"La ciudad de Santiago de los Caballeros" was founded in 1558 by Juan Rodriguez Suarez. Ever since the city has moved up a bit further up north and is now on a alluvial terrace right in front of Pico Bolivar, Venezuela's highest mountain (5007 m). 
La Universidad de Los Andes (ULA) founded in 1785 is Venezuela's second oldest University  and is home to almost     40 000 students. 
The friendly atmosphere, the "eternal spring" climate and  the wide variety of activities offered contribute to make your visit special and unforgettable. 

When coming to Merida make sure you visit the world's longest and highest cablecar. Leaving from Plaza Las Heroinas at 1650 meters "the Teleferico" will take you up as high as 4776 meters to Pico Espejo. (www.telefericodemerida.com)
Also don't miss to visit "Heladeria Coromoto", the Guinness book world record holder for Ice creams. More than 700 flavors ! Some of them are extremely extravagant and definitely hard to find elsewhere. ( black beans, sausage, garlic, rice with chicken... you name it Manuel has it or is just working on it.) 
For the souvenir hunters "Mercado Principal" and the market and shops around Plaza Las Heroinas will provide easy ways of spending your money in handy crafts, T-shirts etc. 
Several Theme parks like "los Aleros", "La venezuela de Antier", "Jamu" or "La montana de los suenos" complement visits to small colonial villages, the arqueological museum or the botanical garden...welcome to Merida, Venezuela.
In the state of Merida alone you will find all terrains and vegetations possible for eco- and adventure tourism...
Arassari Trek and their specialist guides are happy to take you birding, rafting, climbing, canyoneering or paragliding...you name it we take you there.