Picnics in the Parque, Brasil

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Ibirapuera Park - The name translates to 'Rotten Tree' in the, now extinct, Tupian language but regardless of the name Ibirapuera Park is undoubtedly one of the coolest parks I have ever visited.

The park is in the city of Sao Paulo, Brasil and the first public use of the park began in August 1954. It is free to enter and is open from 5am until 12am.

As a self-confessed 'people watcher', there is plenty to see whilst wandering the park - museums, performances spaces, bustling snack bars, dogs snoozing under the trees and people swerving by on roller blades and bicycles.

The park is one of the most popular places in Sao Paulo and although the park gets crowded at times, it is always possible to find a peaceful spot to set up a picnic, admire the water fountains or watch the fish swimming near the waters edge - all of which I highly recommend.

Not only is the park in use by thousands of people each weekend but it is also home to 218 other species including 35 species of butterflies, 10 species of fish, 8 species of reptiles, bats, possums and over 156 species of birds just to name a few.

There is many statues both inside and around the park but my favourite is the 'Monument to the Bandeiras'. It is huge!

The monument commemorates the 17th-century bandeiras, or settling expeditions into the interior of Brasil.

You can find out more about Ibirapuera park by clicking here