Founded in 1808 by D. João VI, the king of Portugal who moved to Brazil that same year fleeing from Napoleonic forces, the Botanical Garden is an important tourist spot in the city of Rio de Janeiro. It is also a study location for researchers from around the world, who dedicate their time to the various species that exist there. With a total area of 137 hectares, 54 of which are wooded, the Botanical Garden houses rare collections of bromeliads and orchids, as well as ancient trees and exotic plants.
The Garden has a rich historical and cultural heritage. Among the 
monuments you will find there are the statues of Echo and Narcissus. As many know, Echo was desperately in love with Narcissus, who was madly in love with himself. Echo died of love. The only thing that remained of the young and beautiful Echo was her voice, the 
echo. Well, the great carioca sculptor Mestre Valentim (1750-1813) immortalized the moment by sculpting these two works of art.
You will also find the portal of the Academy of Fine Arts, designed by Grandjean de Montigny, and the Japanese Garden, created in 1935, from the donation of 65 species of typical Japanese plants. The Park is also an excellent place to observe birds. There are hundreds of different species there.
For more information, visit the website: http://en.jbrj.gov.br