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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 |