Mérida is a colonial-era city founded in the 16th century nestled between the highest peaks of the Venezuelan Andes. At a height of a mile above sea level  the tropical climate is moderate so it gets warm enough for sunbathing in the afternoon and just cool enough at night for sound sleeping-all year round.   Mérida is blessed with a physical setting that is not only lovely but unique in its wealth of geographical, climatic and biological variety.	MERIDAS CATHEDRAL
LOS NEVADOS - Typical Andean village around Mérida	Depending on whom you ask, there are fourteen or more distinct zones of vegetation and/or climate within a short drive of Mérida, including cloud forest, rain forest, desert and páramo (high alpine), to name just a few.
Mérida’s population of about 350,000 is boosted by the lively University community of the Universidad de los Andes, the second largest in Venezuela. The University has attracted to the city a large  gathering  of scholars in many fields.  The large student population keeps the city young and vibrant.	PICO BOLIVAR - The Higest Peak of the Venezuelan  Andes, Mérida.