Rio de Janeiro: Burle Marx Garden Tour with Local Guide

Summary

Explore Sítio Roberto Burle Marx’s gardens & art with transfers

You’ll walk through Sítio Roberto Burle Marx’s lush gardens with a local guide who brings the artist’s world to life. Explore his colorful home and folk art collection, enjoy peaceful moments away from Rio’s bustle, and take in sweeping views on your return drive — an experience you’ll remember long after the tour ends.

What’s the experience like?

I opened my eyes to this quiet patch of green just outside Rio de Janeiro — not the city’s usual noise, but birdsong and the soft crunch of gravel under my shoes. Our guide, Ana, waved us over to a cluster of palm trees, her hands moving almost like she was conducting music. She pointed out the way Burle Marx played with shapes in his garden — I’d never really thought about how plants could look like brushstrokes before. The air smelled kind of earthy and sweet, maybe from all those bromeliads? I’m not sure. My Portuguese is still terrible but Ana switched between English and Portuguese so easily that it felt like we were just chatting with a friend.

The house itself surprised me — it’s full of folk art, bright colors everywhere, some pieces chipped or faded but somehow that made them feel more alive. There was this little ceramic rooster on a shelf that looked like it had seen a lot. Ana told us stories about Burle Marx collecting these things on his travels across Brazil; apparently he loved markets as much as plants. We wandered through rooms where sunlight came in at odd angles, catching dust in the air. I tried to imagine what it was like living here surrounded by all this wild creativity.

On the way back toward Barra da Tijuca, we stopped for a panoramic view over Recreio dos Bandeirantes — honestly, I didn’t expect the city to look so open from up here. It’s funny how you can be only 30 miles from downtown Rio but feel like you’re somewhere else entirely. The ride back was quiet; everyone seemed lost in their own thoughts (or maybe just sleepy). I still think about that garden sometimes when I see something green growing out of place — makes me want to pay more attention.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Roberto Burle Marx Site and Views

• Visit Sitio Roberto Burle Marx
• Panoramic view of Recreio dos Bandeirantes
• Panoramic view of Barra da Tijuca

Top questions

How far is Sítio Roberto Burle Marx from Rio de Janeiro?

The site is located about 30 miles southeast of central Rio de Janeiro.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, roundtrip hotel or port pickup and drop-off are included.

What will I see at Sítio Roberto Burle Marx?

You’ll visit Burle Marx’s house, see his folk art collection, and walk through his famous gardens.

Is there a guide during the tour?

Yes, a professional local guide leads the tour throughout your visit.

Are entrance tickets included in the price?

Yes, entry fees to Sítio Roberto Burle Marx are included.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Are infants allowed on this tour?

Infants are allowed but must sit on an adult's lap during transport.

Does this tour operate during Carnival or major holidays?

No, it does not operate on Christmas Day, New Year's Eve or during Carnival season.

What’s included

Your day includes roundtrip hotel or port pickup and drop-off in Rio de Janeiro, entrance tickets to Sítio Roberto Burle Marx, and guidance throughout by a friendly local expert who shares stories behind every corner of the garden and house before bringing you back comfortably at the end of your visit.