Rio Botanical Garden (Jardim Botânico)

Two hundred years old and genuinely world-class: the avenue of imperial palms, Amazonian lily ponds, orchid house, and toucans and monkeys moving through it all, under Corcovado's gaze. Foreigners pay R$80 (Brazil residents R$40) — steep by local standards but fair for the quality. Note the late Wednesday opening at 11am.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Will I see animals at the Botanical Garden?

Almost certainly: toucans, capuchin monkeys, marmosets, agoutis, and dazzling hummingbirds all live here — early morning is peak activity. It's the easiest 'wildlife in Rio' win there is. Don't feed the monkeys, however charming the extortion.

Is the Botanical Garden good with kids or strollers?

Yes — flat, wide gravel and paved paths, plenty of shade, monkeys and giant lily pads for entertainment. Strollers manage fine on the main avenues; a few side trails get rootier.

What shouldn't I miss inside the Botanical Garden?

The Avenue of Royal Palms — the 750-meter double row planted from a single 'mother palm' — plus the Victoria amazonica giant lily ponds, the orchid greenhouse, and the bamboo grove. Grab the map at the entrance; the garden is 54 hectares and the highlights are spread out.

How much does the Rio Botanical Garden cost?

R$80 for foreign visitors, R$40 for residents of Brazil, free for kids up to 5, half-price for students and visitors with disabilities. Buy at the gate (cash or Pix) or online at jbrj.eleventickets.com.

How do I get to the Botanical Garden?

No metro stop nearby — take a bus down Rua Jardim Botânico or a ride app (10-15 minutes from Ipanema). Cyclists can come via the Lagoa bike path and park at the entrance.

How long does the Botanical Garden take?

Two to three hours at a stroll; plant people lose half a day. There's a decent café inside and shaded benches everywhere — it's built for lingering, and the heat argues for a morning start.

What are the Botanical Garden's opening hours?

8am to 5pm most days, including holidays — except Wednesdays, when it opens late at 11am for maintenance. Ticket sales stop before closing, so don't arrive after 4pm expecting much.

Can I combine the Botanical Garden with Parque Lage?

Absolutely — they're a few minutes apart on the same street, and Parque Lage is free. Do the Botanical Garden in the morning, then Parque Lage after; that's the classic green Rio day, with the Lagoa waterfront nearby for sunset.

Nearby in Ask Rio de Janeiro

• Jardim Botânico do Rio de JaneiroAttraction0.39 km · 5 min walk
• Empório JardimCafé0.8 km · 10 min walk
• Braseiro da GáveaRestaurant1.01 km · 13 min walk
• OlympeRestaurant1.5 km · 19 min walk
• Parque LagePark1.59 km · 20 min walk