Ecoturismolatino / Parks & Protected Areas Guide / Venezuela / The Andes

The Andes
Country: Venezuela

History

The pre-Colombian peoples of the Andes have passed down a beautiful explanation for the snow that exists on the five highest peaks of the Venezuelan range. The peaks appear to remain frozen in defiance of the hot sun that warms the lush green valley of Mérida and Mucuchies. According to the historical account, five giant white eagles were perched majestically atop the peaks, arousing the intense curiosity of Caribay, the daughter of the Sun and the Moon. Against the counsel of the village elders, she set out for their perches, determined to see for herself the splendor of their brilliant white plumage. Up and up she climbed, until finally she reached the great birds. However, as she extended her hand to grab a feather, the eagles began to screech and flap their wings furious fear. Feathers rained down over the five peaks and she fled, not stopping until she reached the valley once again. Upon looking back, she found the five white eagles had disappeared. The only trace they left was the beautiful layer of brilliant white feathers that now caps the top of the great Andean mountain range.

Exploring

The Venezuelan Andes is home the highest and notably the most impressive mountains in Venezuela. Visitors from all over the world in all ranges of abilities come to explore these grand treasures. The land is rugged and rocky, remnant of the glaciers that once covered the area thousands of years in the past. Additional reminders of the ancient glaciers can be found throughout the region in the form of fast flowing rivers, towering waterfalls, and glistening mountain lakes. The Andes offer extreme variety in flora and fauna, from the colder windswept páramo to humid and warmer tropical rainforests. The plant life ranges from rich grassy fields and pine trees in the lowlands to the scarce frailejon (a native plant that has adapted to live at higher altitudes with colder temperatures) on the peaks. In animal life, the native Andean Condor and Speckled Bear are abundant, as intense measures are being taken to preserve their species. A variety of other birds, mammals and reptiles are equally abundant in the Venezuelan Andes. Via walking, biking, climbing, or a number of other alternative forms of transportation one has the opportunity to get to know the treasures of the Andes in an ecologically-respectful manner. Tours and hikes are available to virtually every part of the Venezuelan Andes, and can be arranged to suit one's individual abilities and preferences.

The Venezuelan Andes offer an abundance of options to tourists interested in getting to know the some of the highest and most majestic parts of the country. Most visitors begin their exploration from the city of Mérida, known as the "city of gentlemen." Mérida, a city of approximately 350,000 inhabitants is the capital of the state of Mérida, home to the University of the Andes and hosts variety of tourist opportunities. Located in the heart of the Venezuelan Andes, one can feel completely encompassed in the mountains just strolling through the main plaza.

For those who want to explore the Andes without much physical strain, the Teleférico (the highest and longest cable car in the world) offers an opportunity to leave the city and reach heights of nearly 5,000 m in a day. Exploration of the small villages of the Venezuelan Andes is another popular activity for visitors. These villages seem to have been preserved in time, continuing to use traditional methods of living in centuries-old houses and farms. The inhabitants continue to live from the sale of food and Andean crafts that come from the rich terrain of the Andes. Jeeps, horses, or hikes can be taken to visit a variety of traditional villages in the Venezuelan Andes. For the more advanced trekker or climber, there are an abundance of hikes and climbs available to explore the Venezuelan Andes in multiple days. Pico Bolivar (the highest mountain in Venezuela) and Pico Humboldt are the most popular climber destinations accessible via moderate and advanced hikes. For those interested in more active excursions, the trails and weather of the Andes offer abundant opportunities for mountain biking and paragliding.

On most of their explorations in the Andes, visitors will pass through the two major national park systems that exist in the state of Mérida-the Sierra Nevada National Park System and the Sierra La Culata National Park System. The parks are open daily, year round, usually between 8-5. Park entrance fees range from $1-3 US. If one has plans to camp, there are extra per person/per night/per tent fees (ranging from $2-5 US). The best time to visit may be during the dry season (December-April), however temperatures tend to be much cooler during this time. If one plans to visit in the rainy season it is advisable to bring proper rain gear. It is highly recommended to take advantage of the opportunity to participate in the local culture through by staying in local guest houses (posadas), eating locally prepared food, or purchasing locally-made handicrafts. Guest houses usually cost less than $20 US nightly, a typical meal is about $2-3 US, and handicrafts range from $1-40 US. Participation in these cultural exchanges can help the tourist to have a more enriched Andean experience.

For more information and EcoTours to the Andes contact www.natoura.com. We thank José Luis Troconis for the content of this article.

Natoura is member of our "EcoEntrepreneur's Community Program" so now you can obtain 5% discounts in their tours if you have an Ecoturismolatino Discount Card. Get your card!

