Tour Sitio Burle Marx Casa do Pontal

Meet Roberto Burle Marx: Visionary of Brazilian Landscape Art

Roberto Burle Marx (1909–1994) stands as one of the most influential figures in the world of landscape architecture, celebrated for transforming gardens and public spaces into vibrant works of living art. Born in São Paulo and based for much of his life in Rio de Janeiro, Burle Marx was not only a pioneering landscape architect but also a painter, botanist, and passionate advocate for Brazil’s native flora and cultural heritage.

Burle Marx’s journey began in the 1930s, when his fascination with tropical and subtropical flora led him to experiment with native Brazilian plants and bold, modernist design principles at his home in Rio. Drawing inspiration from modern art and artists like Oscar Niemeyer and William Howard Adams, he quickly gained recognition for his innovative approach. His first major project, the Schwartz House garden in Rio de Janeiro, marked the start of a prolific career that would redefine landscape design across Latin America and beyond.

Throughout his lifetime, Burle Marx created over 2,000 gardens and landscapes, including iconic projects such as the Copacabana Beach promenade in Rio de Janeiro, the rooftop garden at Banco Safra in São Paulo, and the expansive Flamengo Park. His signature style—characterized by sinuous forms, striking color palettes, and the integration of native plants—brought a distinctly Brazilian identity to modern landscape architecture. His work seamlessly blended art, nature, and urban development, making each project a unique expression of Brazilian modernism.

Sítio Roberto Burle Marx, his 90-acre estate in Barra de Guaratiba, became his living laboratory and creative sanctuary. Here, Burle Marx cultivated thousands of plant species, experimented with landscape elements, and developed new approaches to garden design. Today, the Sítio is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains a testament to his vision of integrating art and nature.

Burle Marx’s influence extended far beyond Brazil. His paintings and landscape designs have been exhibited in major institutions, including the Jewish Museum in New York and the New York Botanical Garden, which hosted the acclaimed “Brazilian Modern: The Living Art of Roberto Burle Marx” exhibition. He received numerous honors, such as the Landscape Architecture Prize and the Fine Arts Medal from the American Institute of Architects, underscoring his global impact on both art and environmental stewardship.

A passionate conservationist, Burle Marx was among the first Brazilians to champion the preservation of native flora and the importance of environmental and cultural preservation. His legacy continues to inspire landscape architects, artists, and urban planners worldwide, from São Paulo to New York and beyond. Through his groundbreaking work, Burle Marx demonstrated that gardens could be more than decorative—they could be living, evolving expressions of culture, art, and life itself.

Today, the influence of Roberto Burle Marx endures in public spaces, botanical gardens, and exhibitions around the world, reminding us of the power of integrating art, nature, and cultural heritage in every landscape.

What Makes This Tour Different

Most group tours rush through Sítio Roberto Burle Marx with limited interaction time and fixed schedules. Standard guided visits last approximately 1.5 hours, but your interests might demand more.

This private tour is built differently:

• Private Access Advantage – All visits to Sítio Roberto Burle Marx are guided to protect the delicate ecosystem, and visitors cannot wander alone. Your private experience ensures detailed exploration of Burle Marx’s living laboratory, his personal art collection, and artifacts within the preserved studio
• Dual Cultural Experience – The unique combination of landscape architecture and Brazilian folk art in one tour offers something no standard botanical garden visit provides
• Flexible Itinerary – Customize timing based on your interests—whether botany, fine arts, or landscape design—adjusting your focus between gardens, the home and studio, or the museum collection

How Your Private Tour Works

1. Hotel Pickup Your private driver/guide collects you from your Rio de Janeiro accommodation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.
2. Travel to Sítio Roberto Burle Marx Journey through Rio’s western zones toward Barra de Guaratiba, where mangroves, restinga, and Atlantic Forest surround the estate.
3. Sítio Roberto Burle Marx Exploration Walk through the modernist gardens featuring a blend of formal design with native ecosystems, including ponds, waterfalls, and experimental landscape designs. The guided tour covers approximately 1,800 meters with an elevation gain of around 45 meters.
4. Casa do Pontal Visit Discover the captivating world of Brazilian folk art at this museum housing thousands of pieces—sculptures, carvings, and articulated works representing festivals, religious traditions, and daily life across Brazil.
5. Return Journey Comfortable private vehicle transport delivers you back to your hotel.

