Carnival Chill in Rio de Janeiro’s Botanic Gardens

The Storm Flowers team head to the Botanic Gardens in Rio de Janeiro for some cool green R&R 

It’s Carnival across Brazil this week and at its pulsating heart, the famous Sambadrome of Rio de Janeiro where more than 70 Samba schools compete for the title of Grand Champion. This is a 12 hour nightly marathon over 2 nights. As a spectator, prepare to party from 7pm to 7am, with performers arriving from across the world to join in. Rio’s Beija Flor or Hummingbird and Mangeira or Mango tree are two of Rio’s top schools, practising all year, to be crowned champions. The grand parades, known as the "desfiles," at the Sambodrome take place on the Sunday and Monday of Carnival week.

Meanwhile across the city, hundreds of Blocos, (street parties) play out through the day with drumming all night, 28th February to the 8th March in 2025. Carnival is not just restricted to Rio, celebrations take place in every small town (cidades pequenas) and city (cidade) in Brazil, the festival, marks the beginning of Lent, the forty-day period was brought to Brazil by the Portuguese.

If you are looking to take a breather, the Botanic Gardens officially known as Jardim Botânico, is one of the most beautiful and soothing green spaces in Rio and Brazil. Established in the early 19th century, this park has become a major attraction for nature lovers, looking for a peaceful escape from the “Cidade Marvilhoso”. 

The gardens in Rio, were founded in 1808 by King João VI of Portugal, shortly after the royal family moved to Brazil to escape Napoleon's invasion of Europe. Initially  established to acclimatize plants from other parts of the world to the Brazilian climate. The garden quickly became an important space for botany, with the first director, Luís de la Cruz, overseeing its development. By the mid-19th century, the garden expanded its role, welcoming  research and gaining international recognition for its contributions to the study of tropical plants. Charles Darwin visited the Botanical Garden in April 1832, and made a number of hiking trips to the forests around Rio, including Tijuca Forest. 

The garden has played a significant role in the study and conservation of Brazilian flora, and a focal point for botanical research. Over the years, more native Brazilian plants, as well as from abroad, were introduced. The garden now houses more than 6,000 species of plants, many of which are rare or endangered. As part of Rio de Janeiro’s commitment to biodiversity and environmental conservation, the Botanic Gardens have become a center for educational programs, offering workshops, guided tours, and events to raise awareness about the environment. The garden’s rich history has been integral in preserving Rio’s natural beauty, and it continues to thrive as an important cultural and ecological landmark.

The gardens are located in South of Rio, in the neighborhood of Jardim Botânico, at the foot of the Corcovado Mountain, famous for Christ the Redeemer. The surrounding area is lush with greenery, steep hills as well as trendy cafes and restaurants. Globo TV HQ, Brazil's main TV network, is located close to the gardens and many Brazilian celebrities live locally. The nearby Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon offers scenic views with cycle routes running round the edge of the Lagoa down to Leblon and the Zona Sul beach area of Ipanema and Copacabana. 

While wandering round, the parts we liked most were;

1. The Imperial Palm Tree Avenue: One of the most iconic features with an impressive avenue of imperial palm trees (Roystonea regia), which leads visitors to the heart of the garden. These towering palms, with their regal height and slender trunks, form a breathtaking entrance to the park and provide a great insta and photo setting. Brazilian Brand Farm Rio recently shot an advert with a giant red water bottles rolling down the avenue!

2. The Orchid House: a stunning collection of orchids, native to Brazil and beyond with delicate and colourful blooms usually only found in the wild in remote and protected ecosystems and a hub for research. Staff were really helpful in pointing out scented orchids which we had never seen before, and smelt incredible. Orchids are available for sale and another big draw is the monkeys quite literally, hanging out in the trees above.

3. The Japanese Garden: is a lovely and peaceful space, with meticulously landscaped ponds creating a tranquil atmosphere for reflection and relaxation amongst intricate beauty of Japanese flora and set against a red curved bridge and pagoda.

4. The Lagoon: in the heart of the Botanic Gardens is an expanse of water surrounded by trees and plants and a great variety of birds, including herons, ducks, here where you can see giant lily pads which the park is famous for.

5. The Tropical Forest: allows you to see a slice of Rio’s native rainforest. With giant dense trees, winding paths, this area offers a glimpse into rich biodiversity. The forest is carpeted with trailing plants, this is the coolest area to escape the humidity.

6. The Environmental Education Center: is a hub for education promoting sustainability and conservation through exhibits, workshops, and outreach programs and next to the café, we can recommend the coffee and breakfast and the aircon is a major plus point.

Go for a wander and keep an eye out for the monkeys and turtles sunbathing near the café.

Our advice is to visit the park at lunchtime to escape the heat, stay all afternoon, grab a cocktail and settle into one of the many great restaurants next the park after your visit.

Opening Hours: Daily 8am – 5pm (Wednesdays 11am – 5pm)

Entry costs:

• Ticket price: R$ 73,00 (£10)
• Rio Residents (75% discount): R$ 18,00 (£2.50)
  Brazil Residents  (60% discount) R$ 29,00 (£4.00)
• Mercosul (South America) Residents (25% discount) R$ 55,00 (£7.50)
• Children Under 5 Free
• Visit their website to buy tickets