Located in the heart of Mérida State, the valley of Mucunután is like a piece of Paradise: a crystalline river crosses it, impressive vegetation decorates it, hospitable people inhabit it, and a narrow road preserves it as a marvelous treasure waiting to be discovered.
 
The geography of Mérida State presents one with the most beautiful landscapes that can be enjoyed in Venezuela. It's green mountains, its typical villages, the famous frailejones, and imposing glaciers attract thousands of tourists every year. And, as if this weren't enough, beyond the enchantment of the páramo (high moors), delicious gastronomy, a rich cultural life, and the such as rafting, going in kayaks, rappelling, climbing, hiking, excursions on horseback... make this destination a true temptation for the tourists.

Just 14 kilometers from the city of Mérida and at the feet of the Sierra Nevada National Park, the small valley of Mucunután not only enjoys a strategic location, but amidst its abundant and always green vegetation, is hidden a village filled with life and much to offer.

If you take the Trasandean Highway to the north from Mérida, a short ways before reaching Tabay, you will see a side road to the right identified as the entrance for Mucunután. After crossing the Chama River and turning right, the traveler is now in an area which is little known but, without a doubt, very pretty. There, the richness of nature leaps before your eyes: the colors of the flowers and trees, the incessant song of the river which crosses the settlement, its waters originating from the West and North Glaciers of Bolívar Peak.

The cultivation of coffee, grains, a great variety of fruits, vegetables, and even an agrotourism development give evidence to the potential of the zone. However, the trout farm Truchicultura El Paraíso is the best example of how one can take advantage of the characteristics of the natural environment without damaging it.

The raising of trout in Venezuela had its beginning in 1937 through a donation made by the United States Embassy to the Agriculture Ministry. It proved to be that the species, which is not native to this country, adapted perfectly to the Andean Region. There now exist various trout farms in the State of Mérida. El Paraíso is one of the largest and most important, because it produces some 100,000 kilograms of trout per year and has functioned since 1978.

Now, if we put aside everything that has to do with nature, we will quickly recognize that Mucunután is also culturally rich, with this richness found within each house, where traditions do not die because their inhabitants maintain them with special fervor. Creativity and sensitivity likewise seem to float though the air and infect everyone.

Ascending via the principal road through the village, these houses -dwellings of artisans- dot the green land. Here, the tourist can get to know the thin carvings of ofelia; the decorative candles of Gladys; the beautiful lamps, jugs, and decorative ceramics made by Mabel Pinzone (Taller Createrra); the great variety of human figures, also of clay, and nativity scenes of Beatriz Buceta (Taller Amaru); the magnificent offers in wrought iron of the artist Mario Colombo and the works in wood and metal of his wife, Suglen Bueno (Taller de Arte La Rusticana), etc.

It is definitely worth the effort to visit the region of Mucunután. 

Remenber, here in Mérida State, the visitors have the chance to take pleasure from the unusual experience of having fun in the snow in a Caribbean country, thanks to the existence of the highest and longest cable car ride in the world which takes you to one of the highest spots in our geography. For more information about it, click here