The Mérida region is a stunning gem and a famous tourist destination in Venezuela. It has the highest mountain in the country, Pico Bolivar, which is 4979 metres above sea level.
This region attracts travellers all year due to the Pico Bolivar, its unique temperature, and the famed cable car.
Table of contents
- Introduction
- How to get to Mérida
- How to move around
- Main attractions in city
- Around Mérida region
- Outdoor activities
Introduction
With this post, I’d like to welcome you to experience Mérida like a local. Begin your journey in Mérida city, which is the ideal place for organising outdoor activities and learning about local culture.
You will be welcomed with a smile and gentility, you will be able to eat excellent meals, and you will feel safe.
How to get to Mérida
From Caracas you have two options:
- Getting by bus from the Bandera station and there are a few companies, primarily around 4-5 pm, but you must verify ahead of time since timetables change all the time. You can travel by either the Barinas or El Vigía routes. I prefer the first option since it is safer. Price is 30$
- Flying from Maiquetia, there are flights directly to Mérida city and to El Vigía. The price is around 90$
From El Vigía arrange your transfer with IG transfersmerida or 0412-5805433.
Or get a taxi, it will cost you between 50-100$
From other cities like Valencia, San Cristóbal, Barquisimeto and Maracaibo there are only buses.
Venezuela has just opened the border between Táchira and Colombia. It is possible to cross the border, but you should be warned that there is a lot of corruption at the border, and “some people” may beg you for money in order to let you pass through without issue.
You can cross the border from Cucúta to Ureña or Antonio del Táchira on a bus or taxi that drops you off at the terminal and then change for a bus to Mérida. Union Táchira is the primary company.
There are also private taxis that will take you from Cucúta to Mérida. You must contact a tourist agency for this type of service.
How to move around
At the moment, renting a car is not an option in Mérida. However, you might call a tourism agency to arrange several tours for you.
You can also take transportation to reach destinations like Tabay and El Valle; there are numerous buses from the city centre.
Buses to Mucuchies, Apartaderos, and Tímotes are available from the bus terminal.
Main attractions in city
Mérida cable car or Teleférico de Mérida, Mukumbarí:
It is the highest and second longest cable car in the world for only 500 metres. After many years of maintenance, this structure has now become a renewed icon of the city. There are five stops, with the highest at 4,765 metres above sea level. Only with a guided tour or a donkey tour can you reach a gorgeous lake at the forth stop.
Locals pay different prices, and descending by foot requires a permit from INPARQUES.
Catedral de Mérida,
This magnificent religious structure is regarded as one of Venezuela’s most beautiful Cathedrals.
Plaza Bolivar
It is a multifunctional place featuring a statue of Simon Bolivar in the centre. It was adapted to the different demands of the population, becoming the epicentre of economic, political, religious, and social activity, as in every Latin American metropolis.
El Mercado Principal
There are some pubs, fruit shops, drinks, and souvenirs at this unique market. I strongly suggest that you come here and taste some traditional drinks, such as Vitamina, Chicha Adina and Levantón Andino.
Soto Rosa’s Market
It is unlikely to be a tourist destination, but if you want to have a local experience, you should go. This is a farmer’s market, and it is less expensive than any supermarket in town.
Chorros de Milla
On the northern outskirts of the city you can find this scenic zoo. It features a selection of local fauna, including jaguars, condors, andes bear, capuchin and local snakes.
Around Mérida region
Los nevados
This tiny village is located at 2700 m above sea level in the Sierra Nevada National Park. From the Heroins park, you may book a trip or get a Jeep to take you there. You can either walk with a guide or book a ride to the Cable Car 3 stop from here. IG guamanchi is a well known place to sleep and they can help you to organize your journey.
Mucuy and Tabay parks
Because of its proximity to Mérida, this village is easily accessible from the city centre. It is a cosy community that many locals visit because of its beautiful park, La Mucuy.
The valley and the Culata
This part of town has always been a must-see in Mérida because it is easily accessible by bus. The final destination is La Culata, from which you can either walk or ride a horse into the Sierra la Culata. It’s a great place to enjoy local dishes like pisca andina, pastelitos, and blackberry wine.
Mucubají Laguna
This well-known lake is a gem in the Andes setting, surrounded by a unique landscape, and is a stop on the trip to Mérida. It is recommended to have a guided trip or take the bus from the city terminal to Barinas.
Musui – Natural Hot spring pool
This is a well-known location in the area. A number of small pools are hidden in the the mountains. The vista is breathtaking.
When you arrive at the Musui, you must climb for two hours from the bus stop or one hour from the parking area. $3.00 entry fee
Other activities available there include paragliding, camping, and horseback riding.
Outdoor activities
Hiking, paragliding, mountain biking, camping, and wild swimming are all popular outdoor activities in Mérida. Some may be done individually, while others require a guided tour.
The most important activity here is reaching the Bolivar peak, which is 4979 metres above sea level. There are several agencies that provide this service, most of them are located in the heroin park, but you must make arrangements ahead of time. Tours are also available from Caracas and Valencia. I may suggest IG. Viajerossincontrol for them.