MERIDA TOURS


MERIDA 3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS LOS NEVADOS

Day 1: Mérida – Los Nevados

LOS NEVADOS

After loading the jeeps, we´ll take a 4WD Vehicle to the small Oasis of El Morro, afterwards it’s strictly 4WD and professional drivers only on the road to the picturesque village of Los Nevados (2,700 m). Once settled here we shall walk around to appreciate this small and remote village which has been suspended in time. Short hike outside of the village. Accommodations are in a quaint inn where a typical dinner will be provided.

(5 hours by jeep) (--,L,D)

Day 2: Los Nevados – Valle de los Calderones

PICO BOLIVAR

We will start the day with breakfast prepared by our Andean host. From 2,700 m, the mules take the strain as we climb northwards up the mountain valley to Alto de la Cruz at 4,200 m. From here we have a wonderful view of Pico Bolivar. Departing from the mules, we trek for around 2 hours

down the hill to the remote Posada Pedro in the Los Calderones Valley (3,500m).

(4 hours by mule, 2 hours hiking)

(B,L,D)

**Mule for luggage will be provided until Mucunutan.


Day 3: Valle de los Calderones – Merida


LOS CALDERONES

After taking breakfast, we’ll trek downhill through cloud forest for 4 hours to Mucunutan. On the way, we will enjoy the view of Merida City. From Mucunutan, a 4WD will transport us to the Mercado Principal where we will enjoy a typical lunch. Afterwards you will have time to explore the market with your guide who will explore the wonders of this Andean market. Typical foods, drinks and crafts can be found. We’ll drop you at the hotel in Merida.

(5 hours hiking and 1 hour by jeep)

(B,L,--)

Includes: Transport to/from airport / Bilingual Guide / meals mentioned in programme / mentioned sightseeings / overnights in local simple lodges


MERIDA SOUTHERN VILLAGES PACKAGE

Day 1: Mérida – Southern Villages

LAKE JAJI

Once we’ve packed up the jeep, we embark upon a tour boasting exposure to a large variety of ecosystems. Our first visit is to verdant cloud forest, where we’ll visit a rushing waterfall.

Our next stop is the picturesque Andean village of Jaji. After touring the village, we will mount mountain bikes to begin our descent down to a xerofitic ecosystem. On the way, we visit a small sugar cane mill to observe the production of “panela¨. Next, we travel to the curious Salt Lake, Lagunilla, the only one of its kind in Venezuela.

Travelling to verdant coffee country, we visit the Coffee Museum and present day coffee farms. Afterwards, we take a winding switchback road with a breathtaking view, ascending from 460 m to 2,290 m. Finally, we’ll arrive to the remote Andean village of San Jose that seems to have been lost in time. This is a special place, “where no one else goes!” We spend the night at an idyllic Andean chalet with trout ponds. This lodge, run by the notoriously talented cook and conversationalist Martin, is of superb quality in food and accommodation.

(4 hours by jeep, 1 hour hiking, 1.5 biking)

(--,L,D)


Day 2: Mérida – Southern Villages

ACEQUIAS

We eat a tasty breakfast with Martin and then descend into the beautiful valley of Tostos either on horseback or by foot with mule support (One of the most enjoyable ways to walk in the Andes), enjoying the surroundings of eucalyptus trees and beautiful rivers. Here we will have direct contact with the villagers. Around us, farmers plow with oxen while villagers grind their corn by hand in order to make the typical “arepa” over a wood-fed fire. From Tostos we arrive to Acequias, a friendly mountain villages even more remote than San Jose. Here we’ll visit ruins of an Indian village that dates back to the times of Machu Pichu. The night will be spent at a small inn located in Acequias.

(4 hours by horseback/5 hours by foot)

(B,L,D)

Day 3: Mérida – Southern Villages

PICO BOLIVAR

After a satisfying breakfast, we depart on foot for 8 km to El Morro, another mountain town. There you’ll take the most thrilling jeep ride you will ever experience in your lifetime, to Los Nevados, a village that lies behind Pico Bolivar at an altitude of 2,700 meters. This town, which seems like it was left a century behind, boasts one of the smallest Bolivar squares in Venezuela. Your visit to Los Nevados will be more cultural in nature, having constant direct contact with the locals in this town, sleeping in their homes, sharing meals with them, and even having a few beers in a small local cantina. (B,L,D)


Day 4: Mérida – Southern Villages

MERIDA

Starting the day with a typical Andean breakfast, our energy reserves will be replenished for a trek on mules over a peaceful, colorful mountain trail that leads to the cable car station. We will witness the change of scenery from a mountain cloud forest to the paramo region as we reach the Alto de la Cruz at 4200 m. From there we have a wonderful view of the impressive Bolivar Peak, the highest in Venezuela. Taking the cable car back to Merida, we’ll have a chance to rest our weary legs and relax, all the while taking in the panoramic views. We arrive at mid-day.(4 hours by mule, 1 hour cable car ride)(B,L,--)

Includes: Transfer from/to airport / Transport in rustic vehicles / all meals as mentioned / mountain bicycle / Mules & horse Rides / Cable Car ticket / lodging in Local lodges