Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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Horto Florestal
Favelas
Most Cariocas live in slum cities -
areas of poor-quality housing with
little sanitation. Although most
favelas
are home to law-abiding
people, many are plagued by
gang violence. These
communities have a rich cultural
heritage -
samba
, Brazilian
soccer, and Carnaval all began
here. Only ever visit
favelas
on a
guided tour
(see p52)
.
This arboretum, located
next to the Jardim Botânico,
cultivates some 500 kinds of
tropical trees, many of which
are rare species from the
Atlantic coastal rain forest.
Saplings are sold here in an
effort to encourage reforestation.
d
Map L3 • Rua Pacheco Leão 2040,
Jardim Botânico • (021) 3875 6211
• Open 9-11am & 2-4pm Mon-Fri
%
Largo do Boticário
&
Rocinha Favela
This lovely square takes its
name from Joaquim Luiz da Silva
Souto, who was the pharmacist
(
boticário
) to the royal family
and lived here from 1831. The
enclave, which boasts colonial-
style buildings dating from the
1920s, cobbled streets, and a
fountain, resembles a typical
19th-century Rio street. The
square lies a little away from
the Trêm do Corcovado funicular
station in Cosme Velho, and can
be accessed through the
Rebouças tunnel. It is worth
visiting en route to the famous
statue of Cristo Redentor
(see p9)
.
d
Map G3 • Rua Cosme
Velho 822, Cosme Velho • Open 11am-
6pm Tue-Fri, 3-6pm Sat, Sun & hols
The largest
favela
in Latin
America takes its name from
the little farm, or
rocinha
, that
once stood on its now heavily
urbanized hills teeming with
some 150,000 people. The
community here is served by
its own local shops, TV and
radio stations, restaurants, and
bars.
d
Map D6
*
Planetário
Gávea's stellar attraction, this
complex features a museum of
the universe, ultra-modern domes
that can project thousands of
stars onto their walls, and a view-
ing area, which offers stargazing
sessions three times a week
through powerful telescopes.
Façade of the Planetário
74
