Botanical Garden
The Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden is a worth-visiting magnificent 137-hec (338-acre) garden over 200 years old featuring a 750-meter (half-mile) avenue of 134 impressive royal palms and more than 7000 types of plants. It was founded by the Portuguese King Joao VI in 1808, just after his arrival from Portugal.There you can see orchids, bromeliads, cacti, huge bamboos, and carnivorous plants, among many others. The most famous one is Victoria, a huge water-lily floating on the water that is capable of sustaining a 5-year old kid on it!Monkeys are sometimes visible during the visit, and there are always plenty of birds flying over the trees (the more recognizable ones are toucans). Duration: 4 hours Sugar Loaf Trekking For active tourists! The route starts at the first mountain (Urka) and leads you up onto Sugarloaf. You will walk along the paths, watching the life of wild monkeys and the amazing nature of Brazil. The trekking lasts about 30 minutes. If desired, you can climb the second mountain with special equipment guided by an instructor.Recommended restaurants in Rio de Janeiro:Gero Trattoria, Ipanema at the Fasano Hotel (Italian, European cuisine)Oro, Leblon (Brazilian cuisine)Satyricon, Ipanema (seafood)Aprazivel, Santa Tereza (Brazilian cuisine) beautiful view of the city