The mountainous state of MÉRIDA finds it way onto nearly all visitors' itineraries, regardless of how long they are spending in Venezuela. The raw beauty of the carved, green slopes and snowcapped peaks of the ANDES is not to be missed – even if the mountains are not at their most spectacular here. Plus, the facilities in Mérida are by far Venezuela's finest: impressive posadas, gourmet restaurants, the world's largest cable car and even major theme parks. Also, taking advantage of their privileged surroundings, locals have developed an impressive array of mountain sport facilities for hiking, ice climbing, canyoning, rafting, mountain biking and paragliding.

With over 300,000 inhabitants, the state capital of the same name is the region's principal gateway and largest city. Yet it is safe, tranquil and easy to navigate. To the south and east of the city, the Parque Nacional Sierra Nevada offers some of the finest hiking opportunities in the region. It is dominated by the country's most famous snowcapped peaks, Pico Bolívar (5007m) and Pico Humboldt (4920m). To the northwest of Mérida, the Carretera Transandina, or the Trans-Andean Highway, passes several charming mountain towns such as Muchuchíes and Apartaderos. There are numerous hiking trailheads along the way, many of which pass through pretty mountain lakes.