Though Rio de Janeiro is a huge metropolis of 6 million inhabitants, it's also a city full of nature. Rio is graced with more than 20 parks. For your convenience and pleasure, we've chosen to highlight the top five parks in Rio de Janeiro based on historical importance, natural ecological beauty, and ease of access.
1. Tijuca National Park
Property of the Brazilian state government, the Tijuca National Park is a natural monument designed for the preservation of animal and flower species in Brazil. Created by the Federal Government of Brazil in 1961, Tijuca National Park was originally known as "Rio de Janeiro’s Park." Today, the park covers a huge area (3.972 hectares) of the city, with many compelling features such as caves, waterfalls, and enormous hills, including the famous Corcovado. Also in the park are Pedra Bonita peak (524 m), Papagaio peak (987 m), and Tijuca peak. The highest point of the reserve rises to 1.022mt above the sea!
[caption id="attachment_7678" align="aligncenter" width="540"]Tijuca National Park Tijuca National Park / source[/caption]  
You can visit Tijuca National Park every day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Because of its size, give yourself two days to explore the park. For more information, contact: (21) 2492-2252/2492-2253.
2. The Botanical Garden
Rio's Botanical Garden was created on June 13, 1808, by Brazil’s Emperor at the time, the Portuguese King Dom João VI. Originally intended to acclimate imported Indian spice plants, the Garden was opened to the public in 1822. Today, the Botanical Garden of Rio has the largest botanical collection in Brazil, with over 6.500 plants. The Garden carries the additional responsibility of guarding endangered species. One of the most prestigious Rio attractions, the Botanical Garden of Rio de Janeiro was named a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1991. Because of the extensive biology and botany research that takes place there, The Garden was officially renamed the Botanical Garden Research Institute in 1998.
The Botanical Garden of Rio de Janeiro is open every day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, contact: (21) 3874-1808 / 3874-1214
3. The Pedra Branca State Park
The Pedra Branca State Park, located in the west part of Rio de Janeiro, is notable for its size: With 12.500 hectares, it’s the biggest ecological state park in Rio de Janeiro, and the biggest urban forest in the world. The Pedra Branca hill, a classic Rio de Janeiro landmark, has the highest peak of Rio de Janeiro, reaching, 1.024mt. The Pedra Branca State Park is home to many wild animals and exotic flowers. It also features historical sites, including an old aqueduct and colonial farms.
Pedra Branca State Park is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays, when you can go hiking. For more information, contact: (21) 533-0353
4. Rio de Janeiro Zoo
The Rio de Janeiro Zoo was the first zoo in Brazil, created in 1888 by a rich barão called João Batista Viana Drummond in Rio de Janeiro’s neighbourhood Vila Isabel. However, due to financial difficulties, Rio de Janeiro’s zoo was closed in 1940 and took five years to reopen. The zoo was moved to the Quinta da Boa Vista complex, where it is today. The Rio de Janeiro Zoo has an important place in Rio de Janeiro’s history, regularly appearing in paintings of the colonial period in Brazil. In the 80s, the zoo began to focus on ecological research and environmental education, turning it into a recognized and respected institution in Brazil and around the world. [caption id="attachment_7681" align="aligncenter" width="540"]Rio de Janeiro Zoo Rio de Janeiro Zoo / source[/caption]
Rio de Janeiro Zoo (RIOZOO) is open from Tuesdays to Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, contact: (21)3878-4200
5. The Henrique Lage Park
The Henrique Lage Park is one of the most quiet and peaceful parks in Rio de Janeiro, perfect for a refreshing family retreat. Nestled on the side of Corcovado hill, the Lage Park used to be a Palace, built in 1849 for Rodrigo Freitas de Mello. It was later sold to the Lage family, and has kept that name ever since. A huge garden spreads around the Lage Park, where you can get a beautiful view of the Christ statue on the top of the Corcovado hill. Today the Lage Park hosts a Visual Arts School and an excellent café. Whilst travelling to Rio de Janeiro, schedule one of your afternoons to visit Lage Park, take plenty of pictures pictures, and enjoy this unique Rio de Janeiro attraction. [caption id="attachment_7682" align="aligncenter" width="540"]Henrique Parque Lage Henrique Parque Lage / source[/caption]
Lage Park is open every day from 8am to 6pm. For more information, contact: (21) 3257-1800

We offer a variety of tours visiting the parks in Rio de Janeiro. Visit Tijuca Forest and the Botanical Garden with a Jeep Tour or try a bicycle tour to Rio's parks and beaches.

Check out our website for more tours and activities in Rio de Janeiro!

Happy Travels!

By: Albano Moura For: Rdj4u