Merida - The City of Eternal Spring (Half-Day Tour)

Merida, the city of eternal spring, is the capital of the same-named state. The well-known University of Los Andes attracts many young people to Merida. Culture is very important in Merida; there are many artists living in the city, as well as, many expositions, cultural centers, concerts, theater and many parks.

You are going to visit the Mercado Principal of Mérida, a three-storey building where dozens of little shops offer merchandise such as fruits, vegetables, medical herbs, crafts, and much more. Afterwards you can admire the giant choice of about 800 various ice cream sorts at the Heladeria Coromoto ice cream parlor which has got an entry in the Guinness book. From salmon to garlic or spaghetti, they will satisfy everyone’s taste.  

There are several sights around the Plaza Bolivar to be watched. Most important is – of course – the Libertador’s statue of Simon Bolivar. The Basilica de la Inmaculada Concepcion belongs to the most beautiful cathedrals of Venezuela. 

A brief visit to the Governor’s Palace afterwards is followed by the Universidad de los Andes office building. At the end of our tour you watch the so called Casa de los Gobernadores. From here the spanish governors of the Colonial era once ruled the province of Mérida.

What to bring: 

• Solid walking shoes
• Long clothing
• Hat or scarf
• Sun protection/sunblock lotion
• Camera

Please note: 

• The museums are closed on Monday
• Mercado Principal is closed on Tuesday
• The highest and longest cable car in the world, leading to Pico Espejo at 4,765m in Merida, is temporarily closed for extensive renovations.
• Since 2008, the airport of Merida city is no longer used for commercial flights; the nearest airport is the Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Pablo Perez in El Vigia, 60km from Merida.