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When to go

The drier, sunny season extends from Dec-Mar. Because of the altitude (Mérida is at 1,625m) it is cooler than the rest of the country, with average temperatures of around 19°C all year round. The area is busy with visitors at Christmas, Carnival, Easter and from Jul-Sep.

Language

Spanish

Getting local currency

Bolívar Fuerte. Banks will offer advances on a credit card. Money exchange offices and larger hotels will happily buy US dollars cash (very few accept euros or sterling and the rate will be poor).

Time difference

GMT -5.5 hours (yes, really).

Getting there

There are regular short domestic flights between Caracas and Mérida.

Combines with

A visit to the llanos wildlife prairies and wetlands, Barinas is 4hrs by road from Mérida; warming up on a Caribbean beach wind-down, accessible from Caracas (1hr away by air).

Tailor-made holiday

Speak to an expert Travel Consultant or send us your enquiry today.

Our specialists have been expertly crafting award-winning tailor-made holidays to Latin America for over 37 years.
We would be delighted to create a truly personalised trip which perfectly matches your wishes and requirements.

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Meet Our Specialist

Lina Fuller, Travel Consultants

Lina's passion for the continent where she was born really took off when she moved to Córdoba to study, spending the holidays travelling between Argentina and her native Colombia.

We love latin america

A passion for the region runs through all we do

All our Consultants have lived or travelled extensively in Latin America

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The real latin america

Our insider knowledge helps you go beyond the guidebooks

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Let us show you the Latin America we know and love

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Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Awards - Top Ten Specialist Tour Operator 2017

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Merida and the Andes: Fact file

Visit Us

When to go

Language

Getting local currency

Time difference

Getting there