Loma Redonda Station
Ride the world's highest cable car to Pico Espejo, offering breathtaking Andean vistas and a unique journey through Venezuela's Sierra Nevada.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Loma Redonda Station
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride the world's highest cable car to Pico Espejo, offering breathtaking Andean vistas and a unique journey through Venezuela's Sierra Nevada.
"A place to come if you are in this area cannot miss it, it’s amazing beautiful stations super modern."
🧥 Pack Warm Layers
It gets cold at high altitudes! Bring a jacket, hat, and gloves.
🎟️ Buy Tickets Online
Save time by booking your Teleférico Mukumbarí tickets in advance.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pico Espejo Summit
Top station
Reach the highest point at 4,765 meters for breathtaking panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada.
Loma Redonda Station
Third station
Enjoy stunning vistas and a unique perspective of the surrounding Andean landscape.
Laguna Espejo
Near Pico Espejo
A serene mountain lagoon reflecting the sky, offering a moment of tranquility amidst the peaks.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Dress for Altitude
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧥 Pack Warm Layers
It gets cold at high altitudes! Bring a jacket, hat, and gloves.
🎟️ Buy Tickets Online
Save time by booking your Teleférico Mukumbarí tickets in advance.
📸 Capture the Views
The scenery is incredible, especially at sunset. Don't forget your camera!
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing some walking at the stations, so comfy footwear is a must.
Tips
from all over the internet
🧥 Pack Warm Layers
It gets cold at high altitudes! Bring a jacket, hat, and gloves.
🎟️ Buy Tickets Online
Save time by booking your Teleférico Mukumbarí tickets in advance.
📸 Capture the Views
The scenery is incredible, especially at sunset. Don't forget your camera!
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing some walking at the stations, so comfy footwear is a must.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Teleférico Mukumbarí for its breathtaking landscapes and modern facilities, calling it an unmissable experience. The journey offers stunning views and a unique perspective of the Venezuelan Andes. Some minor points of improvement mentioned include better staff training for public interaction and ensuring lagoon access is free.
"A place to come if you are in this area cannot miss it, it’s amazing beautiful stations super modern super professional and super beautiful"
Michael Neret
"Beautiful landscape.
The visit to the the lagoon must be free and staff has to be trained to offer the public a better experience."
Nelson Rodolfo Lobo Mendoza
"A very nice experience"
Dalver Santeliz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Teleférico Mukumbarí starts in Barinitas, Mérida. You can reach the base station by taxi or local transport from the city center. Many visitors opt for organized tours that include transportation.
Yes, there is parking available at the Barinitas base station. However, it can get busy, so arriving early is advisable.
Local buses may not go directly to the base station. It's often easier to take a taxi or a shared 'por puesto' (minibus) from Mérida's main bus terminal or city center.
The journey from Mérida city center to the Barinitas base station typically takes around 15-30 minutes by car or taxi, depending on traffic.
Yes, many local tour operators in Mérida offer packages that include transportation to and from the Teleférico Mukumbarí, making it a convenient option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary. As of recent information, a general ticket is around $20 USD, with concessions for children and seniors. Foreigners may have a different rate. It's best to check the official website or purchase in advance.
Tickets can be purchased online through the official Teleférico Mukumbarí website or at the ticket office at the Barinitas base station. Booking online is recommended to avoid queues.
Operating hours can change seasonally and due to weather conditions. Typically, the cable car operates from morning to late afternoon. Always check the official schedule before your visit.
Refund policies can vary. If the cable car is closed due to weather or maintenance, inquire about refund or rescheduling options at the ticket counter or through customer service.
Yes, discounts are usually available for children under 12 and seniors. Foreigner rates may also apply.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The highest station is Pico Espejo, reaching an impressive altitude of 4,765 meters (15,633 feet) above sea level.
The entire journey from Barinitas to Pico Espejo, with stops at intermediate stations, can take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours one way. The total length of the system is 12.5 kilometers.
Loma Redonda offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It's a great spot for photos and to appreciate the Andean landscape.
Yes, there are usually restaurants and cafes at some of the stations, offering food and drinks. However, options might be limited at the highest stations.
If you experience altitude sickness, descend to a lower station immediately. Stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activity, and rest. It's advisable to acclimatize in Mérida for a day or two before ascending.
📸 📸 Photography
Every station offers incredible photo opportunities! Pico Espejo provides the most dramatic mountain vistas, while Loma Redonda offers unique perspectives. Sunsets are particularly stunning.
Yes, especially during the colder months or after snowfall, you can capture beautiful photos of snow-covered landscapes. Pico Espejo is often covered in snow.
Mornings offer clearer skies and softer light, while late afternoons and sunsets provide dramatic colors. Consider the weather, as clouds can obscure views.
A standard smartphone camera is usually sufficient to capture the stunning scenery. However, a camera with good low-light capabilities can be beneficial for sunrise/sunset shots.
Drone usage is typically restricted in national parks and protected areas for safety and environmental reasons. It's best to check the specific regulations before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider purchasing tickets in advance to minimize waiting times, which can be challenging with young children. While the highest station, Pico Espejo, can be very cold and windy, the intermediate stations like Loma Redonda offer a more comfortable experience for younger visitors. Always supervise children closely, especially near edges and in windy conditions.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save on food costs, pack your own snacks and water. Mérida city offers a wide range of affordable dining options, so enjoy meals there before or after your trip. If traveling in a group, sharing taxi fares to the base station can be more economical than individual transport.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
At Pico Espejo, focus on capturing the vastness of the mountain range. Don't forget to photograph the unique flora and fauna if you spot any. The stations themselves, with their modern architecture against the natural backdrop, also make for interesting shots. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive panoramas.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel: Teleférico Mukumbarí
The construction involved overcoming significant logistical challenges due to the remote and rugged terrain. Each station is strategically placed to offer unique views and access to different altitudes. The journey itself is an experience, transitioning from the lush greenery near Barinitas to the stark, snow-capped peaks of Pico Espejo. It's a testament to human ingenuity in harmony with nature.
Travelers often express awe at the scale and modernity of the cable car. The smooth ride and the breathtaking scenery unfolding outside the cabins make it a highlight for many visitors. It's a must-do for anyone visiting Mérida, offering a perspective of Venezuela's natural beauty that is simply unforgettable.
Experiencing the Andean Climate and Altitude
It's crucial for visitors to be prepared for the altitude. Symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headaches, nausea, and dizziness, can affect anyone regardless of fitness level. The best advice from seasoned travelers is to acclimatize in Mérida for a day or two before taking the cable car. Staying hydrated, avoiding alcohol and heavy meals before ascending, and taking it easy at the higher stations are also recommended.
Packing appropriately is key to enjoying the experience. Layers are essential: a base layer, a fleece or warm mid-layer, and a waterproof and windproof outer jacket. Don't forget a hat, gloves, and sunglasses, as the sun can be intense even in cold weather. Comfortable, sturdy footwear is also important for navigating the stations and any short walks.
Photography Tips for Mukumbari
When shooting at Pico Espejo, focus on capturing the vastness of the Andean peaks. Look for dramatic cloud formations and the interplay of light and shadow on the snow-covered slopes. At stations like Loma Redonda, you can get more intimate shots of the landscape, including reflections in any available water bodies. Don't forget to capture the cable cars themselves against the majestic backdrop.
Remember to protect your gear from the cold and potential moisture. A camera with good low-light performance can be beneficial for dawn and dusk shots. Consider bringing a tripod for sharper images in low light conditions, though it might be cumbersome at high altitudes. Most importantly, take your time to soak in the views and capture the moments that resonate with you.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit