It has been six years since Mark Heath was last in Merida. Despite the political upheavals, he found the city and surrounding area even more enjoyable; especially with the resurrection of one of its formerly famous Guinness-record-breaking hotspots.
Let me start with some of the places mentioned in the previous articles. The colonial centre of the city and the mountainous surroundings are still two of the main reasons for visiting the area. Hiring a car and a driver to see the uplands, or the Paramo, is again highly recommended. Negotiate the price, where you want to visit and pay your driver in cash dollars.
Merida Cable Car
Merida still boasts the highest cable car in the world across its five stations, but the longest one is now in Hon Thom, Vietnam (7,890metres). I would add a few things to my earlier comments. Firstly, you have to consider the weather when you plan your days in Merida. It usually starts in glorious sunshine and bright blue skies then as the morning continues the white clouds appear. By early afternoon they will mix with greyer clouds and by late afternoon, or the evening, it may well rain.
During this visit, the cable car was beginning at 10am, so if you want to enjoy the sweeping views, I strongly recommend you being in the queue before that time, so you can enjoy the peaks unobstructed by clouds. I have been on this cable car several times, but this was the first time I have clearly seen the bleakly picturesque Pico Bolivar summit.
There was no snow around the top station. Let’s hope that this is not another grim sign of global warming.
Tickets for foreigners without residency are now $20 each, but are still worth it. With your ticket, you get to jump the queue, which means you can have front row seats, either looking up into the mountains or for the sweeping views of Merida’s valley below.
And, given the cold at the top, the hot chocolate tastes as good as ever.
A recommendation, if you like a hotel with a big swimming pool, choose La Pedregosa. It is beside a sporting centre, though a taxi-ride from the centre of town.
Coromoto’s Heladeria
I was delighted to see that Coromoto’s Heladeria (ice cream shop), has recently reopened under the management of the daughter of the original owner. Coromoto’s holds the Guinness Book of Records mention for the most ice cream flavours, around a thousand. When I visited, there were over 40, with new units being put in soon to give around 70 flavours on any given day.
Of course, you do not come here for a tub of vanilla. And if you try the bizarre to exotic choices, there is an option to buy a selection of five flavours. I went with a friend, so we tried ten of them which included black beans, roses, minced beef, plantain, sweet corn, onion and the surprisingly delicious cheese ice cream. On a previous visit, a vivid memory, even to this day, I tried the fish and the shrimp ice creams; not my best ever idea; but it is all part of the experience. Coromoto’s is definitely a fun place to stop in for a moment and, at Avenida 3 28-75, quite near to the centre of town.
Travel in Merida Venezuela
Problems with crime have lessened in Venezuela, but still maintain a situational awareness.
It is very important to bring cash dollars, including lots of smaller denomination bills, so you can pay exactly. Only a few places will have change. Also, have many S1 notes for tips, etc.
Flights to Merida Venezuela
You will need to fly in to Caracas and then walk over to the national airport for a local flight.
It is still the case that the nearest airport to Merida is El Vigia, a long taxi ride away. It is best to arrange your pick up with the hotel where you intend to stay.