Major Tourist Attractions In Merida

Mérida's principal church, the Basílica Menor de la Inmaculada Concepción, took more than 150 years to complete, but the effort paid off in one of the most impressive and eclectic cathedrals in Venezuela. Originally based on the design of the 17th-century cathedral in Toledo, Spain, work was begun in 1803. A couple of earthquakes and several distinct periods of construction have left it a mixed breed, with artistic and architectural touches representing various epochs.

Within a 4-block radius of Plaza Bolívar, you'll find a handful of local museums. The small but interesting Museo de Arte Moderno (Museum of Modern Art), Avenida 2 and Calle 22, is housed within the city's new Cultural Arts Complex, where you can often find out what concerts, exhibits, and performances are happening around town, if none are happening in the complex's own performing arts center. The nearby Casa de Cultura Juan Félix Sánchez, Avenida 3 and Calle 23 (tel. 0274/252-6101), has rotating exhibits of local and popular artists. The Museo Arqueológico, Edificio del Rectorado at the Universidad de los Andes, Avenida 3 and Calle 23, has a small collection of archaeological relics, and the Museo de Arte Colonial, Avenida 4 and Calle 20, has a decent collection of art and crafts, including many religious works, from the colonial period.

Finally, about 3km (2 miles) northeast of town, you'll find a couple of attractions. The small Chorros de Milla Zoo, is located at the end of Avenida Chorros de Milla (tel. 0274/244-3864). I always find small zoos even sadder than large zoos, and this is no exception, but the grounds and gardens here are quite nice. A better bet is the Jardin Botanica de Mérida (Mérida Botanical Gardens; tel. 0274/240-1241; Avenida Alberto Carnevali), an extensive collection of neo-tropical flora. The gardens feature an extensive collection of bromeliads, as well as sections dedicated to medicinal plants, orchids, and aquatic species. The gardens are open daily from 10am to 5pm. Admission is 75¢.

El Teleferico

With a final stop on the summit of Pico Espejo at 4,765m (15,629 ft.), the teleférico is the world's highest cable-car system. At 13km (7 3/4 miles), it is also the longest. The tramway is actually divided into four stages, beginning at the Plaza Las Heroínas. The entire trip without missing a connection takes about 1 hour each way. At the end of each stage, you can take a brief walk around while awaiting the next car. If you want, you can skip a car and stay longer. Small snack bars are located at each station.

The trip begins with a quick and high crossing over the Río Chama, followed by a steep ascent over lush forests. The montane forests turn to cloud forest as you gain altitude. The flora changes quickly, and soon you'll see the scrub pines and distinctive velvety-leafed frailejones of the paramo. By the final stage, you've left the paramo and are above tree line over barren mountain, with traces of snow on the highest peaks. At the top, you'll be greeted by a statue of the Virgen de las Nieves (Virgin of the Snows), and if the clouds permit, a good view of Pico Bolívar, the highest mountain in Venezuela.

A health note: Visitors in poor physical shape or with heart conditions should seriously consider stopping at the end of the third stage at Loma Redonda at 4,045m (13,268 ft.). The high altitude and thin oxygen can take their toll.

Typically, the teleférico makes outbound trips Wednesday through Sunday from 7am through noon. The last car returning from Pico Espejo usually leaves around 2pm. During peak periods, the hours are sometimes stretched a little, and they often open every day of the week. During the low season, the operation may be shut down during normal working hours. Tickets cost 42,000Bs ($20) for adults and 31,000Bs ($14) for children.