The Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden is called Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro in Portuguese. The huge tropical garden was built in 1808 in the city of Rio, Brazil, on the orders of the Prince Regent Dom João (John), who later on became King John VI. Jardim Botanico was constructed to introduce and acclimate plants to boost the economy of the region. These plants were brought from several tropical parts of the world. Besides the aroids and bromeliads, the garden has some 150 species of medicinal herbs.
The Sensory Garden division of Jardim Botanico has been particularly built for the visually impaired people. Some of the spice plants in the sensory garden include Rosemary, Basil, Chamba, Thyme, Ninfea, Oregano, etc. The garden houses several types of cactuses and insectivorous plants as well. Most of the plants in the nursery are Brazilian native species.
The chief highlight of the garden is a row of 100-meter-high palms with a passage in between. You would also see the lake containing the huge Vitória Régia water lilies, Amazonas section, and orquidário at the park. The Museu do Meio Ambiente at the garden holds temporary environment-centered exhibits.
Founded in 1890 by João Barbosa Rodrigues, the Herbarium at the garden houses a collection of 330,000 plants. The garden also exhibits some of the Historical Collections of D. Pedro II, Emperor of Brazil. The garden also has a well-equipped laboratory as well as a library.
Jardim Botanico is peaceful and serene on weekdays, as there is less crowd. Shaded from the sun by tall palms and bamboo stands, it offers a perfect respite from the moribund city life. The garden built in European style, becomes alive with the families on weekends.
The animals such as toucans, monkeys, and other creatures can be seen moving rapidly from one place to another. Some of the bird species are also found at the park.
There are several benches at the park, where you can relax and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere. The monuments in the garden date back to the 16th century. Some of the monuments include statues of Echo and Narcissus Valentine master, the statue of the goddess Thetis, exposed at Lake Frei Lea, and the Central Fountain. The garden also has a lovely cafe and playground. Most of the families celebrate their children’s birthdays here.
You can buy some of the souvenirs at the Visitor’s Shop that sells an array of books and postcards. It is a relief to know that no hawkers push you here to buy things from them.
Travel Tips
- Do not forget to take an insect repellent.
- Mostly, the tours are conducted in the Portuguese language. You may also request the authorities for English-language tours.
- Plucking the leaves, fruits, and flowers of the plants in the garden is considered as a crime.
- Scratching tree trunks is also not permitted.
- Feeding the animals in the garden is forbidden.
- There are specific areas to eat in the garden.
On your Jardim Botanico Tour, you must also visit the Tijuca rainforest as a part of the Eco tour. Other places to visit near the garden are the Christ the Redeemer, Corcovado Mountain, and Ipanema beach.
Jardim Botanico Location Map
Jardim Botanico Facts
- The garden covers a total area of 137 hectares. Its total cultivated area is 54 hectares.
- There are around 3,200 plant species in the park.
- Approximately 9,000 specimens from all over the world are found in the garden.
Where is Jardim Botanico ?
Sandwiched between the steep inclines of the coastal rain forest named Mata Atlantica and the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon, the Jardim Botanico do Rio de Janeiro is 11.6 km away from the Santos Dumont Airport (via Avenida Infante Dom Henrique).
Address: Street Botanical Garden, 1008 – Botanical Garden, Rio de Janeiro
Best time to visit Jardim Botanico
The months of December through March are a festive time in Brazil, so you may plan your tour to Brazil during this time.
Jardim Botanico Hours
The opening hours of the park on Mondays are from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. On Tuesdays to Sundays, the park opens from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Jardim Botanico Tickets
The entry ticket to Jardim Botanico costs R$ 10.00 per adult. Discounted tickets are available for children below 7 years of age and adults from 60 years and over age, who are residents of Brazil.
More on Jardim Botanico
Are there any parking spaces in the park?
Yes. The Jardim Botanico has 1008 bike racks.
What are the coordinates of Jardim Botanico do Rio de Janeiro?
22.9667 ° N, 43.2167 ° W
Related : Rio de Janeiro Map
Image Credit : JorgeBRAZIL
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