The orchidarium has a particular characteristic that makes it unique in the city: it has wild, herbaceous, parasitic plants recovered from different areas of the Waraira Repano National Park, and from green areas of our university. None of the plants were extracted from their natural habitat, all were recovered from the ground or fallen trees that can no longer offer any substrate to the plant.

Additionally to orchids, some species of bromeliads can be seen. In total, 57 bromeliads of 6 different species can be found here, such as Neoregelia fireball, Royal burgundy, Ananas comosus, Neoregelia bracteata, Aechmea y Tillandsia. In the case of orchids, we have 30 orchids of at least 5 species, such as Oncidium Amarillo, Brassavola nodosa, Stanhopea, Cattleya y Oncidium.

The recovery process of the plants began with the support of our nursery staff, external botanical advisors and various institutions, such as the Directorate of Green Areas of Baruta Mayor’s Office, to whom we extend our deepest gratitude from Avila Project.

In this space, we show the first steps of a project that required a lot of effort, but that invites to enjoy the spectacle of the beauty displayed, from both our national flower and other species.

Visiting hours

Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

• Talks and workshops on various environmental topics, such as: conservation of natural areas, phytosanitary treatment of plants, integrated management of water resources, water quality, proper management of residues and solid waste, among others.
• Seed collection activities.
• Planting activities.
• Eco games and educational activities for children.
• Guided visits to the nursery to make known the management activities carried out there.
• Advice to public and private entities on the management or recovery of green areas.

For guided group visits, both to the orchidarium and the nursery, you must write an email to proyectoavila@unimet.edu.ve indicating possible dates, how many people will attend and in which activity you would like to participate.

Avila Project is possible thanks to the support of private companies, who have entrusted their social investment to the Metropolitan University. Additionally, in order to achieve the objectives established, permanent communication has been maintained between INPARQUES and Unimet with the purpose of coordinating efforts between both parts, exchange technical assistance and institutional support in the elaboration, evaluation and execution of action projects, programs and plans on the subject of conservation, environmental education, communications, and other areas related to the National Park.

Furthermore, it has the support of Unimet students, and from other universities, who, day after day, visit the Avila Project nursery to work in favor of environmental conservation.

Avila Project provides an excellent opportunity to reconnect with the extraordinary diversity of animals and plants of the National Park, a renewable natural resource whose survival is in the hands of all Venezuelans. This is a clear example of how the conservation of natural resources, and the environment in general, should be approached, where all professional and technical sectors have something to contribute.