Located in what is known as the “South Zone” of Rio de Janeiro, the Jardim Botanico or Botanical Garden opened to the public in 1822. Originally founded by the Prince Regent of the United Kingdom of Brazil and Portugal, Dom João VI, in 1808, the gardens were off limits to the general public for almost 14 years. Later known as King John VI, Dom João founded the garden to acclimate spices such as cinnamon, pepper and nutmeg that were imported from the West Indies.

From this humble beginning, however, has evolved one of the greatest tropical botanical gardens in the world.

The most famous attraction in the Botanical Garden are the Royal Palms which grace the entrance. Known as the Avenue of Royal Palms, this entrance is lined with a total of 134 soaring palm trees and spans 800 yards. Originally reserved only for the royal family, the majestic King palms in the Jardim Botanico were all grown from the seeds of a single tree known as the Palma Mater. To ensure that the trees did not fall into the hands of anyone who was not of the royal family, it is said that the seeds of these trees were burned. Folklore has it, however, that slaves working in the gardens would attempt to smuggle the seeds outside and used the money they received from selling them to purchase their freedom. Tragically, the Palma Mater was recently destroyed by a lightning strike.

Just minutes from both Copacabana and Ipanema, the Jardim Botanico is a wonderful place to spend a leisurely afternoon if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city of Rio de Janeiro. Nestled directly under the right arm of one of the newest seven wonders of the world, the statue of Christ the Redeemer, the Garden also provides one of the most amazing views of the statue in all of Rio de Janeiro. The Botanical Garden extends over 350 acres and is home to more than 6,000 different species of both tropical and subtropical plants and trees. You’ll find over 900 varieties of palm trees alone. Many are over a century old. The Botanical Garden is far from unihabitated however, as it is also home to over 140 species of birds.

While strolling the grounds, you’ll also find the largest library in Brazil specializing in Botany, a gift shop and a small cafe conveniently located within the perimeter. For those of you who would like to meander among the ponds and sculptures at your own pace, maps are available in the visitor’s center for a small fee. The library also boasts a collection of many dried fruits, rare exotic plants from Brazil and many, many photographs. Within the Jardim Botanico itself, only about 40% of the land is actually cultivated. The remaining acres are still native. Within the cultivated area, you’ll find 24 rows consisting of 40 sections and 40 different garden beds. All in all, over 6,000 species of plants are represented. Originally known by the royal family as the Royal Orchard and then later as the Royal Botanical Garden, the Jardim Botanico became the Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro or the Botanical Gardens of Rio de Janeiro Research Institute in 1996. The garden is currently protected by the Patrimônio Histórico e Artístico Nacional
or IPHAN, for it’s historical, cultural and scientific importance to Brazil. The Garden was also recognized by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve in 1992. Famous visitors include Albert Einsten and England’s Queen Elizabeth.

Items you don’t want to miss while in the Jardim Botanico include the amazing Victoria Regis floating on the Lago Frei Leandro pond, the Japanese Garden, the senorial garden and the many sculptures and fountains that are majestically displayed in the area. The central fountain is also surrounded by royal palms and was actually set in the park in 1905. It was wrought in England and removed to the park from Lapa. During the same year, the statues of Eco and Narcisco as well as the tall-legged birds were also brought to the park from downtown Rio. All of of these sculptures are the work of Mestre Valentim, the Brazilian master and are housed in the memorial bearing his name.

Known as on the ten most important Botanical Gardens in the world, the Jardim Botatinco also includes many threatened species of plants including the “pau-brasil”, “acará amarelo” and “pau mulato”. The Orchid greenhouse itself boasts over 700 species of this beautiful flower. In the six ponds of the Gardens, you’ll find some amazing species as well, including “vitória régia”, lotus, papyrus and “ aguapé”.

Other points of interest within the Botanical Garden include an old gunpowder factory, the Horto Florestral or Tree Nursery, and the original portal form the Imperial Academy of Fine Arts which was transferred to the Garden in the 1930’s when the Grandjean de Montigny building was torn down. The former home of the Empress is also located close by on Estrada Dona Castorina. The address of the Botanical Garden is Rua do Jardim Botanico 920 and 1008. It is located directly in front of the well known Jockey Club.

The Gardens are open from 8 am to 5 pm, 7 days a week. You can arrange for a guided visit by calling (21) 2294-9349. Guided visits are available from 9 am to 4 pm and guides speak English, Spanish and Portuguese. Admission to the Botanical Garden is R$4.00 per person. There is also a R$4.00 charge for parking.