Undoubtedly Merida's top attraction, the six-mile long Teleférico reaches an altitude of 4,765 meters above sea level at its highest point. With beautiful views of the Andes, the 90-minute trip excludes a possible hiking side-trip to the isolated Andean town of Los Nevados; restaurants and an observatory are available here and at each of the cable car stops. The capacity of each car is 36 people seated, plus 10 standing. Previous-day purchase of tickets is advised. Beside the Teleferico's base in Merida is Plaza de Las Heroinas and its many tourist shops, restaurants and hotels.
Teleferico de Merida
Calle 24 y 25 (front of Parque Las Heroinas)
Mérida, Venezuela
001-58-274-252-5080
Every city in Venezuela has a plaza called Bolivar, named after the Venezuelan hero. The one in Merida is surrounded by several buildings. It has footpaths, stone seats, gardens and large trees. A statue of the revolutionary leader Simon Bolivar riding a horse stands in the center. On Avenida 4, calle 19 and 20 near the park, is a building different from the nearby colonial constructions. This structure is the Biblioteca Bolivariana, a museum that houses the Municipal Cultural Center and contains priceless records of Bolivar.
Plaza Bolivar y Biblioteca Bolivariana
Corner 3rd and 4th Ave. (btwn 22nd and 23rd Sts)
Merida, 5101, Venezuela
001-58-274-263-0814
Plaza Beethoven has a clock that plays a different Beethoven-composed tune each hour. Not easy to find without proper directions, this park of 7,000 square meters is surrounded by trees and gardens. A bust of the great German composer and the Beethoven Clock can be found in the park. Appearing like a small construction from Bavaria, this particular timepiece attracts many tourists. It has an external sphere with bells that chime every quarter of an hour, climaxing into a different Beethoven-created melody at the end of each hour. A 16-bell carillon plays the tunes, despite sporadic breakdowns and frequent repair work.
Parque Beethoven y Reloj Beethoven
Avenida Universidad, Urbanización Santa María Norte
Merida, 5101, Venezuela
001-58-274-263-0814
