Guamanchi Expeditions have a great Posada in Mérida, with everything you could ask for! Immaculate, cheery rooms, a relaxed terrace lounge, self catering facilities and fantastic views from your hammock over the Plaza de Las Heroinas and up into the mountains! Watch the Teléferico sail up into the clouds from your own little balcony!
Operated through the Guamanchi Expeditions tour office, the friendly and knowledgeable staff invite travellers to make themselves at home and relax in this beautifully decorated and perfectly located Posada whilst making the most of what Mérida and the surrounding area has to offer.
Expanding their tour business in 2002 to include this Mérida posada, Venezuelan-Swiss owners John and Joëlle have spent the past four years creating the perfect base for their clients and independent travellers alike. With 16 years experience in the tourism industry in Venezuela - these guys know what you'll like!
Posada Guamanchi has 18 rooms, about half of which are ensuite, many of which boast excellent views over the mountains and the 'Teléferico de Mérida' line.
Rooms accommodate between two and four people and range in price from US$7.50 to US$12 per person
Self-catering facilities are available to everyone allowing travellers the rare luxury of being able to do some of their own cooking and laundry!
Of course, being one of the top tour agencies in town, Posada Guamanchi has an endless supply of local and regional information and provide excellent value tours to nearby highlights and attractions.
There are some lovely, relaxed social areas here too, both indoors and on their shaded roof terrace - decorated beautifully with local artwork and hand-crafted wooden furniture.
Posada Guamanchi is right in the heart of things on Calle 24, only a block from Plaza de Las Heroinas and the start of the Teléferico. To get here from the bus station, a taxi will cost around US$2.50 or a local bus will drop you around Plaza Bolivar, Posada Guamanchi is about 4 blocks east of there on Calle 24.
Mérida
www.hosteltrail.com/posadaguamanchi
This rustic, mountainside Posada, situated in the beautiful village of Los Nevados is another member of the Guamanchi family and as well as being used by the tour company as a stop on their tours, the Posada is also open to travellers who make their way here independently.
This quaint and perfectly restored country Posada began working with Guamanchi in 1995 and has since opened its doors to many a happy traveller exploring this interesting and spectacular area. Set amid some of Venezuela's most dramatic peaks and a beautiful yet challenging trek from 'Loma Redonda' - the second last Teléferico station at 4045m, this is the perfect place to take a break from hiking, climbing or riding, to relax in this stunning setting.
Posada Guamanchi in Los Nevados has 20 comfortable rooms, around half of which are en-suite.
The bathrooms have fantastic, powerful, hot-water showers - a welcome discovery after a hard days trekking!
Prices are from US$20 per person and include dinner and breakfast however arrangements can be made if you prefer to bring your own supplies and self-cater.
Local information and walking trails can be provided by the friendly staff to allow you to make the Posada your base for exploring this lovely mountain village and its surroundings.
Guamanchi Expeditions offer tours which include a stay at their Los Nevados Posada however, it can be easily found by following a well marked road to the town from the Teléferico station 'Loma Redonda'. This can be a tough walk for those unaccompanied to the altitude and is quite a rocky, hilly, 5 hour trek, but completely worth it for the spectacular views!
Jeeps also make the trip from Mérida to Los Nevados and vice versa, giving a scenic, although nail-biting, variation for the return. These can be arranged at the Posada but you might want to confirm the price with your diver to avoid any confusion later on.
