2026 Merida Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in March)

If I had to stay in Venezuela, I'd choose Mérida 💖 A city of orange tiled roofs against the backdrop of endless green mountains, a city of murals on the walls of historic houses, a city of European architecture with a wonderful climate, a city where you can find yourself in both summer and winter, depending on your mood... In fact, I'd probably be torn between Mérida and Caracas; both are wonderful cities. But today, let's talk about Mérida. Mérida is one of the most touristy destinations in Venezuela. It's famous for its mountain scenery, street art, mild climate, the country's best universities, and the longest cable car in the world. And Venezuela is renowned for its hospitable people, so finding a host who would take us in was quick and easy. As for Mérida, it's beautiful. In the center, there's colonial architecture, beautiful buildings and cathedrals, cobbled streets and flowers, and mountainous landscapes all around. We stopped by the old library, where we were given a detailed tour (about an hour and a half 🤭), and then we were taken to the rooftop observation deck with views of tiled roofs, mountains, and clouds. The weather was gorgeous, and so was our mood 😄 Overall, we had a blast! That's how Mérida left me. And, honestly, I was a little sad to leave, because leaving Mérida meant heading toward the Colombian border, which meant the Venezuelan chapter of the trip was coming to an end. #Mérida #Venezuela

Imagine five white eagles, terrified, trying to fly away from an Indian princess who decided to decorate her dress with their feathers. Can you imagine it? Well, the eagles, tired of being chased, perched on the mountain peaks. The princess tried to grab them, but couldn't reach them—her hands were stuck in the glacier, and the white eagles' wings were stuck in the snow on the peaks. According to legend, this is how Venezuela's highest mountains came to be. That's where we headed immediately after arriving in Mérida. We'd originally planned to climb Pico Bolivar (Venezuela's highest point) on foot, but it turned out that's prohibited; you have to take a guide, special equipment, and so on and so forth. The cable car isn't just any cable car, it's considered the longest in the world! Honestly, I think that's unfair because it's not a single cable car, but rather consists of four sections, with transfers required between them. The total length of the cable car is 12,500 meters. We stood in a long line, and it turns out there's a different price: for foreigners, it's twice as expensive. Guess how much the cable car ride costs? $40! We had to pay. This expensive ticket gives you "priority boarding" (front seats in the cabin), Wi-Fi at stops, and one free drink at the top, at the final station. The cable car is, of course, fantastic, no doubt about it. I love cable cars; I thoroughly enjoyed the ride and took photos (I'll show you the video later). As for the views, we weren't so lucky with the weather this time. The higher we climbed, the more foggy the sky became, and we couldn't take any photos of the views from the summit. Everything was completely gray at the top. By the way, the final stop of the cable car is Pico Espejo at 4,765 meters. At the summit, a monument to the Virgin Mary and a Venezuelan flag grace the sky. We happily took photos there, both alone and with anyone who wanted to see us, who, upon realizing we were Russian, took part in our photoshoot 🤭 Even though everything was foggy, it was still a joy to see and touch the snow: an unusual feeling, considering it had been scorching hot down there just an hour ago! And up there, the temperature was around 8 degrees Celsius. I was really cold, but understandably so: I didn't have anything warm, so I put on a velvet suit and a raincoat. Luckily, we weren't there long; we took some photos and then headed down to other stops. It was warmer there, and there was almost no fog. It's a shame these stops are practically unequipped; there's absolutely nothing to do there; you just get out, take a few photos, and then continue on. In any case, I'm glad we "visited" the peak and took some unusual photos and videos of snow in Venezuela. And, of course, if you're in Merida, this place is a must-see 💖 #Venezuela #Merida #Mountains #CableCar

#falladventures Mérida is a breathtaking city cradled by the towering Andes, where nature and adventure blend perfectly. Surrounded by the majestic Sierra Nevada and Sierra La Culata National Parks, the views are nothing short of spectacular. I took the famous Mérida cableway the longest and highest in the world and soared above clouds, valleys, and snow-capped peaks. The crisp mountain air and peaceful vibe made every moment unforgettable. Whether exploring scenic trails, tasting local chocolate, or admiring panoramic vistas, Mérida captures the pure spirit of Venezuela’s mountain beauty.