Jequitibá Trees Featured in July’s Friday Guided Walks at the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden

The jequitibá, one of the giant trees of Brazil’s forests, is the theme of the Friday Guided Walks at the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden throughout July. The guided tours will take place on July 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31, departing from the Visitor Center at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

The route features 20 specimens representing the three jequitibá species found in the arboretum: the white jequitibá (Cariniana estrellensis), the pink jequitibá (Cariniana legalis), and the jequitibá-açu (Cariniana ianeirensis). The latter two are classified as threatened with extinction due to deforestation and logging. Participants on the walk will also earn a stamp for the second stage of the Botanical Garden’s visitor passport program, Trail Explorer, which also begins on July 3.

The walk aims to highlight the important ecological role of these forest giants. Their towering canopies and massive branches provide the specific light and moisture conditions needed by many smaller plants and animals to survive. Jequitibá trees are also favored nesting sites for numerous bird species.

Among the highlights of the route are jequitibá trees planted by distinguished visitors to the institution, including Queen Elisabeth of Belgium in 1920, American singer-songwriter Jack Johnson in 2011, British botanist Ghillean Prance in 2013, and Brazilian mathematician and Fields Medal recipient Artur Ávila in 2014.

Jequitibá trees occur in the Amazon, Cerrado, and Atlantic Forest biomes. They are exceptionally long-lived, with some individuals surviving for more than 500 years, and certain species can reach 50 meters in height—roughly the equivalent of a 13-story building. Some species are endemic to Brazil.

Participation in the Friday Guided Walks is free of charge. Visitors need only purchase admission to the Botanical Garden’s arboretum. Tickets are available at the ticket office or online at jbrj.eleventickets.com.

Event Information

Jequitibá Trail

Dates: Fridays, July 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31
Times: 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Meeting Point: Visitor Center
Address: 1008 Jardim Botânico Street, Rio de Janeiro
Phone: +55 (21) 3874-1808

Arboretum Admission

Visitors residing in Brazil:

• Full admission: R$40.00
• Half-price admission: R$20.00

International visitors:

• R$80.00

Children up to 5 years old receive free admission. Brazilian residents aged 60 and over, people with disabilities, students, and other eligible groups are entitled to half-price admission and pay R$20.00.

Payment at the ticket office: cash or Pix only.
Online tickets: available at jbrj.eleventickets.com with Pix or credit card payment.