Sítio Roberto Burle Marx was the home and landscape laboratory of one of the great garden designers of the 20th century. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2021 and lies in Barra de Guaratiba, at the far western end of the city. It can only be visited with a guide and a booking, so it's worth planning ahead.
At a glance
- Where: Estrada Roberto Burle Marx, 2019, Barra de Guaratiba.
- When: Tuesday to Saturday (except holidays), with guided visits at 9:30 and 13:30.
- How: guided visits only, with advance booking.
- Price: R$ 10; half price R$ 5. Paid in cash on the day of the visit.
- Getting there: it's far from Zona Sul. Plan on a car, taxi or ride-hailing app.
What you'll see
According to UNESCO ↗, the site covers about 40 hectares between mangroves and Atlantic Forest and grows around 3,500 species of tropical and subtropical plants. Burle Marx used it for more than 40 years as a laboratory for creating gardens with native plants. It was the first modern tropical garden inscribed on the World Heritage List.
The visit takes in gardens, buildings and collections. If you're interested in the city's landscape design, it's the natural complement to the Jardim Botânico.
How to book
Visits are guided only, led by a member of the site's staff. Booking is done through the site's Reservio system ↗, which lists:
- Days: Tuesday to Saturday, except holidays.
- Time slots: 9:30 or 13:30.
- Price: R$ 10 full price and R$ 5 half price (students and people over 60). Children up to age 5 go free. Payment is cash only, on the day of the visit.
- Accessibility: the site says it has electric carts and ramps for visitors with reduced mobility.
- Professional photos: the booking doesn't include photo shoots; those are arranged separately.
The IPHAN page ↗ also lists the email visitas.srbm@iphan.gov.br and the phone number +55 21 2410-1412 (8:00 to 16:00) for bookings or questions. If anything in the booking system is unclear, use those channels.
Getting there
The site is in the West Zone, beyond Recreio and Grumari. We didn't find official guidance on public transportation to the gate, so the practical option is a car, taxi or ride-hailing car. Check the map on the day and arrive with time to spare: the slots have fixed times.
Think about the return trip too: you're far from everything. What we explain about planning the ride back in Prainha and Grumari applies here as well.
How to plan the day
- Morning slot (9:30): leave early, do the visit and have lunch around Barra de Guaratiba before heading back.
- Afternoon slot (13:30): works if you want to spend the morning at the West Zone beaches.
- Bring: cash for admission, water, sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes.
Frequently asked questions
Can I go without a booking?
No. The site can only be visited with an advance booking and a guide.
How long does the visit last?
The official sources don't say. Allow half a day including travel.
Can I pay by card?
According to the booking system, no: payment is cash only, on the day.
Sources: Reservio: Sítio Roberto Burle Marx ↗, IPHAN ↗ and UNESCO ↗, accessed October 27, 2026.