What to do in Mérida City?
The City
of Mérida, with an elevation of 1,650 m.a.s.l. (5,413 f.a.s.l.) is said to have
almost perfect weather. Orchids (the national flower), roses, and flowering
trees such as the Golden Rain tree (the National Tree) are in abundance, as
well as citrus, strawberries, tropical fruits, and of course, majestic palms
which adorn many of the cities 35 well shaded parks. There is a rainy season, but the rain falls mostly in the early morning hours, before sunrise. When precipitation does occur in the daytime, it's often in the form of a life refreshing shower lasting 15 or 20 minutes. Average daytime temperatures in Mérida are 20ºC to 25ºC (68ºF to 77ºF), with the nigh-time lowering to 15.5ºC (60ºF), perfect for a light blanket. And a little higher in the mountains it is not unusual to find the posadas, chalets, and cabins (cabaÒas) with beautiful and warm fireplaces. It is rare to find air conditioned homes or buildings in the city, because you don't need it, we have perfect climate!.
Mèrida is a quiet and safe city, where in a relaxed mode, you can easily, learn more about our history, music, arts and events.
Saturday nights at the Cultural Center "Tulio Febres Cordero" (Calle 21 between Avs. 2 and 3) you can usually hear the beautiful music of the State Symphony Orchestra. On Sunday nights, at 8 p.m., the city offers free concerts at Plaza BolÌvar. Tickets for events at the Cultural Center are usually between US$ 2 and US$ 5 each, and can be bought at the door a half hour before the event. Be sure to visit the Archeological Museum (Av. 3 on the corner of Calle 23), learn of the history of geological formations and general information about our first inhabitants, and their pre-hispanic handicrafts. The entrance costs about 50 cents for adults and children are free. The Arquidiocesan Museum (Av. 4 on the corner of Calle 23), was created in 1909. The museum has a permanent collection of old pieces of art, including a bell from 909, one of the oldest bells in the world!. The Science and Technology Museum, located in Las Tapias, has interesting displays about science including: computers, communications, also on view is a large Tyrannosaur, and useful information about the city and the country as well. The cost is around US$ 1.25 for adults and 80 cents for children. The Principal Market -Mercado Principal de Mérida- (Av. Las Américas) with 3 floors full of shops, is where you'll find foods and fresh vegetables along with typical handicrafts of the area. Enjoy a typical meal in a restaurant, that is actually five restaurants in one, five kitchens and in one serving area are the menus and waiters of each of the five restaurants!. At the "Juan Félix Sánchez" Cultural House (Av. 3 on the corner of Calle 23), you can see and study one of the most important artistic representatives of Mérida. Carmen Virgin Church (Av. 4 on the corner of Calle 20), located very close to Bolivar Square, is the oldest church in Mérida, and is representative of fine colonial architecture. Bolivarian Library (Av. 4 on the corner of Calle 20), built as a homage in the bicentennial year of the Liberator's (Simón Bolívar) birthday, is destined to have the most valuable collection of his legacy. In the same building, you will also find the Municipal Institute of Culture, The Bolivarian Society and The National Movie Festival Center. The University of the Andes, the main square, Plaza Bolívar, the Cafè Boulevard (or the Painter's Boulevard), the Cathedral, the Government Palace, and the Governor's House. are also very nice and interesting places to visit.
Mèrida has many places where you can walk and breath in the fresh air. Around avenues like Andres Bello, and Urdaneta, you'll find large green spaces with beautiful trees and flowers. Visit Poet's Park, with monuments in honor of our writers. The HeroÌnas' (Heroines) Park, in front of the Telefèrico, is a popular park with a large circular pond and a favorite park of the children of MÈrida. The Chorros de Milla (Milla Falls) is a park located in the Northern area and at about 25 min from the city center. This is a fantastic place with natural views, gardens, and even a small fall coming from the nearest mountain. A small zoo also to be mentioned. Mirror's Square, is in front of the church with the same name, and here is where our monument to the unknown soldier is located. "La Isla" Park, a beautiful and wide area where you can walk, read, or just lie in the grass and relax.
Other beautiful parks of the city are: Mother's Park, Humboldt Park, Don Quijote, Plaza Sucre (or Plaza de Milla), Los Conquistadores, and many more... When coming to Mérida don't forget to visit "Heladeria Coromoto", the Guinness book world record holder of Ice creams. More than 700 flavors!. Some of them are extremely extravagant and definitely hard to find elsewhere (black beans, sausage, garlic, roses, campaigne, etc).
Off course, Mérida is much more than this!... The Teleferico: Is the highest and longest cable-car in the world features beautiful views of the mountains, valleys and the City of Mérida, and is without a doubt, our principal tourist attraction. The Teleferico, located in the National Park Sierra Nevada, was constructed between 1957 and 1960, and is made up of 4 independent spans, connected by five large stations with restrooms, restaurants and observation platforms. The ascent takes, minimum, one hour, if you go straight to the top without stopping. But, it is recommended for your health sake, not to make all the way straight to the top without stopping before in some of the stations because it is needed in order to get used to the height and to the oxygen pressure before reaching the maximum altitudes.
From
the top you can contemplate the Sierra La
Culata (to the Northwest), part of The Llanos,
the striking BolÌvar, Humboldt and Bompland Picks and, occasionally,
the Snowed Range of The Cocuy, in Colombia. In its route of 12,5 km (7,767 mi)
it has five
stations and four spans: First span, Barinitas-La Montaña: Goes from 1,577 m.s.n.m. (5,174 f.a.s.l.) up to 2,442 m.s.n.m. (8,011.81 f.a.s.l.), with a length of 3,294 mts. (1,517 mi), covering this in about 12 minutes. The medium climate in Barinitas is about 19ºC (66.2ºF), while in La Montaña the medium temperature is 13ºC (55.4ºF). Second span, La Montaña-La Aguada: Reaches a higth of 3,453 m.s.n.m. (2,146 mi). From there you can see the steep El Toro Peak, as well as the highest Peak in Venezuela, the BolÌvar. The medium temperature is 7C (44.6F). The third span, La Aguada-Loma Redonda, goes up to 4,045 m.s.n.m. (13,271 f.a.s.l.) in a route of 10 minutos, and a length of 2,707 metros (2,513 mi). Su clima es de 4ºC (39.2ºF). The forth and last span, Loma Redonda-Pico Espejo: The length between the two stations is 3,071 metros (1,908 mi), in 10 minutos-time. Its temperature is 3ºC (37.4ºF). Each one of these stations has very characteristic attractions which you can not miss. With the cable-car you will enjoy the nicest ride in the country, far from the daily noise, and spend some hours in the nature. It's a good idea to allow at least a couple of hours to relax and enjoy the refreshing cool air and exciting mountain views. Besides that, you can also plan some excursions on foot or on mule towards the different villages close to each station. You should bring a warm jacket, or if you like, you can rent jackets close to where you buy your Teleferico tickets. Round-trip cost for the ride: about US$ 20 for adults and the half of price for children. Then, we encourage you to visit the Telefèrico and make the whole route... You will not regret!.