Chafariz no Jardim Botânico - RJ

This exotic 137-hectare garden, with more than 8000 plant species, was designed by order of the Prince Regent Dom João (later to become Dom João VI) in 1808. The garden is quiet and serene on weekdays and blossoms with families on weekends. Highlights of a visit here include the row of palms (planted when the garden first opened), the Amazonas section, the lake containing the huge Vitória Régia water lilies, and the enclosed orquidário, home to 600 species of orchids.

There's an outdoor snack bar on the grounds (near a playground) and an appealing cafe just outside the main entrance. The new visitor center shows films (in English and Portuguese) that give the history of the gardens, and has a gift shop selling unique crafts and souvenirs, such as shirts made of bamboo and bowls with pre-Columbian designs made from banana fibers.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Carpintaria

0.11 MILES

One of several new galleries in the Jockey Club, Carpintaria stages exhibitions by both Brazilian and foreign artists. It's a great place to see sculpture…

2. Museu do Meio Ambiente

0.12 MILES

Situated just outside the entrance to the Jardim Botânico, the Museu do Meio Ambiente houses temporary exhibits with an environmental focus.

3. OM.art

0.13 MILES

In the Jockey Club, this avant-garde gallery opened to much acclaim in 2018. Expect challenging multimedia shows and big installations that often…

4. Instituto Antônio Carlos Jobim

0.16 MILES

Bossa nova legend Tom Jobim was a big admirer of the botanical gardens. This Jardim Botânico was created as a memorial to him in 2008. A small museum…

5. Planetário

0.79 MILES

Gávea's stellar attraction, the Planetário features a museum, a praça dos telescópios (telescopes' square) and a couple of state-of-the-art operating…

6. Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas

0.82 MILES

One of the city’s most picturesque spots, Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas is encircled by a 7.2km walking and cycling path. Bikes are available for hire from…

7. Parque Lage

0.85 MILES

This beautiful park lies at the base of the Floresta da Tijuca, about 1km from Jardim Botânico. It has English-style gardens, little lakes, and a mansion…

8. Lurixs: Arte Contemporânea

1.13 MILES

One of Rio's top contemporary galleries moved to this Leblon location in 2017, and it continues to stage captivating exhibitions inside a four-story…