Botanical Garden of Mérida

The Botanical Garden of Mérida spreads across a large mountain area southeast of the city at about 1,800 meters elevation. The grounds include various zones with native pine forests and specialized collection areas featuring hundreds of plant species.

The University of the Andes founded this garden in 1991, though it did not open to the public until 2002. This gap allowed time to establish extensive collections before welcoming visitors to explore the grounds.

The garden serves as a learning space where visitors encounter the plant diversity of the Venezuelan Andes. The paths lead through different habitats that show how plants adapt to various elevations in the mountains.

The site sits at high elevation, so visitors should walk slowly and take frequent breaks. It is wise to dress warmly, as temperatures at this altitude are significantly cooler than in the valley below.

The garden holds one of South America's largest bromeliad collections with over 100 species. These colorful plants thrive particularly well in the cool mountain air and become a memorable highlight of any visit.

Location: Mérida

Inception: 1991

Official opening: 1991

Address: Apdo. postal 52 La Hechicera

Website: http://botanica.ciens.ula.ve

GPS coordinates: 8.62369,-71.14411

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:25