Botanical gardens aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. I think I’ve only been to a handful in my life and I’m pretty sure I was dragged to all of them by my parents.
So, why, you ask, did I make the trek halfway across one of the biggest cities in South America to see the Botanical Gardens in Rio?
The honest truth? I’d intended to see Christ the Redeemer that day with some friends, but it was so damn cloudy we’d have been squandering our reais. The Botanical Gardens are just a short bus ride away from the base of Corcovado, so we decided to make the most of being in that part of town.
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So, is it worth the trip?
If you’re actually into plants and all that jazz, you’ll love it. There are 54 hectares of greenery, made up from about 6500 different species – many native to Brazil and others imported from other countries. What struck me most was the lack of colourful flowers. It’s really just one big forest of odd shapes, but beautiful nonetheless.
Then there’s the wildlife. I saw a fair few interesting bird species, and there are often sightings of howler monkeys and marmosets, which come and go as they please. But my absolute favourites had to be these ugly buggers. Leaves no question in your mind about where the phrase turtle neck came from…
If the resident species aren’t enough to hold your interest, you can always people watch. There was a woman having her wedding photos taken as she strutted around in the world’s most vile dress. Tell me, is this the face of a proud new husband? I think not!
And then there was this girl, who appeared to be having a sexy photo shoot done by none other than her parents as she wrapped herself around tree trunks and leaned seductively against anything vertical…
Interspersed among the plants are a multitude of statues. On entrance to the gardens, you’re handed an elaborate map showing hundreds of paths running from one artistic monument or fountain to the next. It would be very easy to get lost if it weren’t for one major landmark towering above the gardens. That’s right, Christ made an appearance after all! But I’ve got to say, I still think I made the right decision to save him for another day.
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Where to stay in Rio
I tried out a few hostels in Rio and my favourite, by a long shot, was Books Hostel in Lapa. In fact, it was one of my favourite hostels in South America. I went back to it twice after visiting other parts of Brazil, and I visited it in the evenings when I made the mistake of trying out a hostel near Copacabana Beach for a few nights. The guy who runs is – Felipe – is awesome, and there is a sense of homeliness to it that makes almost every backpacker extend their stay. Decorated with quirky graffiti murals and left-behind shoes, and with a small bar serving cachaca and beers every evening, it’s the perfect place to socialise with new friends before checking out the famous street parties of Lapa.
Lovely photos. The turtle one is the clearest exposition of why we call some of our shirts “turtle necks” as I have ever seen. The one of the Christ statue is otherworldly. Beautiful. P.S.: I give that marriage 6 months.
We’re not gardening types either, but we visited botanical garden on the Big Island of Hawaii that reminded me why I enjoy visiting gardens all over the world anyway. (I would make it my Comment Luv post, but your RSS button isn’t working (probably a Google plot). So, if you don’t mind (delete it if you do), here’s a link to my post about the Hawaii Botanical Tropical Garden. Unlike the one you visited, this one was bursting with flowers: http://www.boomeresque.com/?p=2760
Suzanne Fluhr (Just One Boomer) recently posted..Ireland Road Trip — Part Three (The Ring of Kerry)
I think 6 months might be generous! Thanks for the link – I don’t mind at all. I’ll check it out now :)
The lack of colorful flowers is “minus”… But, I got it to my To-Do-Go List anyway. Thanks to you, Arianwen :)
The photo of the Christ is great!
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If you do head there, check out Parque Lage nearby. I didn’t get the chance but it’s meant to be a beautiful mansion with even better views of Christ. Someone I met had even been to a pool party there. It’s in Snoop Dogg’s video ‘Beautifiul’. Check it out!
I love the turtles shot, such awesome looking creatures. Looks like a nice Botanical Garden. I find that they are sometimes nice places to go for a jog.
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Yes, I can imagine that. Although the Rio ones cost a few reais to get into and are reached through a tunnel you’re strongly advised not to go through on foot, so perhaps not in this instance!
I’m surprised, too, that there were no colorful flowers, Arianwen. But the green is very calming.
Maybe it’s the dress but that couple doesn’t even look like they’re together. The turtles look more together than they do.
InsideJourneys recently posted..Good Hope Great House & Plantation, Jamaica
Yes, they do! I hope no one can ever say something like that about me on my wedding day (…if I have one…)!
Hahah that dress is a monstrosity!
Somehow I alway end up in Botanical gardens, don’t know why. Most are quite boring but sometimes you’re lucky and get to have an amazing experience.
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I guess they’re never going to be the most exciting places, unless, perhaps you’re a botanist. But I agree, they make a lovely walk and are very relaxing.
I don’t often visit Botanical Gardens but every now and then I find it relaxing to walk around in one for an hour or so. I do prefer Gardens with lots of flowers but this one looks beautiful as well. The photo from the turtles is awesome :) yeah people can be strange sometimes.
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Thanks! I did love those turtles. I could have done a whole blog post on them alone!
You’ve come up with an interestingly varied series of images from your visit to the gardens, Arianwen!
Andrew Graeme Gould recently posted..Santiago, Chile: Cerro Santa Lucía
Thanks! I didn’t think a whole post of plant pictures would be very engaging!
I love botanical gardens. They really make me want to travel more overseas. Have never been to Rio but the statue in the picture is truly inspirational.
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It definitely made for a pleasant afternoon stroll. As botanical gardens go (in the opinion of someone not particularly interested in plants), it was very enjoyable to explore. Having said that, don’t expect too much colour. It was very, very green!