Sitting atop a flat meseta between the Rio Chama and the Rio Albarregas, Merida's relaxed and friendly atmosphere make it a popular destination for travelers looking to for a week or two. Surrounded by the beautiful Sierra Nevada, Merida offers plenty of options for tourists in terms of lodging, dining, and activities, making it an ideal vacation spot. Merida is home to La Universidad de Los Andes, Venezuela's second oldest university, lending the town a feel that is both cultured and bohemian. The world's highest and longest cable-car system is also located here and Merida itself is known for its abundance of extreme sports including anything from paragliding to whitewater rafting to bridge jumping and canyoning. Because of it's high mountain position, the weather is generally much cooler here than in the rest of Venezuela so don't forget to bring some layers.
