Merida and the Andes holidays
Merida and the Andes holidays at a glance
The Andean cordillera is every bit as dramatic here as in neighbouring countries, with spiky, snow-tipped peaks rising out of wild upland grasslands, tousled forests and icy lagoons.
Isolated villages carry on much as they have through decades of political, economic and social upheaval, with tiny farmsteads cultivating potatoes and maize on undulating slopes and hand-hewn terraces, served by small colonial-style market towns.
At the heart of the region is Mérida, a lively university city at around 1,630m above sea level. Set beneath Pico Bolívar, Venezuela’s highest peak at 4,987m, Mérida has grown into the country’s centre for adventure sports, a landscape that feels a world away from Venezuela’s Caribbean coastline and tropical lowlands.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday to Merida and the Andes
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
The Venezuelan Andes combine the grandeur of South America’s great mountain ranges with a warmth and authenticity.
When to visit Merida and the Andes
Thanks to its altitude, Mérida enjoys a cooler climate than much of Venezuela. Average temperatures remain around 19°C throughout the year, creating comfortable conditions for exploration and outdoor activities. Christmas, Carnival, Easter and the period from July to September are particularly popular times for visitors, so it’s worth planning ahead if you’re travelling then.
Temperatures do not vary greatly throughout the year, averaging in the low to mid twenties. There is rainfall year round, but December to March are the driest times to visit and as such the best time for adventure sports and hiking. Christmas, Carnival in February/March and Easter may be busier with local tourism.
During these months you’ll see rainfall on around half the days, so it’s important to pack waterproof clothing for hikes and outdoor adventures. That said, year round there are pleasant temperatures in the mid to low twenties and you’ll likely enjoy plenty of sunshine.
Accommodation in Merida and the Andes
Accommodation in Mérida ranges from welcoming posadas to characterful colonial-style properties, many offering easy access to the city’s attractions and magnificent mountain views.
Posada Casa Sol provides a charming base within Mérida itself, combining local character with easy access to the surrounding Andes, while Posada Caceres offers another comfortable option for exploring the region.
Homely guesthouse in a pleasant colonial-style building with simple rooms and a peaceful garden patio.
Unique and eclectic small hotel in a lovingly restored colonial property, offering a warm, friendly atmosphere and attentive service that goes well beyond the expectations of its category.
A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.
FAQs about visiting Merida and the Andes
Merida and the Andes is one of the most popular destinations, and there’s plenty to think about before you go. Here, our specialists share their best advice.
- When To Go
The drier, sunny season extends from Dec-Mar. Because of the altitude (Mérida is at 1,625m) it is cooler than the rest of the country, with average temperatures of around 19°C all year round. The area is busy with visitors at Christmas, Carnival, Easter and from Jul-Sep.
For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.
- Language
Spanish
- Getting Local Currency
Bolívar Fuerte. Banks will offer advances on a credit card. Money exchange offices and larger hotels will happily buy US dollars cash (very few accept euros or sterling and the rate will be poor).
- Time Difference
GMT -5.5 hours (yes, really).
- Combines With
A visit to the llanos wildlife prairies and wetlands, Barinas is 4hrs by road from Mérida; warming up on a Caribbean beach wind-down, accessible from Caracas (1hr away by air).
- Getting There
There are regular short domestic flights between Caracas and Mérida.
Ready to start planning?
Tell us where you want to go, and we’ll take it from there. No obligation, no sales pitch – just a conversation with someone who knows the region inside out.