Butantan Snake Farm

The Institute for Biological Studies is a very popular place to visit because of its serpentarium which contains one of the world’s largest collections of exotic venomous snakes, lizards, spiders and scorpions. The Institute is located in a large park with three museums, several laboratories, a hospital, animal houses and historic and modern buildings. It is internationally known for its studies of venomous animals and the production of serums and vaccines from venom used to cure infectious diseases.
They have 407 varieties of cobras. They also have a rare snake, the second living specimen of boa that has ever been seen and it is the first to be seen by humans in 64 years. Visitors can watch the reptiles in their cages or in open air pits.