Top Rated Attractions in Merida

Museo de Arte Moderno Juan Astorga Anta is located in the Tulio Febres Cordero Cultural Centre. Founded in 1969, this museum the first of its kind in a Venezuelan city outside the capital, Caracas. It houses nearly 350 drawings, sculptures, photographs, paintings and unconventional art objects, all signed by some of the country's most important visual artists. The exhibitions include works by César Rengifo, Oswaldo Vigas and Manuel de la Fuente. You will also find the José Nucete Sardi Art Library on premises. Admission is free.

The Friends of the Western Buddhist Order (FWBO) started their activities in the city of Barquisimeto in 1992; in 1994, their first South American headquarters were moved to the city of Merida. Numerous activities including meditation, workshops, retreats and similar activities characterize this community. No personal commitment to Buddhism is required to take part in one of their meditation groups. Admittance to these sessions is free.

The Sierra Nevada is the largest among the four regional national parks, comprising nearly 276446 hectares (683,113 acres) of exquisite natural protected environment. The total area of the park is divided between the states of Merida and Barinas. Holding great ecological significance, the park houses the Cordilleran massif of Venezuelan Andes. The highest peak of Venezuela, the snowcapped Pico Bolivar soars at an elevation of 4,978 meters (16,332.02 feet) and characterizes the natural features of the park. Teeming with rivers and undulating streams, the park houses an enviable number of aquamarine lagoons such as the Mucubaji, Verde and Coromoto. Several species have found their homes among the diverse flora of the park. Feral cattle, Andean leopards, Puma, White Tailed Quetzals and Magpies are among the many mammal and bird species that can be spotted here. The Merida Cable Car, the highest and second longest in the world, is the best way to access the park and experience aerial views of the Sierra Nevada's lush beauty.

This House of Studies gave birth to the Universidad de Los Andes, and the present complex includes several offices and departments. Near to the corner of Plaza Bolívar are the offices of the President of the University and its principal authorities. You will also find the hall that contains the portraits of all the previous presidents, from the beginning to the present. The Archaeological Museum occupies one side of the building, the Faculty of Dentistry is found in the annex to the left, and the César Rengifo Theatre is at the back of the complex.

Toward the end of the Ruta del Paramo (Moorlands Route), 52 kilometres north-east of Mérida, you will find San Rafael de Mucuchies, the highest inhabited point in Venezuela at 3140 metres above sea level. But this is not the only distinction of this town founded in 1872. Along with neighbouring settlements, it includes some of the most stunning architecture in the country, including stone churches, large colonial houses, wheat mills and monuments everywhere. At the northern end of town lies the chapel of stone dedicated to the Virgen de Coromoto, the work of Juan Felix Sqnchez. This starting point will eventually lead you to one of Sanchez's most monumental works in El Tisure.

At an elevation of 4,978 meters (16,332 feet), the highest point of Venezuelan Andes is rightfully named after the country's most prestigious national leader Simon Bolivar. Located in the Parque Nacional Sierra Nevada, the peak is perpetually covered in snow. The mountain was earlier known as La Columna, given the height of its peak. The Merida Cable Car reaches Pico Espejo at 4,880 meters (16,010 feet) and Pico Bolivar can be reached thereafter. Mountaineers and trekkers have often chosen the summit to conquer the snowcapped peak.