Cross the Andes by mule, mountain bike, foot and cable car
8 days / 7 nights
From $1,593 per person, double occupancy for 2009

Day 1: US - Caracas
Arrival and transfer to the Hotel Ole Caribe, located approximately 15 minutes from the airport in the oceanside town of Macuto.

Day 2: Caracas - Merida - San Jose
Fly to Merida. Tour Plaza Bolivar, the historic cathedral, the principal market, and the university. After a 45-minute transfer to Tierra Negra, a world famous spot for paragliding, you’ll ride your mountain bike to the village of San Jose, considered one of the prettiest villages in the Pueblos del Sur and overnight. (D)

Day 3: San Jose - Merida
Today, you’ll ride out of San Jose, biking along the Tos Tos river, which is lined with ash trees, then continue steeply up to Los Pinos and return to Tierra Negra along an off-road route. You’ll be transferred back to Mérida and stay at the Posada La Sevillana, a beautiful inn located in a tropical cloud forest. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Merida - Los Nevados
You’ll begin your day with a two-hour jeep ride to the village of El Morro where your 22-km trek to the Los Nevados begins. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Los Nevados - Los Frailes
Set off for the Loma Redonda cable car station by mule, crossing the Alto de la Cruz pass at 4,251 meters. You’ll descend back to Mérida on the world´s longest and highest aerial cable car. You’ll then transfer overland up to the paramos (high tropical mountains) of the Andes. Overnight at the Hotel Los Frailes, a mountain inn considered to be the most unique and charming in Venezuela. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Los Frailes - Merida
Bike the Pico Aguila circuit (22 km) beginning on the highest paved road in Venezuela at 4,100 meters. You then continue your route off road toward the village of Piañago and a moderately steep descent to the Mifafi valley. Jeep back to Hotel Belensate in Mérida where you can enjoy a splash in the hotel's pool with jacuzzi or dining at the La Nona with scrumptious food and special attention to details and service. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Merida - Caracas
Enjoy a visit to the market for any last minute shopping before being transferred back to the airport for your mid-morning return flight to Caracas. Airport reception and transfer to Hotel Ole Caribe. (B)

Day 8: Caracas - US
Hotel pick-up and transfer to the international airport. Check-in at airline ticket counter to depart for the US.