Indigenous Trail at the Rio Botanical Garden promotes the appreciation of traditional knowledge

In April, the “Friday Trails” program features the Indigenous Trail, a free guided tour celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day, observed on the 19th. The tour begins this Friday (April 3), a holiday, with additional tours scheduled for the 10th, 17th, and 24th.

The Indigenous Trail showcases 17 plant species cultivated in the arboretum of the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden, such as the Victoria amazonica, the urucum (Bixa orellana), and the açaí (Euterpe oleraceae), among others. These species have been used and managed for hundreds of years by various indigenous people in Brazil.

The trail’s main objective is to raise awareness about the importance of recognizing, conserving, protecting, and perpetuating indigenous knowledge regarding the use of plants. During the tour, visitors receive information about the species.

The seeds and underground rhizomes of the Victoria amazonica, for example, are eatable. The crushed seeds of the urucum, on the other hand, serve as a condiment and food coloring. From these, indigenous people make red dye for body and fabric painting. Foods and beverages are prepared from the fruits of the açaí. The leaves are used to make baskets, brooms, and roofs. The stem is used in construction, the seeds in handicrafts, and the seed oil in cooking and cosmetics.

Tours of the Indigenous Trail depart on Fridays at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., meeting at the Visitors Center. Participation is free; only the arboretum admission fee must be paid.

Details

Friday Trails - Indigenous Trail

Dates: Fridays, April 3, 10, 17, and 24

Times: 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Meeting point: Visitor Center

Rua Jardim Botânico, 1008

Admission Fees

Visitors residing in Brazil: R$ 40.00 (full price) and R$ 20.00 (half price)

Foreign visitors: R$ 80.00

Children 5 and under are free. Brazilian residents over 60, people with disabilities, students, and others are eligible for half-price admission and pay R$ 20.00.

Payment at the ticket office is accepted in cash and via Pix only. Online tickets are available at jbrj.eleventickets.com via Pix or credit card.