Merida Mountains

The Mérida mountains form the highest part of the Venezuelan Andes, rising between the Lake Maracaibo basin and the plains of the Orinoco. Steep valleys cut the ranges, while cold highland páramos and snow-covered summits stand above the forests. The Chama River follows one of these valleys northwards towards Lake Maracaibo. Mountain passes connect the highlands with the warmer lands on either side.