The Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden (Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro) was founded in 1808 by King John VI of Portugal and today spreads across roughly 140 hectares at the foot of Corcovado, holding more than 6,000 species of tropical and subtropical plants. A working research and conservation institute, it was named a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1992 and preserves a pocket of Atlantic Forest right inside the city, famed for its avenue of royal palms, its greenhouses and its Japanese garden. As of 2026 it is open normally (note the later Wednesday opening) and makes an easy, restful half-day of walking between Rio's busier beach-and-city sights.
The Avenue of Royal Palms (Aleia Barbosa Rodrigues): a 750 m straight avenue of 134 imperial palms, the garden's signature view and best photo spot
The Orchidarium plus world-class greenhouses of bromeliads, cacti and carnivorous plants
Lago Frei Leandro pond with giant Victoria amazonica water lilies, their pads over a metre across
The Japanese Garden, built to mark Brazil–Japan ties, where cherry trees can bloom around July–August in the southern-hemisphere winter
History and wildlife: the garden museum, the old Casa dos Pilões gunpowder mill and Fountain of the Muses, alongside capuchin monkeys, toucans and some 140 bird species
Good to know
SafetyThe garden itself is calm and safe, but Rio is a city with frequent pickpocketing and snatch theft. Keep phones and cameras out of sight on the street and, ideally, take an Uber/99 app taxi door-to-door to the main gate.
SeasonJuly is Rio's dry, mild winter (about 20–25°C) and an ideal time to visit. The Dec–Mar summer is hot, humid and prone to afternoon downpours, so pack an umbrella, and bring sunscreen and a hat for the strong year-round UV.
MannersThe lush grounds have mosquitoes, and Rio has dengue risk, so use repellent. Do not feed the monkeys or carry food openly — they will grab it and can bite.
RulesThis is a conservation institute: stay on the marked paths and do not pick or handle the plants. Pets and drone filming are restricted.
CautionStreet taxis often quote inflated flat fares instead of running the meter — use an app taxi or agree the price first. Restaurant bills usually already add a ~10% service charge (serviço), so avoid tipping twice.
RulesForeign-visitor admission is roughly double the resident price, the on-site box office takes cash (reais) only with no cards, and online booking often requires a Brazilian CPF. Bring cash and confirm current prices and hours before you go.
Practical info
It sits in the South Zone's Jardim Botânico district (Rua Jardim Botânico 1008); reach it by bus or taxi from Botafogo metro station, or simply by Uber from Ipanema or Leblon. The arboretum opens Thu–Tue 08:00–17:00 and Wed 11:00–17:00 (the museum Thu–Tue 10:00–18:00, closed Wed), and it is closed on Dec 25 and Jan 1 — check the official site for the latest ticket prices (around R$80 for foreign visitors) and hours.
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