Mérida’s cable car ride is the highest (4,765 m above sea level) and longest (12.5 km) in the world. Its path goes straight through the Sierra Nevada National Park, located in the Andes mountain range, linking the city of Mérida with the Pico Espejo (Espejo Peak).
 
This impressive system was built thanks to the efforts of several distinguished Merideños (that’s how the natives of Mérida are called) who belonged to the Venezuelan Andean Club. These Merideños designed the project and submitted it to the authorities until completing the awe-inspiring piece of engineering and machinery that is still up and running.

The construction of this breathtaking engineering work started in the 50’s and was dedicated in 1960 when it began to operate fully. The cable car system is made up of four stages that seem to work independently but function together along the total five-station stretch. The five stations are Barinitas, La Montaña, La Aguada, Loma Redonda and Pico Espejo. The four stages making up this system are:

• First stage: This stage goes from Barinitas (1,577 m above sea level) to La Montaña (2,442 m above sea level). It is at this point where visitors start to experience the indescribable feeling of being at a formidable height in a tropical country. This span follows the course of the Chama River and upon arriving to the La Montaña station visitors are able to enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Mérida and its surroundings, such as the villages of Ejido, La Parroquia, Tabay, among others.

• Second span: This stage covers the ascent from La Montaña to La Aguada (3,453 m above sea level). This is one of the most impressive and thrilling stretches, as visitors can delight in the transition from a cloudy tropical forest to the typical high-mountain flora. Close to La Aguada, visitors can enjoy the Pico El Toro (4,756 m above sea level) where the La Fría Lagoon is located, as well as the spectacular summit of the Pico Bolívar (5,007 m above sea level). There, thousands of plants bloom from October to December, covering the area with the brightest colors.

• Third stage: This stage goes from La Aguada to Loma Redonda (4,045 m above sea level). It is at this height where visitors can truly relish the typical Andean flora, particularly the yellow frailejón flower. Highlights of the different sights to marvel at throughout this stage include the rests of the northern glacier of the Pico Bolívar and, the old Los Callejones road that led to the Los Nevados village in times long past.

• Fourth stage: This is the last and the highest stretch covering from Loma Redonda until reaching the terminal station of Pico Espejo (4,765 m above sea level). Along their ascent to the top, visitors can appreciate several lagoons, such as the Espejo Lagoon, La Negra Lagoon and Las Coloradas Lagoon, as well as the northern and western glaciers of the Pico Bolívar with its steep bare rock walls, the Virgen de Las Nieves station, the glaciers of Los Timoncitos and La Corona, made up by the Pico Humboldt (4,942 m above sea level) and the Bonpland (4,883 m above sea level). At this station, visitors have the chance to visit the marble sculpture of our Virgen de Las Nieves (patron saint of the Andean people). Also, visitors can stay at the refuge built by the Venezuelan Andean Club for climbers venturing into the impressive places within the Sierra Nevada National Park.

Apart from splendid views during the trip itself, the cable car provides easy access for high mountain hiking, saving you a day or two of puffing uphill. Bear in mind, however, that acclimatisation problems can easily occur by quickly reaching high altitudes.

Throughout this trip, visitors will enjoy temperatures ranging from 19ºC degrees at the Barinitas station to 3ºC degrees at the Pico Espejo station. Therefore, all visitors are advised to take some precautions and wear warm clothes.