park · João Pessoa, PB
Parque Zoobotânico Arruda Câmara (Bica)
Known as the Bica because of the freshwater spring at its center, it covers 26.8 hectares of Atlantic Forest with a zoo. The name honors botanist Manuel Arruda Câmara.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Parque Zoobotânico Arruda Câmara (Bica)
Parque Zoobotânico Arruda Câmara is João Pessoa's zoo and botanical garden, set in a patch of Atlantic Forest in the Roger neighborhood, near downtown. Everyone in the city calls it the Bica (spout), after the freshwater spring inside it that for a long time helped supply the city with water.
The name, given in 1922, honors Paraíba botanist Manuel Arruda Câmara. The Fonte do Tambiá, the spring that gives the park its nickname, has been listed by Iphan (Brazil's national heritage institute) since 1941, and the park area has been protected by Iphaep since 1980. An Indigenous legend says the spring was born from the tears Aipó shed over the death of her beloved, Tambiá.
The visit follows tree-lined paths and trails shaded by large trees, past enclosures with birds, reptiles, fish and mammals, including monkeys, macaws, caimans and wild cats. There is a lake with pedal boats, an aviary, picnic areas and environmental education spaces. On the more wooded trails, you will often see wild birds from the forest itself.
It is a relaxed outing, good for families with children and for birdwatchers. The ground is mostly flat, with some dirt stretches and short climbs.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Allow two to three hours to go around the enclosures and trails without rushing.
Best time
Right at opening time, in the morning, when it is cooler, the animals are more active and there are fewer visitors; during school vacations and on weekends the park gets much busier.
How to get there
It is on Avenida Gouveia Nóbrega, in the Roger neighborhood, a few minutes by car from the Centro Histórico and near the bus station. From Tambaú and Cabo Branco beaches, you can get there by car, taxi, ride-hailing app or city bus.
Tip
Bring insect repellent and a water bottle, wear closed-toe shoes for the trails and check the opening days and hours before you go.
A look at the place
Parque Zoobotânico Arruda Câmara (Bica) in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Parque Zoobotânico Arruda Câmara (Bica)
Is there an entrance fee at the Bica?
Yes, there is a small entrance fee. Check prices, free admission and hours on the official channels of the João Pessoa city government before you go.
How long does a visit to the Bica take?
Two to three hours is enough to see the animal enclosures and walk the trails at a relaxed pace.
Why is the park called the Bica?
Because of the freshwater spring inside the park, the Fonte do Tambiá, which supplied the city with water for a long time.
Can you walk there from downtown João Pessoa?
The park is in the Roger neighborhood, near the Centro Histórico. The distance is short, but the route has hills and traffic; going by car, taxi or ride-hailing app is more comfortable.
Is the Bica good for kids?
Yes. The park has animals, a lake with pedal boats, picnic areas and mostly flat trails, and it is one of the most popular outings for families in the city.