Two suggested itineraries:
1. Mérida (The Andes)
Day 1: Caracas / Mérida
Fly into El Vigia, encircled by rugged Andean peaks including Venezuela’s highest, Pico Bolivar, at 16,427 feet. Transfer to your hotel. Local Posada (No meals)
Day 2: Mérida
Day free to explore – or arrange an organized tour. Various options exist in and around Mérida that can be organized upon arrival. If the famed Teleférico cable car is working (it has been under repair for some time now), enjoy a thrilling, 10,000-foot ascent in four stages to the summit of Pico Espejo. Take in the glorious vistas and hike the trails before descending to Mérida for an afternoon city tour. Local Posada (L)
Day 3: Páramo Highlands / Santo Domingo
Hike under intensely blue skies through the stark, treeless beauty of the alpine moors, or páramos. Journey through quaint country towns and over the Pico el Aguila Mountain pass to Santo Domingo. Arrive at your graceful mountain resort for an afternoon hike or horseback ride (optional). La Trucha Azul or local posada (B,L)
Day 4: Mérida / Caracas
Return to Mérida in time for your flight to Caracas or transfer directly to Los Llanos. (B)
2. Mérida (Mérida & Los Nevados)
Day 1: Caracas / Mérida
Fly into La Vigia, encircled by rugged Andean peaks including Venezuela’s highest, Pico Bolivar, at 16,427 feet. Transfer to your posada. Local posada (L)
Day 2: Mérida, Los Nevados
Take a jeep transfer winding high up into the Andean peaks to one of the highest villages in the Andes, Los Nevados. Enjoy amazing vistas of the valleys below. Upon arrival enjoy an afternoon hike or relaxing mule ride to a local trout farm in the mountains or simply enjoy the local trails. Local posada (B,L,D)
Day 3: Páramo Highlands / Santo Domingo
Descend once again to the city of Mérida and continue on into the Páramos. Time permitting; enjoy a beautiful hike to a thermal spring in the mountains with more beautiful vistas. Visit the Andean Condor research station before a final journey to your hotel / posada for the night in or near Santo Domingo. La Trucha Azul or local posada (B,L)
Day 4: Mérida / Caracas
Return to Mérida in time for your flight to Caracas or transfer directly to Los Llanos. (B)