{"id":16085,"date":"2025-10-17T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-10-17T06:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mrm-style.com\/en\/?p=16085"},"modified":"2025-10-26T19:32:14","modified_gmt":"2025-10-26T17:32:14","slug":"letters-from-venezuela-merida-the-city-on-the-crown-of-the-andes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mrm-style.com\/en\/letters-from-venezuela-merida-the-city-on-the-crown-of-the-andes\/","title":{"rendered":"Letters from Venezuela: M\u00e9rida, The City on the Crown of the Andes\u2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

My dear travellers and lovers of unusual journeys, welcome to the last travel post in the series of travelogues about Venezuela on the Mr.M blog. During the previous months, you had the opportunity to get to know some of the countries of the unusual continent: South America, and during the months of September and October, I will show you the beauty of the country located in the very heart of this continent – Venezuela. At the very beginning of today’s travelogue, where I will try to convey to you the beauty of the city located at the top of the Venezuelan Andes – M\u00e9rida, I would like to thank the Ministry of Tourism of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela – MINTUR<\/a><\/strong>, as well as other partners who selflessly supported my adventure in Venezuela. With their help, travelogues from this exotic country were created, as well as numerous fashion stories that you will have the opportunity to read during this series of posts, and I sincerely hope that you will enjoy the new adventure.<\/p>\n\n\n

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There are places in the world that can cause some kind of change in your worldview. Places you don’t forget, even after a lot of time has passed. Merida is definitely one of those places. Located in the heart of the Venezuelan Andes, this university town at 1,640 meters above sea level is a perfect combination of natural beauty, adventurous spirit and cultural richness that will leave no one indifferent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why M\u00e9rida?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You know that feeling when you arrive somewhere and immediately realize you’re in the right place? Well, that’s how I felt when I first stepped into Merida. Surrounded by the snowy peaks of the Andes, with the coldest climate in Venezuela and a student energy that permeates every corner of the city, there is something magical about this place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Merida is not a typical South American destination. Forget about the heat and the jungle, here you are greeted by cool mountain air, temperatures that rarely exceed 20 degrees and landscapes that will take your breath away. Here, the altitude literally brings rare air, so don’t be surprised if you need a little more time to acclimatize at first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The city has over 250,000 inhabitants, of which as many as 40,000 are students of the University of Los Andes, the second largest in Venezuela. That student population gives the city a special rhythm: the cafes are always full, the nightlife is lively, and the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. M\u00e9rida was founded back in 1558 under the name of Santiago de los Caballeros de M\u00e9rida, after fierce resistance from the indigenous Mucuj\u00fan people.<\/p>\n\n\n

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El Telef\u00e9rico de M\u00e9rida: A Perspective-changing ride<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Let’s start with what put M\u00e9rida on the world map \u2013 El Telef\u00e9rico de M\u00e9rida, better known as Mukumbar\u00ed. This is no ordinary cable car. This is the second longest cable car in the world, and definitely the highest, taking you up a staggering 4,765 meters above sea level to the Pico Espejo station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first stop is in the city itself at 1,640 meters, and the journey begins from there. The entire ride takes about 50 minutes and passes through four stops: Barinitas, La Monta\u00f1a, La Aguada and finally Pico Espejo. The higher you climb, the landscape changes dramatically \u2013 from green forests through the clouds to the almost lunar terrain of the high p\u00e1ramo region.<\/p>\n\n\n

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A completely different world awaits you at the top. The temperature can drop below zero, even when it is a pleasant 20 degrees in the city. Therefore, be sure to bring a warm jacket, hat and gloves. I made the mistake of not and along with other unprepared tourists bought overpriced souvenirs just to keep warm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ticket prices depend on your status: locals pay around $10, foreigners $25, while children and students with ID pay just $5. The cable car operates from Tuesday to Sunday, from 8 am to 4 pm. My honest advice is to go as early as possible in the morning. Not only because of the crowds, but also because of the clouds that often form later in the day and can spoil your view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With Pico Espejo, you can try to conquer Bolivar (4,978 meters) itself, but it is already a serious mountaineering endeavor that requires technical experience, equipment and a guide.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Plaza Bol\u00edvar and the Historical Center of M\u00e9rida<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Let’s go back down to the city. As in most South American cities, the heart of M\u00e9rida beats around the Plaza Bol\u00edvar. This is not just a tourist attraction, this is where the real daily life of the city takes place. Here local residents sit on benches, read newspapers, talk, play chess. Students use free Wi-Fi. Children run around while their parents buy fresh fruit juices from vendors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the center of the square stands, of course, the monument to Sim\u00f3n Bol\u00edvar, the liberator who brought independence to this part of South America. The square is surrounded by colonial architecture that takes you back several centuries.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Merida Cathedral, which was built for 150 years<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Right next to the square is the Bas\u00edlica Menor de la Inmaculada Concepci\u00f3n, better known as the M\u00e9rida Cathedral. This building has a fascinating history, its construction began in 1803 and was completed only in 1960! That’s more than 150 years of construction, resulting in an eclectic mix of architectural styles.<\/p>\n\n\n

