Mérida, Venezuela

Mérida is the adventure sports capital of Venezuela. Nestled in the far northern reaches of the Andes and surrounded by national parks, Mérida is the ideal location for hiking, mountaineering, paragliding, bird watching, rock climbing, and any number of other outdoor delights. Home to several large universities, it's a student town, and a hip place to kick back in the many bars and restaurants in the center. The favorable local thermals make paragliding the signature adventure sport in Mérida, so much so that the local garbage service carries the emblem of a paraglider on the side of its trucks. Those who prefer ...

Mérida is the adventure sports capital of Venezuela. Nestled in the far northern reaches of the Andes and surrounded by national parks, Mérida is the ideal location for hiking, mountaineering, paragliding, bird watching, rock climbing, and any number of other outdoor delights. Home to several large universities, it's a student town, and a hip place to kick back in the many bars and restaurants in the center. The favorable local thermals make paragliding the signature adventure sport in Mérida, so much so that the local garbage service carries the emblem of a paraglider on the side of its trucks. Those who prefer lower-altitude diversion will find the local hiking excellent, including the short trek to the charming mountain village of Los Nevados. Be sure to visit the Heladería Coromoto. This ice cream store claims the world record for most number of flavors — around a thousand at last count, the ideal reward after a vigorous mountain walk.

About the Expert

Jens Porup is coauthor of Lonely Planet Venezuela.