Meeting at 14:30h at Rio & Learn
Costs: R$ 7,90 (metro)
Get ready for an afternoon surrounded by history, nature, and Brazilian culture! In this RioLIVE! activity, we’ll visit Catete Park (Parque do Catete), the beautiful gardens that are part of the historic Catete Palace (Palácio do Catete) complex, one of the most important places in Brazil’s political history. Located in the Catete neighborhood, in Rio’s South Zone, the park is part of what is now the Museum of the Republic (Museu da República). Catete Palace was built in the 19th century as a luxurious private residence and later became the seat of the Brazilian Presidency when Rio de Janeiro was still the capital of Brazil.
Today, its gardens offer a peaceful escape in the middle of the city, with century-old trees, palm trees, lakes, sculptures, bridges, grottoes, and small animals. It’s the perfect place to walk, chat, and practice Portuguese while discovering more about the history of Rio and Brazil.
Catete Palace was at the heart of Brazilian politics for decades. Between 1897 and 1960, it served as the seat of the Presidency and was home to different presidents and important events that helped shape the country’s history. One of its most famous historical episodes took place in 1954, when President Getúlio Vargas died at Catete Palace. His death had a profound impact on Brazilian political history and made the palace an important symbol of the Vargas Era. In 1960, when Brazil’s capital was transferred from Rio de Janeiro to Brasília, the palace ceased to be the seat of the Presidency and became home to the Museum of the Republic.
During our RioLIVE!, we’ll talk about some of these historical events while exploring the gardens. It will be a great opportunity to learn vocabulary related to history, politics, nature, and everyday life, ask questions, share opinions, and use Portuguese naturally.
Catete Park is much more than the garden of a former presidential palace. It’s a small green oasis in the middle of the city. As we walk along its paths, we can find 19th-century palm trees, enormous trees, a lake, sculptures, and a grotto, as well as animals that can often be spotted around the park, such as ducks and little marmoset monkeys.
The contrast is one of the most interesting parts of the visit: on one side, we have a place connected to political decisions, presidents, and important moments in Brazilian history; on the other, we find a peaceful garden where Cariocas walk, relax, chat, and enjoy nature. And it’s exactly in this environment that we’ll practice Portuguese in a relaxed and natural way, talking about what we see and discovering interesting facts about the place.
Catete Park combines history, architecture, politics, and nature in one place. In addition to exploring the gardens of a former presidential residence, you’ll better understand the period when Rio was Brazil’s capital and discover stories connected to some of the most important figures in Brazilian politics. At the same time, it’s an opportunity to slow down and discover a quieter side of the city, surrounded by nature and away from the busiest tourist attractions.
This RioLIVE! activity is perfect for anyone who wants to practice Portuguese outside the classroom, learn more about Brazilian history, enjoy nature, and discover a special part of Carioca life.
So put on your comfortable shoes, bring your curiosity, and come walk with us through a garden that was once part of the daily lives of Brazil’s presidents!
Let’s discover the stories and charm of Catete Park together!
See here our last visits to Parque do Catete:
Yasmin Teixeira is Rio & Learn’s RioLIVE! Supervisor, bringing a strong background in hospitality, tourism, and event operations, which makes her a perfect match for leading unforgettable experiences in Rio. With hands-on experience coordinating corporate events and service teams in major hotels, she’s skilled at planning logistics, ensuring high service standards, and delivering smooth, guest-focused execution from start to finish. Her international experience in Germany and a natural talent for welcoming and assisting people means she knows how to create a warm, organized, and engaging environment for our students. Yasmin blends professionalism, energy, and attention to detail, exactly what RioLIVE! needs to run with excellence.