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The original design was inspired by the 17th-century cathedral of Toledo, Spain, but several earthquakes and different eras of construction have left their mark. The result is a unique building with elements of baroque, neoclassicism, beautiful stained glass windows and large frescoes. Once inside, you simply stop. The silence, the dimensions of the space, the light pouring through the colored glass, everything is there to leave you speechless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The church is open to visitors throughout the day, admission is free, but decent behavior and dress are expected. If you are there during Mass, sit quietly in the back and enjoy the atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Botanical Garden: An oasis of peace in the heart of M\u00e9rida<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Jard\u00edn Bot\u00e1nico de M\u00e9rida is a place that separates you from the hustle and bustle of the city and leads you into a world of green silence. Located in the sector of La Hechicera and administered by the University of Los Andes, this garden covers more than 44 hectares and has served as a biodiversity conservation and environmental education center since 1991.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The trails take you through different ecosystems from cloud forests to areas with endemic plants. The central lake gives the garden an extra dose of serenity and is a perfect spot for photography. If you are lucky, you can see various species of hummingbirds, parrots and other birds that live there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The garden also organizes educational programs, workshops and guided tours that give you a deeper insight into Venezuela’s biodiversity. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9 am to 5 pm. Admission costs about $1.50 for adults and $1 for children and students. For that money, you get a few hours of peace in one of the most beautiful natural surroundings in the city.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Llano del Hato National Astronomical Observatory<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are interested in the sky and want to peek a little above the clouds, be sure to visit the National Astronomical Observatory in Llano del Hato. This is the most important center for astronomical research in Venezuela, located at 3,600 meters above sea level, which provides optimal conditions for observing celestial bodies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The observatory offers guided tours that explain the research conducted there, and you can observe stars, planets and other objects through advanced telescopes. For lovers of astronomy and science, this is a must-stop. The entrance fee is about 5 euros, which is more than you will pay for most things in M\u00e9rida, but the experience is worth every cent.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Bullring and Feria del Sol<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Plaza de Toros Rom\u00e1n Eduardo Sandia is not just for bullfighting fans (which I personally am not). This arena is used for various cultural and sports events such as concerts, festivals, fairs. The most famous event is the Feria Internacional del Sol, which takes place every February and attracts thousands of visitors. In addition to bullfighting, the festival celebrates local culture through Venezuelan music, food and rich traditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if you’re not a fan of bullfighting, the arena itself is an imposing architectural creation and worth seeing.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Mercado Principal: The heart of local culture<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you want to feel the real pulse of Merida, bypass the tourist shops and head straight to the Mercado Principal. This is the biggest and best local market where you can find souvenirs and much more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The market is primarily a craft market, but there are also stalls with clothes, shoes and food. Artisans sell various things – traditional ruanas (Andean ponchos), wooden figures, jewelry, toys. Everything is handmade and the prices are affordable. This is the perfect place to haggle, which is more customary than rude in South America.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But the real value of the Mercado Principal is not in the souvenirs – but in being able to connect with local people, try authentic food and immerse yourself in the culture that is lived here, not just posing for tourists. Try fresh juice from local fruits that you’ve never seen before. Buy the empanadas while they’re still hot. Talk to people (with a basic knowledge of Spanish or the help of Google Translate, they will appreciate your effort!).<\/p>\n\n\n

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Los Aleros: Time Travel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

About 20 kilometers from M\u00e9rida is Los Aleros, a unique Andean village-museum created by Alexis Montilla. This is no ordinary tourist attraction, this is a living recreation of the life and customs of colonial M\u00e9rida in the 1930s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The route through the park includes various attractions: a bus ride from the entrance, a search for the lost Morocoto (an old Venezuelan gold coin), a tour of a wheat mill and numerous other stops that recreate the typical activities of citizens of the time. There is also a restaurant with traditional Andean food, and along the way you can buy drinks and snacks at small stands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Los Aleros is open from 9am to 6pm during high season, while in low season it is open from 10am to 6am. You can get there by public transport from the bus station on the Tabay line or by taxi. The experience is authentic and gives you a great insight into how life used to be in this part of Venezuela.<\/p>\n\n\n

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La Venezuela de Antier<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Similar to Los Aleros, La Venezuela de Antier is a theme park that recreates the architecture, folklore, gastronomy, music, traditions and history of different regions of Venezuela from the early 20th century. The park represents twelve regions and states of the country: Oriente, Los Llanos, Falc\u00f3n, Miranda, Aragua, Trujillo, Zulia, Caracas, Lara, Amazonas, T\u00e1chira and M\u00e9rida.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There you can see typical Venezuelan constructions: a colonial house (casona colonial), a traditional sugar cane mill (trapiche de ca\u00f1a), bahareque houses (wood and mud construction technique), stone castles, indigenous churuatas and churches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is a great opportunity to “travel” through Venezuela without leaving M\u00e9rida and understand the country’s cultural diversity.<\/p>\n\n\n

