Mérida Map

Description:

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Description:

Mérida, officially known as Santiago de los Caballeros de Mérida, is a city in western Venezuela, capital of the state of Mérida. Located in the Venezuelan Andes, it sits at an altitude of approximately 1,600 meters (5,249 feet) above sea level.

The city was founded in 1558 by Juan Rodríguez Suárez, making it one of Venezuela's oldest settlements. Mérida is home to the University of Los Andes (ULA), founded in 1785, which is one of Venezuela's principal universities and plays a significant role in the city's economy and cultural life.

One of Mérida's most notable features is the Mérida Cable Car (Teleférico de Mérida), which was the world's longest and highest cable car system for several decades. After renovation, it reopened in 2016 as the Mukumbarí Cable Car. It reaches Pico Espejo at an altitude of 4,765 meters (15,633 feet).

The city has a population of approximately 350,000 inhabitants and serves as a major tourist destination in Venezuela. Tourism is driven by its mountainous location, pleasant climate with an average temperature of 19°C (66°F), and numerous cultural attractions.

Mérida's economy is primarily based on tourism, education, and agriculture. The surrounding region is known for producing coffee, fruits, and vegetables. The city also serves as a base for mountaineering and hiking activities in the Venezuelan Andes, with several national parks nearby, including Sierra Nevada National Park.

The Facts:
State: Mérida.
Population: ~ 350,000.
Metropolitan population: ~ 500,000.

Neighborhoods of Mérida: Casco Central, Belensate, Chama, Humboldt, La Hechicera, La Parroquia, La Pedregosa, Los Curos, Pie del Llano, Avenida 16/Campo de Oro/Santa Juana.

Main sights: Cathedral of Mérida, House of Former Governors, Rectorate's Building, Government Palace, Cable Car, Plaza Monumental Román Eduardo Sandia, Iglesia del Carmen, Iglesia de la Tercera, Iglesia del Llano, Iglesia de Milla, Archbishop's Palace, Mérida Botanical Garden.