Located next to the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas in Rio, Jardim Botânico is a popular spot to hang out and relax

The park, which is located in the neighborhood of the same name in the Zona Sul, is home to over 6,500 different types of plants (some on the verge of extinction), both planted in the open air and in greenhouses or estufas.

The botanical garden has its roots in the Imperial age, and came into being following a series of events triggered by the Portuguese royal court’s stay in Rio, which began in 1808. Today, the garden is a liason between the bustling metropolitan life of modern Rio and the lush, protected forests that surround the city.

It is no surprise that the citizens of Rio recently voted the Jardim as one of the 7 Maravilhas do Rio in a poll conducted by the newspaper O Globo.

The Jardim has been featured in lots of commercials in the past couple of years, at least in the US. The long ‘avenue’ lined by immense coqueiros make for a dramatic backdrop; perhaps the Jardim will give the praia de Ipanema a run for its money as the setting of choice for American commercials.

To learn more about the Jardim, including its history and a detailed description of what’s inside, check out this article.