Merida, located in the Andean region of Venezuela, is known for its natural beauty and pleasant temperate climate that invites you to hike and explore the Sierra Nevada National Park, as well as discover the city and Plaza Bolivar and other points of interest such as the Mucubají Lagoon and the National Astronomical Observatory. There are lots of things to do in Merida and we don’t want you to miss anything!
We have prepared several sections with the necessary information to help you organize your next trip to Merida. We will tell you how to get to and around the area, how to find the best accommodation, the must-sees and the best restaurants to try the local delicacies. And also we have also prepared a section with travel tips that will help you prepare for your visit and make your stay more pleasant.
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What are the best places to visit in Mérida?
1. Mérida Cable Car
The Merida Cable Car, known as Mukumbarí, is famous for being the highest cable car and the second longest in the world, reaching an altitude of 4,765 meters above sea level and with a distance of 12.5 kilometers. It is a must-see as it offers a unique experience as it passes through the clouds and breathtaking views of the Venezuelan Andes.
The entire journey takes approximately 50 minutes and consists of four stations: Barinitas, La Montaña, La Aguada and Pico Espejo. At the latter, visitors can enjoy cafes and souvenir stores while enjoying the scenery.
The cable car operates Tuesday through Sunday, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Prices are $10 USD for local adults, $25 USD for foreign adults, and $5 USD for children and students with ID.
2. Mérida Cathedral
The Cathedral Basílica Menor de la Inmaculada Concepción, commonly known as the Cathedral of Mérida, is an emblematic religious building located in the heart of the city. Its construction began in 1803 and was extended with several modifications until 1960, giving it a unique blend of architectural styles. The cathedral features a Latin cross floor plan, an impressive dome and a facade adorned with baroque and neoclassical details. Inside you can also admire a collection of stained glass windows and religious objects of great historical value, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the region.
The cathedral is not only a place of worship, but also an important landmark for tourists and locals alike. Located in front of Plaza Bolivar, it is a meeting place and a symbol of Merida’s identity.
3. Mérida Botanical Garden
Located in the La Hechicera sector and administered by the Universidad de Los Andes, the Botanical Garden is one of the main tourist attractions of Merida, a celebrated center for biodiversity conservation and environmental education since 1991. In the garden you can explore trails through different ecosystems, including cloud forests and endemic plant areas throughout its more than 44 hectares of extension.
The garden has a central lake that adds serenity to the environment and is ideal for taking photos. And there you can also participate in educational programs and special events, such as workshops and guided tours that provide a deeper understanding of Venezuela’s biodiversity.
The garden is open Tuesday through Sunday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and admission is $1.5 USD for adults and $1 USD for children and students.
4. The Bullring of Merida
Officially known as the Plaza Monumental Román Eduardo Sandia, the bullring of Merida is an important tourist and cultural site of the city. It was inaugurated in 1967 as one of the largest and most recognized in the country, with a capacity to hold more than 16,000 spectators, and the structure stands out for its architecture, which combines traditional and modern elements. And it is a landmark in the city due to its importance and historical relevance.
In addition to bullfighting, the Plaza de Toros (bullring) of Mérida is used for a variety of cultural and sporting events, including concerts, festivals and fairs. One of the most prominent events is the Feria Internacional del Sol, held every February. It attracts thousands of visitors and is known for its bullfighting and cultural festivities.
5. National Astronomical Observatory
The National Astronomical Observatory, located in Llano del Hato, is the most important astronomical research center in Venezuela. At an altitude of 3,600 meters above sea level, this observatory offers optimal conditions for astronomical observation.
There you can enjoy guided tours that explain the research carried out and observe stars, planets and other celestial bodies through its advanced telescopes. It is a must-see for astronomy lovers and those interested in science. The entrance fee is 5€.
6. Visit La Azulita Park
This impressive park is famous for its rich biodiversity including endemic species such as the Sword-billed Hummingbird, or several species of orchids and bromeliads unique to the Venezuelan Andes. During your visit you can explore the park through its leafy trails that go through cloud forests and take you to the highest points to enjoy the panoramic views.
In the park you can also visit the La Azulita Visitor Center, and impressive waterfalls that wind their way through the middle of nature. The most accessible is the La Honda waterfall. And if you don’t mind walking a little further, you can reach the El Velo de la Novia waterfall. It’s located in a more isolated space where you can connect with the fauna and flora in solitude.
Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.
What to see around Merida
1. Lagoon of Mucubají
The Mucubají Lagoon, located in the Sierra Nevada National Park at more than 3,600 meters above sea level, is one of the most outstanding tourist destinations in Merida. This lagoon of glacial origin offers a impressive landscape surrounded by mountains and vegetation typical of the Andes.
