Indigenous Trail is the highlight of April

In April, the Friday Trails program at the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden features the Indigenous Trail. Celebrated on April 19, Indigenous Peoples' Day invites people to reflect on the importance of their culture and tradition in shaping Brazilian society. The free guided walking tour will start on April 5 at 10am

The Indigenous Trail is represented by 17 plant species grown in the Garden's arboretum, such as the Victoria amazonica, the Bixa orellana, the Euterpe oleraceae and the Brunfelsia grandiflora, among others. These species have been used and managed for hundreds of years by various indigenous peoples in Brazil.

Having a deep relationship with the land, indigenous peoples have developed practices and techniques for the sustainable use of natural resources. The guided tour highlights the importance of knowing and preserving these peoples' ancient knowledge of plant use. The seeds and underground rhizome of the Victoria Regia, for example, are edible.

The crushed seeds of the annatto are used as a condiment and food coloring. The indigenous people use them to make red dye for body paint and fabrics. The fruit is also used as a kind of repellent by some indigenous people who, when traveling through the forest, rub the dye all over their bodies or just on their legs to ward off fleas and other insects.The açaí fruit, which has become popular all over the world, is used to prepare food and drinks.

The outings will take place on April 5, 12 and 19, always at 10am.
Meeting point: Visitor Center. No prior booking is necessary.
The trail is free and there is only an entrance fee for the Arboretum.

Meeting point: Visitor Center
Rua Jardim Botânico, 1008
Tel: (21) 3874-1808

Entrance fee to the arboretum:
Visitors living in the Rio de Janeiro Metropolitan Area: R$ 18.00
Visitors living in Brazil: R$ 29,00
Foreign visitors from Mercosur: R$ 55.00
Foreign visitors: R$ 73.00

Students, people with disabilities and people over 60 are entitled to half-price tickets, on presentation of a supporting document. Children under 5 do not pay.

Payment at the box office in cash only. Tickets online at jbrj.eleventickets.com with pix or credit card.