Information
Landmark: Cascada de los DuendesCity: Merida
Country: Venezuela
Continent: South America
Cascada de los Duendes, Merida, Venezuela, South America
Overview
Cascada de los Duendes, or “The Waterfall of the Sprites,” tumbles through the lush slopes of Mérida in Venezuela’s Andes, drawing visitors with its cool mist and shimmering spray.People come for the waterfall’s beauty, its tucked‑away setting, and the old tale whispered about how it got its name.Tucked high in the Andes, the waterfall draws nature lovers, hikers, and anyone craving a quiet escape amid Venezuela’s green, misty hills.Cascada de los Duendes sits just outside the quiet town of Mucuchíes, in Venezuela’s Mérida state, where the mountains cut sharp against the sky.The waterfall lies deep in the Andean mountains, surrounded by thick forest, jagged rocks, and sweeping views of peaks fading into the clouds.The waterfall sits in the Mérida Mountains, where bright moss clings to rocks and wildlife thrives, making it a perfect place for eco-tourism and outdoor adventures.Top Highlights and Must-See Spots - like the old clock tower that chimes at noon.The Cascada de los Duendes plunges from a great height, its silver stream crashing into the rocks below in a dazzling spray.Rivers flowing down from the Mérida Andes feed the waterfall, carrying icy meltwater from the nearby mountain ranges.Towering high above the dense Andean forests, the waterfall crashes down in a misty roar, its beauty so striking that travelers can’t resist snapping a photo, again and again.Step two.The name “Cascada de los Duendes” means “Waterfall of the Sprites” or “Waterfall of the Goblins,” a nod to Andean tales of tiny, mischievous beings said to dart between the rocks.The name comes from the belief that duendes-mischievous little figures from Venezuelan legends-roam the area, rustling leaves in the dark.Locals tell stories of duendes-mischievous little beings who roam the forest trails-and some swear they guard the waterfall and the woods around it, where the air smells of damp moss.Folklore weaves a hint of magic into the place, like shadows shifting at dusk, and that touch of mystery draws visitors in even closer.Three.The waterfall sits deep in a lush cloud forest, where thick moss clings to tree trunks and the air hums with native wildlife.At the Cascada de los Duendes, visitors wander among orchids, glossy-leafed palms, and towering trees-many found only in the Mérida region.The area teems with birdlife, and it’s not unusual for birdwatchers to glimpse hummingbirds hovering over bright blooms, toucans flashing their bold beaks, or songbirds darting through the forest shadows.Number four.Hiking out to the waterfall feels like its own little adventure, with the path twisting through pine-scented air and crunching leaves underfoot.Getting to the waterfall means hiking a winding trail through thick, cool forest and over uneven, rocky ground, with glimpses of misty mountains and deep green valleys along the way.The hike’s moderately challenging, with rocky stretches and uneven ground, so it’s best for visitors who enjoy the outdoors and don’t mind a bit of hard walking.As you follow the trail, you’ll hear the rush of water tumbling over rocks and feel the calm settle in beneath the shade of the surrounding forests.Number five stood alone, small and sharp like a single chalk mark on a dark board.One of the loveliest things about Cascada de los Duendes is the calm that settles over you, like the hush of water sliding over smooth stones.Hidden deep in the mountains, the waterfall lies far from city noise, where the only sound is water spilling over rock-a perfect retreat for anyone craving peace and a closer bond with nature.Water tumbles over the rocks in a steady rush, blending with birdsong and the soft whisper of leaves to wrap the air in a quiet, reflective calm.The ideal time to see Cascada de los Duendes is in the dry season, from December through April, when the trails stay firm and the water runs clear.This time of year, the trails are clear and easy to follow, and the weather tends to stay steady-perfect for spending a day outside under a bright, calm sky.If you want a calmer visit and fewer people around, go early in the morning while the air’s still cool or wait until late afternoon when the light turns golden.At these hours, the light makes the waterfall shimmer and brings out the rich greens of the trees around it.Driving to Cascada de los Duendes is easy-just head for the mountain town of Mucuchíes, about 45 kilometers (28 miles) from the city of Mérida, where the air smells faintly of pine.Starting in Mucuchíes, visitors follow clear road signs that wind through the hills to the waterfall’s trailhead.From the nearest access point, you’ll follow the trail on foot until the sound of rushing water leads you to the waterfall.The hike can take anywhere from half an hour to about an hour, depending on how fast you walk and whether the path is smooth or rocky.You can catch a bus from Mérida to Mucuchíes, but it’s easier to grab a taxi or drive yourself-especially if you’re heading out for the hike to the waterfall, where the road winds through steep, pine-scented hills.Why take the trip to Cascada de los Duendes, where cold spray drifts through the pines?The waterfall tumbles into a misty pool, framed by the rugged Andean hills, offering breathtaking views and a peaceful retreat into nature.Blending local legends with breathtaking cliffs and rushing water, this waterfall offers a one‑of‑a‑kind stop for anyone eager to explore Venezuela’s rich natural beauty and deep cultural roots.Tucked away from the bustle, this quiet spot feels made for unwinding, where you can stretch out and listen to the soft rustle of leaves in the breeze.If you love the outdoors, the trail to Cascada de los Duendes offers a thrilling climb that ends at one of Mérida’s most serene spots, where the waterfall’s mist cools your face.Bring sturdy, well-cushioned shoes-you’ll need them for the hike to the waterfall, where loose stones crunch underfoot and the path twists over uneven ground.Water and snacks: bring a full bottle to sip along the trail, and pack a few bites-like almonds or a granola bar-to keep your energy up.Bring your camera-the waterfall spills into a misty pool, and the rugged hills around it beg to be captured.Light jacket or sweater: It can get chilly, especially up in the mountains, so toss one in your bag to stay warm.Sunscreen and Hat: Even under the cool shade of the trees, sunlight slips through the leaves, so pack sunscreen and a hat to stay protected.Tucked away in Venezuela, Cascada de los Duendes greets visitors with rushing water, local legends, and a quiet that settles like mist in the trees.Whether you love wild places, spend weekends hiking, or just crave the quiet hush of the Andes, this waterfall-mist drifting in the cool air-is a spot you won’t forget.
