Affluent, residential Jardim Botânico is named for Rio’s Botanical Gardens, where visitors wander the orchid house, imperial palms and giant Amazonian water lilies. From the elegantly landscaped Parque Lage nearby, wooded trails lead up Corcovado Mountain to the Christ the Redeemer statue and the tropical forest of Tijuca National Park. The area also has chic bars and sophisticated dining spots popular with foodies.
Rio de Janeiro - State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Get directions
"Just a half an hour drive from São Paulo’s Pinheiros neighborhood lies the Botanical Garden. Opening hours here are Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM; the gardens are closed on Mondays. There’s a small entrance fee of 10 Brazilian reais (US$2.50) for adults or 5 reais (US$1.25) for students with a valid student card. Children under four, people over the age of 60, and those with disabilities can enter free of charge.The Botanical Garden is home to thousands of species of tropical plants and animals, from turtles to monkeys. The greenhouses are bursting with exotic plants, and howler monkeys jump around in the trees above your head as you walk along the numerous trails available throughout the gardens. The lake provides a lovely view for a picnic, and there are catering facilities available if you would rather buy your lunch when you arrive. There’s even a gift shop for visitors to pick up some souvenirs." - MATADOR_NETWORK