Wildlife and wild nightlife
Venezuela is known for abundant oil reserves, steamy tropics and the firebrand rhetoric of its president, Hugo Chavez. But there is much more to the country than just Bush-bashing and petro-politics. It is a land of great contrasts, including vast grasslands, seemingly endless Caribbean coastline and -- unbeknownst to many -- the 240-mile-long northern terminus of the Andes mountain range.
Adventure awaits
Nestled among the snow-capped Andean peaks -- some of which reach to more than 16,500 feet -- is the town of Merida. Americans may not be familiar with Merida, but it is the bustling outdoor/adventure sport capital of the country -- if not of the South American continent. The city is an unassuming grid of concrete streets that branch off of several leafy plazas.
A giant college town
Of the 350,000 inhabitants, one in six is a student at the University of the Andes. The young and educated population lends a cosmopolitan and progressive edge to the town. Merida, nicknamed la Ciudad de los Caballeros (the City of Gentlemen), serves up a range of options for travelers of all economic backgrounds, all levels of fitness and all levels of daring -- and does so with a smile.
Joy rides
Paragliding, white-water rafting, bungee jumping, mountain biking, climbing and high-mountain hiking begin the list of adrenaline sports on offer. For those who prefer relaxation, there are natural hot springs, idyllic mountain streams and waterfalls, gentle walks to epic vistas and the top-notch nightlife -- with cheap drinks, friendly locals and no pretense.
Cable service
A highlight of any visit to Merida is the teleferico, or cable car, which claims to be the longest and highest in the world. It runs 7.5 miles from the bottom station in town (5,204 feet) to the top of Pico Espejo (15,725 feet), covering the ascent in four stages. A round trip is $15; 011-58-274-252-1997. You can use the cable car to access a multitude of high-mountain hiking and remote villages or take it for a day of leisurely sightseeing. Rafting, hiking and paragliding are the most popular activities for visitors. Paragliding has become the iconic local sport; even Merida's garbage trucks are adorned with paintings of paragliders. Neophytes can do a tandem descent from around 2,000 feet, and the more adventurous can enroll in a weeklong course to learn solo flight.
Club scene
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