Visit Rio de Janeiro's Botanic Garden, one of the world's 10 most important ecological sanctuaries. The 346-acre park lies at the foot of the Corcovado Mountain, below the right arm of the Christ the Redeemer statue and contains more than 6,000 species of tropical and subtropical plants and trees, including 900 varieties of palm trees, among them an impressive display of royal palms. The gardens also house a variety of Brazilian plants such as aroids, palms, and woody members of the legume family, along with bromeliads, orchids, carnivorous plants, and cacti. Stroll along its pathways to the sounds of curios, sabiás and other native birds. Created in 1817 by King D. João VI, the gardens' purpose is to introduce and acclimate economically beneficial plants from around the tropics. Continue off the beaten track to one of Rio's little gems, Parque Lage, a public park located in the Jardim Botânico neighborhood. This natural oasis and urban garden feels like a genuine slice of rainforest and surrounds the magnificent former home of wealthy ship owner Henrique Lage, which is now a popular arts school hosting many exhibitions.