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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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97% of our clients rated their experience with us as Excellent or Good.

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Meet Our Specialist

Kathryn Rhodes, Travel Consultants

Kathryn backpacked across Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and Peru before joining us. She has a degree in Philosophy and French and is a keen netball player.

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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Wanderlust Readers' Travel Awards - Top Ten Tour Operator 2015

British Travel Awards - Best Small Tour Operator to Central and South America 2012

Latin American Travel Association - Award for Customer Service 2012

Sunday Times Travel Magazine Awards - Best Specialist Tour Operator 2011

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Merida and the Andes: Fact file

Visit Us

When to go

Language

Getting local currency

Time difference

Getting there