Windsor Copacabana
5 out of 5
Avenida Atlantica, 3668 - Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Miramar by Windsor Copacabana
Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort
Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort
5 out of 5
Avenida Niemeyer 121 - Leblon, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort
Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Rio de Janeiro
Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Rio de Janeiro
5 out of 5
Avenida Atlantica 1702, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Rio de Janeiro
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.