Venezuela - The Rough Guide to South America on a Budget - page 886

ADVENTURE SPORTS AND TOURS
Mérida's surrounds provide the perfect conditions for an astounding range of adventure
sports . There's an equally amazing array of tour companies in town, so it's a good idea not to
jump at the first tour offered (usually by your accommodation). Companies compete particularly
hard for your business outside of the July-September high season, and the more you shop
around, the more likely you are to find an itinerary, group or price that suits you better.
Tour prices generally decrease as more customers register, so ask your company about
joining an existing group. Many trips require a minimum number of customers, so it's a good
move to check availability before you arrive in town, easily done through the companies'
websites. Paying in cash is the most cost-e cient option, but bank transfers can be expertly
arranged for better rates than you would pay on a credit card. Except on one-day trips, all
meals and accommodation are included in tour prices.
Due to Venezuela's volatile economy and fierce competition among companies, prices
listed here are approximate. For the latest rates, contact the tour operators directly. Most
operators offer all of the following activities, though some claim individual specialities.
CANYONING
An increasingly popular adrenaline sport involving abseiling, scrambling and climbing around
and under waterfalls. Full-day rates are BsF580 per person, typically with a two-person
minimum.
CLIMBING AND TREKKING
There are numerous less challenging treks than the popular Pico Humboldt (see p.894)
and Pico Bolívar (see p.894) routes. These include Pico Pan de Azúcar (BsF600 per day) or
Los Nevados (BsF600 per day); both routes take three to four days to complete.
It is possible for experienced hikers to trek independently, although they should notify
Inparques at the base station of the teleférico beforehand.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
Many companies rent out good bikes for BsF150 per day, and will happily indicate where to
head for the best routes. If you want to go guided, day tours cost from BsF400-600 per person
depending on whether you choose to use a jeep to access the more remote trails. Some
companies also offer horseriding for similar rates.
PARAGLIDING
The slopes above Mérida are the jumping-off point for a thrilling thirty-minute descent
by paraglider. Tandem rates are around BsF500 per person. Be sure to bring a jacket and

11

double bed in a dormitor y. Also has a po sada in Los
Nevados (see p.889). Dorms BsF100 , doubles BsF200
Posada Jama Chia C 24 across from the teleférico base
T 0274 252 5767. Look for the gold-painted metalwork
on this unmarked posada overlooking the teleférico and
run by affable owner Benedicta. Communal bathrooms,
a light-filled seating area and cheaper rates for those who
will be in town longer (BsF1500/month is negotiable).
Posadas Paty and Mara in the same block are si milarly
decent and ch eap fall-back options. Dorms BsF80 ,
doubles BsF150
Posada La Montaña C 24 No 6-47 T 0274 252 5977,
W posadalamontana.com. La Montaña looks rather like a
posada that set up shop in a botanical garden; bursting
with greenery, its upper-balcony rooms have stunning
views of the even lusher scenery without. Rates drop
significantly in the low seaso n and t here's a very nice
restaurant on the ground floor. BsF300

Posada Suiza Av 3 between calles 17 & 18 T 0274 252
4961, W colibri-tours.com. Professional and friendly staff
run the Colibrí tours company from the large reception,
while a courtyard at the back is ringed by dorms and
pleasant rooms, all with colourful tartan blankets and en
suite. There's wi-fi and i t's a sho rt walk back from the bars.
Dorms BsF80 , doubles BsF260
Posada Yagrumo C 24, at Av 8, next door to Posada
Guamanchi . T 0274 252 9539, W posadayagrumo.com.
The cheapest dorm in town is found in sterile settings
where you'll also find en-suite doubles without natural
light. Cable TVs, communal kitchen, wi-fi, laundry service
and a few internet booth s for Bs F5/hr wh ich stay open
until 11pm. Dorms BsF60 , doubles BsF200
Sueño Dorado Av 6 between calles 19 & 20 T 0274 251
1192, W hotelsuenodorado.com.ve. A smart hotel with
steel banisters and plate glass cleverly designed into more
rustic architecture. Rooms upstairs have great views of the