After hotel pickup in Rio, travel with your guide southeast of the city to the historic Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden, or Jardim Botnico, a 346-acre (140-hectare) park located at the foot of Corcovado Mountain, far below the Christ the Redeemer statue.
Follow your guide into this large ecological sanctuary founded by King John VI of Portugal in 1808. With more than 6,000 different species of plants from around the world, including 900 varieties of palm trees, the garden was designated a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 1992 and operates as a research institute for botanical studies.
Admire the Avenue of Royal Palms, planted when the garden first opened, lined with 134 towering palm trees, and learn about these trees grown from a single tree, originally reserved for the royal family only. Stroll past the Lago Frei Leandro pond, blanketed with Victoria Regia water lilies, the largest water lilies in the word, and a greenhouse housing more than 500 types of orchids.
Pass an old gunpowder factory, a Japanese garden, and a number of sculptures and fountains, including the Fountain of the Muses. Don’t be surprised if you see marmoset monkeys, toucans and other wildlife lurking in the Amazonian trees.
During your 1.5-hour guided tour, learn about the different plants you see and receive a historical and cultural overview of the garden. Then spend approx. 2 hours of free time (depending on your group’s preferences) to wander the garden on your own. Visit the on-site botany library, a gift shop, or head inside the Museu do Meio Ambiente and check out its environmentally focused exhibits.
Afterward, regroup with your guide at a designated meeting point and enjoy transport back to your hotel.