Who This Private Tour Is Perfect For

• Art and design enthusiasts drawn to modernist landscape architecture and the integration of painting principles into garden design
• Botany lovers wanting to explore Brazil’s diverse native plant species within a living laboratory for conservation
• Cultural travelers seeking authentic Brazilian folk art experiences and understanding of environmental and cultural preservation
• Photography enthusiasts capturing unique garden compositions, sinuous forms, and artistic heritage
• Couples or families wanting personalized attention and flexible scheduling away from crowds

Roberto Burle Marx was one of the first Brazilians to advocate for the conservation of Brazil’s rainforests and spoke out against deforestation. If you share this passion for nature and art, this tour fits your sensibilities.

Ready to Experience Burle Marx’s Living Masterpiece?

Stop settling for rushed group tours that barely scratch the surface of Roberto Burle Marx’s extraordinary vision. This private tour delivers an intimate look at the life of Brazil’s most famous landscape architect—a multifaceted artist known not only for gardens but also as a painter, sculptor, and designer who integrated various artistic forms into his work.

From the gardens of Sítio Roberto Burle Marx to the treasures of Casa do Pontal, let the allure of Rio de Janeiro’s hidden gems captivate your senses on this exclusive journey.

Book Your Private Tour Today

Secure your personalized experience. Contact us to arrange your visit to these remarkable cultural and natural treasures.

Private vehicle. Expert guide. Unforgettable memories.

Tour Details and Specifications

• Duration: Full day private tour (approximately 8 hours)
• Group Size: Private tour accommodating your party
• Included Services: Private driver/guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation by private vehicle
• Not Included: Tickets to sites, food and drinks
• Meeting Point: Your Rio de Janeiro hotel or accommodation
• Language Options: English, Portuguese,
• Important Note: Visits to Sítio Roberto Burle Marx must be scheduled at least a few days in advance due to limited daily visitor numbers. The site is generally closed on weekends and Mondays for public tours.

Duration

8 hours

Prices

• USD 320 per group size up to 4 persons
• USD 500 per group size 5 to 6 persons

All bookings with Rio Cultural Secrets You may cancel any tour up to 7 days before the scheduled date and receive a full refund. Cancellations made after this period are not eligible for refund or credit, unless the cancellation is due to an unforeseeable event such as government-imposed travel restrictions, war, civil unrest, strikes, extreme weather, earthquakes, natural disasters, or situations where a cruise ship cannot dock or a flight to your destination is cancelled. Please note that unforeseeable events do not include personal or family illness or injury, poor weather, or a change of personal plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the private tour take? The full day experience runs approximately 8 hours, including transportation, both site visits, and flexible timing based on your interests. The guided portion at Sítio Roberto Burle Marx typically covers 1.5 to 2 hours of walking.

Do I need to purchase entry tickets separately? Yes. Entrance fees to both Sítio Roberto Burle Marx and Casa do Pontal are not included in the tour price. Your guide will assist with the entry process.

What should I bring? Comfortable walking shoes for the 1,800-meter path with 45-meter elevation gain. Sun protection, insect repellent, camera, and water are recommended. Bring cash for entrance fees.

Is transportation provided from all Rio hotels? Pickup is available from hotels in central and south zone neighborhoods including Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, and Barra da Tijuca. Hotels in other areas may require coordination.

Why can’t I explore the gardens independently? All visits are guided to protect the delicate ecosystem. This approach preserves the landscape elements and plant specimens that make this UNESCO site so significant.