Visitors can enjoy activities such as horseback riding, hiking and, in season, trout fishing. The area in turn has picnic facilities and rest areas, making it an ideal place for families and nature lovers.
From Merida it takes two hours by road, which you can travel by car, bus or organized tours. If you go by car, you can park in the parking lots in the area next to the lagoon.
2. Sierra Nevada National Park
Located in the Andes Mountains, this national park is one of the most important natural destinations in the country as it encompasses a vast area of mountainous landscapes, including Pico Bolivar, the highest point in Venezuela at 4,978 meters, and Laguna de Mucubají.
There you can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking for its numerous routes, climbing, and observation of flora and fauna. Among the most famous excursions, in addition to the ascent to Bolivar peak, are the Black Lagoon, accessible from the Laguna de Mucubají; the Paramo de Piedras Blancas, known for its rock formations; and the Valley of Los Calderones, ideal for hiking and camping.
3. Bolivar Peak
Pico Bolivar, at 4,978 meters above sea level, is the highest point in Venezuela. The ascent to Pico Bolivar is an adventure that usually starts from the La Aguada station of the Merida Cable Car. The route, about 12 kilometers, involves technical climbing and is recommended only for experienced mountaineers accompanied by certified guides.
During the ascent, hikers traverse diverse landscapes, including glaciers and rugged rock formations. The summit offers spectacular views of the Andes Mountains and Venezuela’s last glacier, making this expedition an unforgettable experience for mountain enthusiasts.
Travel itinerary to Mérida for 3 days
Generally 1 day is enough to explore the city of Merida. But it is recommended to spend a couple of days more to explore the trails of the Sierra Nevada National Park. Here we leave you a itinerary with the basics to do in three days, but if you are a born adventurer and want to climb Bolivar peak, you should stay in the area some more days.
First day: Mérida and Cable Car
- Visit to Merida Cathedral and Plaza Bolivar.
- Go up in the Mukumbarí Cable Car to Pico Espejo.
- Take a night walk through the historic center.
Second day: Nature and Adventure
- Mucubají Lagoon Excursion
- Hike to Laguna Negra.
- Visit to the Páramo de Piedras Blancas.
- Return to Mérida and have dinner at a local restaurant.
Third day: Culture and Relaxation
- Visit to the Merida Botanical Garden
- Tour of the Museum of Science and Technology.
- Visit to the Coromoto Ice Cream Parlor.
- Excursion to the National Astronomical Observatory in Llano del Hato.
Do you want us to help you with the management of your trip to Merida?
Are you one of those who prefer to travel on your own or with everything organized? Whatever your preferences, with Passporter you can organize your trip comfortably and easily. With our free app you can discover different travel itineraries that will help you organize your vacation. And if on the other hand you understand that vacations are for resting and you don’t want to worry about anything, at Passporter we also help you with reservations and all the travel arrangements so that you only have to worry about packing your suitcase and not forgetting your camera.
As you have seen throughout the post, Merida is one of our favorite destinations, that’s why we have designed a trip that will exceed all your expectations and allow you to enjoy the incredible landscapes and exciting activities without having to organize anything. We take care of everything!
Where and what to eat in Mérida?
The gastronomy of Merida is characterized by its mixture of Andean and Creole flavors, and in its elaborations highlight ingredients such as corn, potatoes, fresh cheeses, beef and trout. However, the most famous is the levantón andino, a very rich and creamy energy drink, prepared with chicken, quail and catfish eggs, ox eyes, fruits, cereals, a touch of wine and other liquors. We know that the combination does not sound very appetizing, but you have to know that it is a delicious and very nutritious drink, and they say it has aphrodisiac properties.
Here are some other dishes that you can’t miss:
- Andean crepes: made with wheat flour, they are softer and fluffier.
- Pisca andina: potato soup with milk, egg and cheese.
- Trout a la merideña: fresh river trout prepared with garlic and herbs.
- Mote: corn soup with meat and vegetables.
During our stay we had the opportunity to try some of these elaborations in these restaurants:
- Pastelitos La Parroquia: is famous for its varied meat pies, potato with cheese, pizza, mushrooms and pavilion, with very affordable prices between €1 and €2. It is located in front of the church of La Parroquia.
- La Vina: specializes in Venezuelan grill and offers traditional meats and soups in a rustic, open-air setting, with grills served at the table. Prices range from 5€ to 9€.
- Coromoto Ice Cream Parlor: is one of the most famous ice cream parlors in the world for its Guinness record with more than 1000 flavors of ice cream. It offers affordable portions and is an emblematic place full of history and tradition.
