Luiz Fernando put Botafogo ahead after 15 minutes but Argentine Maxi Lopes equalised for the visitors 20 minutes later and while both sides had more chances to score neither could get the winner.
The result leaves Botafogo stuck in 12th in the 20-team table, while Vasco rise one place to 15th, just two places and one point above the relegation zone.
Palmeiras lead the table three points clear of Internacional.
(Reporting by Andrew Downie; Editing by Peter Rutherford)