<<Parks & Protected Areas Guide - Venezuela
Venezuela: Natural Areas
	The Andes Country: Venezuela History The pre-Colombian peoples of the Andes have passed down a beautiful explanation for the snow that exists on the five highest peaks of the Venezuelan range. The peaks appear to remain frozen in defiance of the hot sun that warms the lush green valley of Mérida and Mucuchies. According to the historical account, five giant white eagles were perched majestically atop the peaks, arousing the intense curiosity of Caribay, the daughter of the Sun and the Moon. Against the counsel of the village elders, she set out for their perches, determined to see for herself the splendor of their brilliant white plumage. Up and up she climbed, until finally she reached the great birds. However, as she extended her hand to grab a feather, the eagles began to screech and flap their wings furious fear. Feathers rained down over the five peaks and she fled, not stopping until she reached the valley once again. Upon looking back, she found the five white eagles had disappeared. The only trace they left was the beautiful layer of brilliant white feathers that now caps the top of the great Andean mountain range. Exploring The Venezuelan Andes is home the highest and notably the most impressive mountains in Venezuela. Visitors from all over the world in all ranges of abilities come to explore these grand treasures. The land is rugged and rocky, remnant of the glaciers that once covered the area thousands of years in the past. Additional reminders of the ancient glaciers can be found throughout the region in the form of fast flowing rivers, towering waterfalls, and glistening mountain lakes. The Andes offer extreme variety in flora and fauna, from the colder windswept páramo to humid and warmer tropical rainforests. The plant life ranges from rich grassy fields and pine trees in the lowlands to the scarce frailejon (a native plant that has adapted to live at higher altitudes with colder temperatures) on the peaks. In animal life, the native Andean Condor and Speckled Bear are abundant, as intense measures are being taken to preserve their species. A variety of other birds, mammals and reptiles are equally abundant in the Venezuelan Andes. Via walking, biking, climbing, or a number of other alternative forms of transportation one has the opportunity to get to know the treasures of the Andes in an ecologically-respectful manner. Tours and hikes are available to virtually every part of the Venezuelan Andes, and can be arranged to suit one's individual abilities and preferences. The Venezuelan Andes offer an abundance of options to tourists interested in getting to know the some of the highest and most majestic parts of the country. Most visitors begin their exploration from the city of Mérida, known as the "city of gentlemen." Mérida, a city of approximately 350,000 inhabitants is the capital of the state of Mérida, home to the University of the Andes and hosts variety of tourist opportunities. Located in the heart of the Venezuelan Andes, one can feel completely encompassed in the mountains just strolling through the main plaza. For those who want to explore the Andes without much physical strain, the Teleférico (the highest and longest cable car in the world) offers an opportunity to leave the city and reach heights of nearly 5,000 m in a day. Exploration of the small villages of the Venezuelan Andes is another popular activity for visitors. These villages seem to have been preserved in time, continuing to use traditional methods of living in centuries-old houses and farms. The inhabitants continue to live from the sale of food and Andean crafts that come from the rich terrain of the Andes. Jeeps, horses, or hikes can be taken to visit a variety of traditional villages in the Venezuelan Andes. For the more advanced trekker or climber, there are an abundance of hikes and climbs available to explore the Venezuelan Andes in multiple days. Pico Bolivar (the highest mountain in Venezuela) and Pico Humboldt are the most popular climber destinations accessible via moderate and advanced hikes. For those interested in more active excursions, the trails and weather of the Andes offer abundant opportunities for mountain biking and paragliding. On most of their explorations in the Andes, visitors will pass through the two major national park systems that exist in the state of Mérida-the Sierra Nevada National Park System and the Sierra La Culata National Park System. The parks are open daily, year round, usually between 8-5. Park entrance fees range from $1-3 US. If one has plans to camp, there are extra per person/per night/per tent fees (ranging from $2-5 US). The best time to visit may be during the dry season (December-April), however temperatures tend to be much cooler during this time. If one plans to visit in the rainy season it is advisable to bring proper rain gear. It is highly recommended to take advantage of the opportunity to participate in the local culture through by staying in local guest houses (posadas), eating locally prepared food, or purchasing locally-made handicrafts. Guest houses usually cost less than $20 US nightly, a typical meal is about $2-3 US, and handicrafts range from $1-40 US. Participation in these cultural exchanges can help the tourist to have a more enriched Andean experience. For more information and EcoTours to the Andes contact www.natoura.com. We thank José Luis Troconis for the content of this article. Natoura is member of our "EcoEntrepreneur's Community Program" so now you can obtain 5% discounts in their tours if you have an Ecoturismolatino Discount Card. Get your card!