Teleférico de Mérida | Merida

Teleférico de Mérida (Mukumbarí) – The Highest and Longest Cable Car in the World

The Teleférico de Mérida, also known as Mukumbarí, is the highest and longest cable car in the world. Located in the Andes Mountains of Venezuela, it connects the city of Mérida to Pico Espejo (4,765 meters / 15,633 feet above sea level). This cable car is one of Venezuela’s most iconic tourist attractions, offering breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada National Park and an unforgettable high-altitude experience.

Key Features of the Teleférico de Mérida

Total Length: 12.5 km (7.8 miles) – The longest cable car system in the world.

Total Elevation Gain: From 1,640 m (5,380 ft) in Mérida to 4,765 m (15,633 ft) at Pico Espejo – The highest cable car in the world.

Stations: The cable car has five stations, each offering unique scenery and attractions.

Travel Time: Approximately one hour to reach the top, with stops at each station.

Modernization: Originally opened in 1960, the system was completely renovated and reopened in 2016 with state-of-the-art technology.

Cable Car Stations and Highlights

1. Barinitas Station (1,640 m / 5,380 ft) – Starting Point

Located in Mérida city, this station is the main entrance to the cable car.

Features a visitor center, souvenir shops, and restaurants.

2. La Montaña Station (2,436 m / 7,992 ft)

Offers stunning panoramic views of Mérida and the surrounding valleys.

Nearby hiking trails lead to scenic viewpoints.

3. La Aguada Station (3,452 m / 11,325 ft)

A great spot to acclimate to the altitude before continuing higher.

Known for its cooler temperatures and Andean landscapes.

4. Loma Redonda Station (4,045 m / 13,271 ft)

The páramo (high-altitude tundra) ecosystem begins here, with frailejones (Espeletia plants) and unique Andean wildlife.

A key staging area for hikers heading toward Pico Bolívar or other trekking routes.

5. Pico Espejo Station (4,765 m / 15,633 ft) – Final Stop

The highest point of the cable car and one of the best viewpoints in Venezuela.

Offers spectacular views of Pico Bolívar, Pico Humboldt, and other Andean peaks.

A statue of the Virgin of the Snows (Virgen de las Nieves) overlooks the breathtaking landscape.

Things to Do at the Teleférico de Mérida

1. Enjoy the Panoramic Views

The journey offers incredible views of Mérida, the Venezuelan Andes, and cloud forests.

Clear days provide unmatched photo opportunities.

2. Hiking and Trekking

Several hiking routes start from the Loma Redonda and Pico Espejo stations:

Trek to Pico Bolívar (4,978 m / 16,332 ft) – The highest mountain in Venezuela (requires mountaineering experience).

Laguna de los Anteojos – A short trek from Loma Redonda, leading to a glacial lake.

Páramo Hikes – Explore the unique high-altitude ecosystem with its frailejones and Andean flora.

3. Wildlife Watching

The Sierra Nevada National Park is home to Andean condors, spectacled bears, and páramo foxes.

The high-altitude hummingbirds found here are among the rarest in the world.

4. Acclimatization and Relaxation

The rapid ascent can cause altitude sickness, so it's best to spend time at each station to adjust.

Enjoy tea made from coca leaves (available at the higher stations) to help with acclimatization.

Best Time to Visit the Teleférico de Mérida

Dry Season (December – April) is the best time to visit, offering clear skies and better visibility.

Rainy Season (May – November) can bring fog and unpredictable weather, but the landscape becomes greener.

Early mornings provide the best conditions for clear views.

How to Get to the Teleférico de Mérida?

From Caracas to Mérida

Fly to El Vigía Airport, then take a bus or taxi to Mérida (1.5-hour drive).

Overnight buses from Caracas or other major cities also reach Mérida.

From Mérida City to the Cable Car

The cable car base station (Barinitas) is in the city center, easily accessible by bus, taxi, or walking.

Tips for Visiting the Teleférico de Mérida

Dress in layers – The temperature drops significantly as you ascend (can be below freezing at Pico Espejo).

Stay hydrated and move slowly to prevent altitude sickness.

Book tickets in advance, as the cable car is popular and can sell out quickly.

Bring sunscreen and sunglasses, as the high-altitude sun is intense.

Take time to acclimate by stopping at each station for a few minutes before continuing.

Why Visit the Teleférico de Mérida?

World Record Holder: The highest and longest cable car system in the world.

Breathtaking Views: Offers the best panoramic views of the Venezuelan Andes.

Access to Unique Landscapes: Takes visitors from tropical valleys to high-altitude páramo and snow-capped peaks in just one hour.

Perfect for Adventure and Relaxation: Whether you're hiking to Pico Bolívar or simply enjoying the scenery, it's a must-visit destination.

The Teleférico de Mérida is not just a mode of transport—it's an unforgettable experience, offering one of the most stunning journeys in the world.