Nestled in a valley of the Venezuelan Andes, Mérida is known for its stunning mountain scenery, pleasant climate, and outdoor activities. With the Sierra Nevada National Park as a backdrop, Mérida blends university-town energy with adventure tourism. Join us as we uncover the best areas to stay in Mérida for nature, culture, or relaxation.
Founded in 1558, Mérida is one of Venezuela’s oldest cities. It has long been a cultural and educational hub, home to the prestigious University of the Andes. Landmarks like the Mérida Cathedral and Plaza Bolívar reflect the city’s colonial past. Meanwhile, Teleférico de Mérida, the world’s highest and longest cable car system, takes visitors to some of the country’s highest peaks.
Outdoor lovers can explore the nearby páramos, visit the glacial Laguna de Mucubají, or take in the views from Pico El Águila, the highest drivable point in Venezuela. For a more relaxed experience, Mérida’s botanical garden showcases native plants, while the city’s museums highlight regional history and art.
Food is another highlight, with Andean specialties like trucha (freshwater trout), arepas andinas, and miche, a traditional local spirit. The city’s cafés and markets offer a mix of Venezuelan flavors and international influences, making dining an essential part of the experience.
Mérida is accessible via the El Vigía Airport, about 80 kilometers away, and by road from major Venezuelan cities. The city’s compact layout makes it easy to explore on foot, by bus, or by taxi. The Trolmérida trolleybus system also connects key areas, including the city center.
Keep reading to discover the best areas to stay in Mérida for an unforgettable visit.
What are the best areas to stay in Mérida, Venezuela?
1. Centro Histórico (Historic City Center)
The best area to stay in Mérida
For those interested in history, culture, and a central location with easy access to the city’s main attractions, Mérida’s Historic City Center is an excellent place to stay.
Mérida’s Historic City Center, or Casco Central, is the heart of the city. It is packed with colonial landmarks, government buildings, and cultural sites. Its grid-like layout and narrow streets showcase well-preserved architecture.
Founded in 1558, Mérida was one of the first Spanish settlements in the Venezuelan Andes. The district preserves many 18th and 19th-century structures, including the Catedral Basílica Menor de la Inmaculada Concepción and the Casa de los Gobernadores, Plaza Bolívar, originally Plaza Mayor, features an equestrian statue of Simón Bolívar.
Casco Central is home to several museums, including the Museo de Arte Colonial and the Museo Arqueológico, which display colonial and indigenous artifacts.
The streets near Plaza Bolívar are lined with cafés, bookstores, and artisan shops. Avenida 4, or Calle del Hambre, is known for its many restaurants. At night, the area has casual bars and student-friendly pubs. A must-visit spot is Heladería Coromoto, famous for offering the world’s largest selection of ice cream flavors, earning it a Guinness World Record.
Mérida’s Historic Center is also the starting point for excursions into the Andes. The Mukumbarí cable car, the world’s highest, departs from here, reaching Pico Espejo at 4,765 meters (15,633 feet).
Public transport includes trolleybuses, taxis, and shared cars, but most of the area is best explored on foot. The intercity bus terminal is nearby, offering connections to other parts of the region. Accommodation includes posadas, mid-range hotels in colonial buildings, and budget guesthouses catering to students and backpackers.
2. Milla & La Hechicera
A great location to stay in Mérida
The combination of green spaces and good transport links makes Milla & La Hechicera an excellent option for those who prefer a relaxed yet well-connected base in Mérida, Venezuela.
Located north of the Historic City Center, Milla stretches along the Río Albarregas Valley, offering a mix of natural attractions, university life, and residential areas. This district is home to some of Mérida’s most important green spaces, making it an excellent area for those who enjoy the outdoors while staying close to the city’s academic and cultural hubs.
One of the main attractions here is Parque La Isla, a riverside park ideal for walking, jogging, and enjoying the Andean climate. Nearby, the Botanical Garden of Mérida showcases native plant species, including Venezuela’s diverse orchids. The area is also home to the Chorros de Milla Zoo, a small but well-known zoo featuring native Andean wildlife and a scenic waterfall within its grounds.
Milla & La Hechicera are also defined by the modern campus of the University of the Andes (ULA). Several of its key faculties are located here, including the Faculty of Engineering, the Faculty of Architecture and Design, and the Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Sciences. These academic institutions contribute to the area’s vibrant and student-friendly atmosphere.
Transportation is convenient, as the district is crossed by Avenida Alberto Carnevali, a significant road with multiple trolleybus stations that connect the area to the Historic Center and other parts of Mérida. While some parts of Milla & La Hechicera are hilly, the main roads provide easy access to the city’s transit network.
Accommodations in this area range from budget-friendly posadas to small hotels.
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