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La Monta\u00f1a de los Sue\u00f1os<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another project by Alexis Montilla, La Monta\u00f1a de los Sue\u00f1os is a theme park that tells the history of media in Venezuela, based on the 1950s. The park has several cinemas, theaters and places where you can rest and eat. It also has a car museum and a gift shop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is located 40 kilometers from M\u00e9rida, on the road that leads to the village of Virgilia. If you are a fan of nostalgia and history, this is an interesting place to visit.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Lagoon Mucubaj\u00ed: A crystal lake in the clouds<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are driving towards the neighboring state of Barinas or towards the famous Pico \u00c1guila, be sure to stop at Lagoon Mucubaj\u00ed. This is one of the most beautiful Andean lagoons, surrounded by the unique landscape of the p\u00e1ramo region of high mountain grasslands with characteristic plants called frailejones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The water is crystal clear, the surroundings are quiet, and the air is so clean that you feel like you are breathing something completely new. You can come with an organized tour or by public transport – by bus from the city terminal to Barinas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The temperature here can be quite low, so dress appropriately. If you’re lucky enough to catch a sunny, cloudless day, the colors you see \u2013 the green grass, the blue sky, the white cloud frailejones, seem almost unnaturally alive.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Pico Bol\u00edvar: Peak of Peaks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Let’s talk about Pico Bol\u00edvar – the highest peak in Venezuela with its 4,978 meters above sea level. This is not a hike for everyone. This is a serious mountaineering challenge that requires technical knowledge, equipment and good physical preparation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A normal expedition takes 5-6 days and follows a U-shaped route known as La Traves\u00eda. It starts from La Mucuy, one of the entrances to the Sierra Nevada National Park at 2,300 meters above sea level. On the first day, you enjoy an approximately 5-hour walk through the cloud forest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The second day is steeper and rockier \u2013 you climb to Lagoon Verde at 3,900 meters, where you camp. On the third day, you continue to the base of Pico Bol\u00edvar and camp next to Lagoon Timoncito at 4,700 meters. On the fourth day – the big day – you try to conquer the summit.<\/p>\n\n\n

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The climb to the top of Pico Bol\u00edvar requires complete equipment: ropes, safety harness, helmet, and during the rainy season crampons and ice axes. The time required for the ascent depends on the weather conditions, snow, ice and physical fitness of the climber. It can last from 4 hours to a whole day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the top you are greeted by a bust of Simon Bol\u00edvar, and the view\u2026 Well, the view is something I cannot describe in words. You are standing on top of Venezuela, surrounded by the Andes, with the clouds below you. It is an unforgettable feeling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is important to note that the dropout rate is around 10% during the dry season (December-March) and around 30% during the rainy season. Weather alone gives only a 50% chance of success during the rainy season. This is not just a walk – this is a serious mountain adventure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It can also be organized via Los Nevados, a small village accessible only by mules or off-road vehicles. If you have more time and like authentic experiences, this route is amazing.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Bosque Sagrado: The Magical Forest<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The magical forest – “Bosque Sagrado” is simply one of those places that really intrigues me. This unusual forest is located in a mountainous region near the city of M\u00e9rida in Venezuela. It is not an ordinary forest, it is a space where nature and art merge and where something magical, almost mystical, happens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What makes this place special is that it was created and run by the artist-sculptor William Marcano, who answered the call of the forest and created his own vision that he had in his dreams in this forest. Gradually, he began to carve figures directly into trees and logs, turning the forest setting into a space of artistic meditation and exploration. Thus, “Bosque Sagrado” is not just a natural path, it is an artistic project, a ritual, a place to meet something deeper. Here you can find numerous characters from legends, spiritual beings and even “little aliens” carved into the trees.<\/p>\n\n\n

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When I arrived at Bosque Sagrado, I was immediately overwhelmed by the atmosphere. This forest is full of tall trees, low fog that crept in between the branches, and the soft sound of a stream or river running through the terrain. The air was fresh, with a hint of humidity, typical of the mountain forest ecosystems of the Andes.
As I walked along the path, I noticed wooden carved figures like human figures, duendas (forest creatures from local myths), animals, all somewhere woven into nature: logs that became seats, stone paths, natural elements that were integrated into art. The feeling was as if the forest was breathing on its own, and I was not just an observer, but a part of this story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for something different, not only an attraction but also an unusual experience, this place is ideal. There are no big crowds here, this place is not commercialized, but there is an intimate connection with nature and creative human hands. Moreover, in an age when many tourist sites are overcrowded and often uniform, Bosque Sagrado radiates authenticity. It is a very suitable option for those who want to slow down and have time to think about the world around them. Also, the emphasis on the artistic aspect and local legend\/mythology adds an extra dimension, because this is not just a walk among the trees, but a walk among stories, symbols and inner thoughts.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Tips for visiting Bosque Sagrado<\/h3>\n\n\n\n