Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro

The Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden (Jardim Botânico) is situated in the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro. This botanical haven showcases a wide array of plant species from both Brazil and other parts of the world. Spanning across 54 hectares, the garden boasts approximately 6,500 species, including some that are endangered, and features numerous greenhouses. In addition to its diverse plant life, the garden also hosts significant monuments with historical, artistic, and archaeological value. Moreover, it houses a notable research center, which is home to the country's most comprehensive library specializing in botany, boasting an impressive collection of over 32,000 volumes.

Established in 1808 by King John VI of Portugal, the garden's original purpose was to acclimatize and cultivate spices such as nutmeg, pepper, and cinnamon from the West Indies. However, it opened its doors to the public in 1822 and is now accessible to visitors during daylight hours every day except on December 25th and January 1st.

The garden's collections encompass a wide variety of plants, including bromeliads, orchids, carnivorous plants, cacti, as well as dried fruits and rare Brazilian specimens. Additionally, the garden features a collection of photographs. Notably, the ornate cast-iron Fountain of the Muses, crafted in Derby, UK, previously adorned Henrique Lage's villa at Largo da Lapa until 1895, as part of the landscaping designed by English painter John Tyndall.

Tip:
Go in the morning and have breakfast at the café they have inside. After breakfast, enjoy some relaxing hours with mother nature!
Most importantly, take a bottle of water and don't forget your insect repellant. It's a tropical area after all, with many mosquitos and ants around.
If you have a special interest in plants then it is surely worth having a specialized guide to tell you about the countless species that can be found there.