Visiting the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden
The Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden was founded in 1808 by Portugal's King Dom João VI, who wanted to integrate Brazil into international trade by introducing plant species from around the world, particularly the Indies, including nutmeg, pepper, and Ceylon cinnamon. At the time, the Portuguese royal family and its court had taken refuge in Brazil amid the Napoleonic Wars and the invasion of Portugal by France. This gave the royal family an opportunity to develop major projects for its colony.
A nature reserve rich in flora and fauna
The Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden has been welcoming visitors since 1822, making it over two centuries old. Spanning 54 hectares, it houses more than 3,400 plant species, as well as animals typical of Brazilian wildlife, such as monkeys, toucans, and numerous insects. The garden has also been designated an Atlantic Forest Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.
There is plenty to see across the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden grounds, including the main avenue lined with towering imperial palms and adorned with the Fountain of the Muses and statues, the Japanese garden with its cherry trees and water features, the Frei Leandro lake with its giant Victoria water lilies, and an impressive orchid greenhouse. On the cultural side, visitors will find an environmental museum and the visitor center, set inside a former sugar mill dating back to 1576.
A major research center open to the public
The site is also a high-level scientific expertise hub, featuring a research center dedicated to species conservation. The library holds over 32,000 specialized botanical volumes alongside Brazil's largest herbarium, which contains nearly 650,000 specimens.
Opening hours
| Monday | 08:00-17:00 |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 08:00-17:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00-17:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00-17:00 |
| Friday | 08:00-17:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00-17:00 |
| Sunday | 08:00-17:00 |
Closed on December 25 and January 1.
I am not really into plants or botany, but still, along with the one in Cape Town, South Africa, the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden really impressed me. You can find absolutely magnificent giant water lilies there, which you normally only see in the Pantanal region of Brazil. You will also see plenty of exotic flowers and shrubs. The walk can keep you busy for half a day.