Destination: Rio de Janeiro
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Jardim Botânico
Located a few blocks from Tijuca National Park, Jardim Botânico is the civilized version of the rain forest’s wild riot of color. Every rain-forest species is represented, and the huge lawn and orchidarium are pleasures on their own. Open daily 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Parque Lage
Though technically not part of Tijuca National Park, Parque Lage melts into it as its lush gardens ascend the Corcovado foothills. Built in the early 20th century as a residence for shipbuilder Henrique Lage and his opera diva wife, Gabriela Bezanzoni, Lage has a series of garden paths circling the enormous main house.
Tijuca National Park
Floresta da Tijuca, Caetano Veloso’s favorite Rio spot (see Locals & Loyalists), is 3,200 acres of rain forest cascading down the Tijuca Massif into the city. In 1861, Tijuca National Park, as it’s known officially, had been saved from extinction when Emperor Pedro II ordered all coffee plantations to vacate the forest’s land and had Tijuca reforested. A hundred years later, in 1961, it was made a national park. Orchids, spider monkeys, huge butterflies and waterfalls can all be found around its trails, along with picnic areas, man-made lakes and gardens and a perfect viewpoint, Vista Chinesa. The park can be explored on foot or by car, or in more demanding hikes on infinitely more beautiful trails.
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