Where to stay in Mérida?
Merida has accommodations ranging from cozy inns and hostels to luxury hotels, although the most outstanding options are the eco-lodges in the mountains, ideal for relaxing in the middle of nature with all the comforts. And if you prefer to stay in the city, some of the best neighborhoods to stay in are the historic center, Los Chorros de Milla and La Hechicera.
Here are some of the best accommodations in the area so that you can start comparing options today:
- Hotel Plaza CA: offers comfortable rooms with free WiFi, breakfast included and parking. It stands out for its excellent central location, close to stores and tourist attractions, and the friendliness of its staff. The price per night starts at 30€ and breakfast is included.
- Hotel La Pedregosa: this comfortable four-star accommodation offers air-conditioned rooms with flat-screen TV and kettle. It has a restaurant, gym, swimming pool and garden. It stands out for its quiet location and 24-hour reception. Nightly rates start at €79 and breakfast costs an additional €9.
- Villa Valcore: is a cozy accommodation with garden, terrace, restaurant and bar located in the middle of nature. It features 24-hour reception, free WiFi and hot tub. The rooms have air conditioning and flat-screen TV.
How to get to Mérida?
Merida is a charming Andean city that can be reached by various means of road transport, as it does not have its own airport. Therefore, most tourists travel from Caracas in these ways:
- By car: at Caracas airport you can rent a car and follow the Autopista Regional del Centro (ARC) to Barinas and then the Troncal 5 highway to Merida. The trip takes approximately 10 hours.
- By bus: various companies such as Expresos Mérida, Expresos Flamingo and Expresos Los Llanos offer regular routes from Caracas and other major cities. The journey takes between 12 and 14 hours.
- By plane: if you prefer a faster method, you can fly from Caracas to the Juan Pablo Perez Alfonso Airport (VIG), located in El Vigia, a 1.5-hour road trip by bus (between $2 and $5 USD) or cab for $40.
At your arrival in Mérida you have several options to move around the area thanks to its efficient public transport system:
- Buses and busetas: the average fare is $0.30 to $0.50 USD each way. They cover most urban and suburban areas.
- Trolleybus: is an economical and environmentally friendly option, with fares similar to those of buses.
- Taxis: available throughout the city, with fares varying according to distance, but generally starting at $2 USD for short trips within the city.
- Bicycles: some areas allow bicycle rentals, an economical and environmentally friendly way to explore the city.
What should I consider before traveling to Mérida?
- The currency of Venezuela is the Venezuelan bolivar.
- Hedge against medical emergencies: travel insured. Choose good travel insurance like Mondo.
- We recommend that you change money before your trip to Mérida, as it will be cheaper than at the airport.
- The best months to travel to Venezuela are from December to April, in the dry season.
- Always drink bottled water.
- Take sunscreen with you, especially in the summer months, as well as light clothing that covers you from the sun’s rays and stay hydrated.
- Get yourself an eSIM card to have internet connection on your trip to Mérida.
- Use the Passporter app to organize your travel itinerary, get inspired by other travelers’ experiences, manage your bookings and save all relevant documents.
How to prepare what to see on your trip to Merida
Register or download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.
- Get inspired by the experiences of other travelers.
- Create your own itinerary and add the app’s suggestions into it.
- Add the stops you are most interested in, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest we indicate in this post as a reference).
- Organize your itinerary by route days according to their location on the map (you can be inspired by the routes presented in the post)
- Make any modifications you need and you’ll be all set for your trip.
- Share your experience. Upload photos of the places you’ve visited on your trip to the app and recommend to other travelers what to see in Merida.
If you have doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter.
Frequently asked questions about a trip to Merida
The best time to travel to Mérida is from December to March, when the weather is drier and more pleasant.
Mérida is accessible mainly by road, as it does not have its own airport. Tourists usually travel from Caracas by car, bus (12-14 hours) or fly to Juan Pablo Pérez Alfonso Airport in El Vigía, followed by a bus or cab ride to Mérida.
Transportation in Mérida includes buses and ‘busetas’ (fares from $0. 30 to $0.50 USD), economic and ecological trolleybus, cabs from $2 USD for short trips and bicycle rental in some areas.
The must-sees in Mérida are the Mukumbarí Cable Car, the Lagoon of Mucubají, the Cathedral of Mérida, the Botanical Garden of Mérida, and the Coromoto Ice Cream Parlour. Also noteworthy are the National Park Sierra Nevada and the National Astronomical Observatory in Llano del Hato.
It is preferable to drink bottled water.
The most typical dishes in Mérida are arepas andinas, pisca andina, trucha a la merideña, chicha andina, and mote.
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