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Mukumbarí Cable Car

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Mukumbarí Cable Car in Mérida is one of the highest and longest cable car systems in the world, serving as a primary gateway to the Venezuelan Andes. It spans approximately 12.5 kilometers, connecting the city of Mérida at 1,577 meters to the summit of Pico Espejo at 4,765 meters above sea level. Originally opened in 1960, the system underwent a massive overhaul between 2011 and 2016 to meet modern safety and technological standards. The journey consists of four sections and five distinct stations: Barinitas, La Montaña, La Aguada, Loma Redonda, and Pico Espejo. Passengers experience a dramatic transition through diverse ecological zones, from cloud forests to the high-altitude paramo and rocky peaks. The summit provides unparalleled views of the Sierra Nevada National Park, including Venezuela's highest peak, Pico Bolívar.

Location: Venezuela
Top sights: Basílica Menor de la Inmaculada Concepción · Cerro La Hechicera · Loma Los Martínez

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	17	18	18	18	18	17	17	17	18	17	17	17
Rain mm	30	35	72	143	163	136	119	115	135	156	133	68

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Mukumbarí Cable Car is fully accessible to visitors, including the ride inside the enclosed cabins and the outdoor areas of the stations. The cabins offer spectacular panoramic views, while the station platforms provide excellent photo opportunities.

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Typical hours

The cable car typically runs daily from early morning until late afternoon, with exact hours varying seasonally and depending on weather conditions. It is advisable to check the current schedule online or at the station before your visit.

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Photography

Photography is permitted inside the cabins and on the observation decks at the stations. Using flash is generally allowed, but please be considerate of other passengers.

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Time needed

A full round trip including time at the summit typically takes two to three hours. Allow extra time for queues at the stations, especially during peak season.

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Combine with

Combine your visit with a stroll through Mérida's old town and a stop at the botanical garden. A hike in the nearby Sierra Nevada National Park is also an excellent addition.

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Getting there

The base station of the cable car is located in Mérida and is easily reachable by taxi or public bus. For those driving, ample parking spaces are available directly at the station.

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Insider tip

Buy your tickets online in advance to avoid long queues at the ticket office. Early morning provides the clearest views of the surrounding peaks, making it the good time for your visit.

Geography

Coordinates

8.59080, -71.14440

Facts

The highest point reached by the cable car is 4,765 meters (15,633 feet).
The total horizontal length of the cable car route is 12.5 kilometers.
The system consists of five stations and four distinct travel stages.
A major renovation took place from 2011 to 2016 with French technology.
Each cabin can accommodate up to 60 passengers per trip.
Travelers can see Pico Bolívar, which stands at 4,978 meters, from the top.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Sierra de la Culata10 km · EExplore →

Pico Toro11 km · NExplore →

Pico El Buitre12 km · NEExplore →

Pico León13 km · NExplore →

Pico Reverón13 km · NExplore →

Pico El León14 km · NExplore →

Pico Muertos15 km · NExplore →

Pico Mucuchíes25 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Mukumbarí Cable Car (17)

Basílica Menor de la Inmaculada Concepción 📍 landmark

The cathedral, started in 1958, impresses with its stained glass windows and Gothic architectural elements.

Cerro La Hechicera🌿 nature

This peak is known for its immediate proximity to the University of the Andes campus.

Loma Los Martínez🌿 nature

A grassy ridge offering wide panoramic views over the entire Mérida mountain range.

Cerro Las Flores🌿 nature

A high mountain peak featuring diverse and rare paramo vegetation.

Antigua Casa de los Gobernadores 🏛 museum

This historic administrative building now houses the valuable regional archives of Mérida.

Museo de Arqueología 🏛 museum

This museum exhibits Pre-Columbian pottery and tools from throughout the Andean region.

Museo de Ciencias y Tecnología 🏛 museum

An interactive museum famous for its life-sized robotic dinosaur exhibit.

La Columna 🏺 historical

A distinctive obelisk in the city park dedicated to Simón Bolívar, the liberator of Venezuela.

Cruz Verde 🏺 historical

A historic green wayside cross located in one of Mérida's oldest and most traditional neighborhoods.

Plaza Mariano Picon Salas 🏺 historical

A public square honoring the famous Venezuelan writer and diplomat.

Teatro Colibrí🎭 culture

A local performance space focused on staging contemporary Venezuelan plays.

Teatro de títeres - ULA🎭 culture

A puppet theater managed by the University of the Andes, offering regular performances.

Acceso Garzo 2 ⛪ religious

A small religious chapel primarily used by the local mountain communities.

Parroquia Corazon de María⛪ religious

A Catholic parish church known for its dedicated community social programs.

Los Roques PC 🎭 culture

A bustling local marketplace selling fresh Andean produce and textiles.

🌐 facebook.com

Centro Cultural Tulio Febres Cordero 📍 landmark

An imposing brutalist concrete building with a vast atrium, housing the significant Juan Astorga Anta Modern Art Museum.

Capilla Santo Niño📍 landmark

A simple chapel in the La Pedregosa sector, idyllically positioned within the lush green mountain landscape of Mérida.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

When is the Mukumbarí cable car open?

Usually operating from Wednesday to Sunday.

How high does it go?

It reaches an altitude of over 4,700 meters.

Do I need warm clothes?

Yes, it is very cold and windy at the top.

Is there a risk of altitude sickness?

Yes, possible with rapid ascent.

Do I need to reserve tickets?

Reservations are strongly recommended.

Mukumbarí Cable Car: where is it located?

Mukumbarí Cable Car is located in Venezuela.

Mukumbarí Cable Car: what is there to see?

Highlights include Basílica Menor de la Inmaculada Concepción, Cerro La Hechicera, Loma Los Martínez.

Mukumbarí Cable Car: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.

Mukumbarí Cable Car: why is it worth visiting?

The Mukumbarí Cable Car in Mérida is one of the highest and longest cable car systems in the world, serving as a primary gateway to the Venezuelan Andes.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

Mukumbarí Cable Car

Best time to visit & climate