RIO
Rio’s Wonderous Botanic Gardens.
Rio Botanic Gardens. Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.
I’ll be honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first came here. I didn’t think I was the “Botanic Garden Type.” Sure, it’s a garden with some pretty flowers. But the reality is it’s so much more than that. It’s a living, breathing symbol of everything that makes Brazil so special. There are little moments of wonder down every path. From monkeys playing in the trees to a series of cascading waterfalls to an archway of giant palms. Rio’s Botanic Gardens is a feast for the senses. It’s as if the whole world around you is just exploding with life, but it doesn’t fistfuls of psychedelics to fully experience the serenity.
Furthering my “Alice-in-Wonderland-like” adventure down the botanic garden down the rabbit hole, I sampled some of the most delicious and unique fruits I’ve ever had, all grown right here in these gardens. Mangoes, cinnamon, and even some fruits I’ve never heard of before. What the hell is a Plinia Cauliflora? I’m not sure. But, I channeled my inner Alice and ate them right off the trunk of a tree. I didn’t shrink or grow, but they were unbelievably delicious. This place is without a doubt, a treasure trove of flavor and beauty.
Beyond the exotic flavors and lush greenery, the Botanic Gardens bear a rich historical and cultural significance dating back to its establishment by King John VI of Portugal in 1808. Originally intended for the acclimatization of spices, the 140-acre garden plays host to 6,000 different species of tropical and subtropical plants and trees, including an incredible 900 varieties of palm trees. Just don’t ask me to name any beyond the Pau-Brasil tree. This tree was one of the first trees that the Portuguese discovered when they arrived in Brazil, and it was so important to them that they named the country after it, and proves without a doubt that I paid attention during the history part of the tour. So I don’t know much about exotic trees or plant species. The point is that Rio’s Botanic Gardens have something for everyone.
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Need a moment to escape from your anxiety? Not to worry, there are so many calming aspects to the gardens. Like this stunning waterfall. The beauty of the cascading water tumbling down the rock surrounded by lush vegetation creates a picturesque scene that is both peaceful and invigorating. After you’re done at the gardens make sure to check out the nearby eateries overlooking Jockey Club Brasileiro, visit Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, or head over to another one of my favorites, Clube de Regatas, for a swim.
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