3 Best Hotels in Mucuchies, Merida and the Andes

You reach this colonial-era hacienda, which clings to a mountain ridge, via a steep road that takes you literally into the clouds. When it's clear, which is virtually every morning, the view from each of the cozy rooms is breathtaking. Colorful hammocks slung on the lower-level patio command the same view. A two-hour hike takes you to the Aguas Termales de la Musui, a local hot spring where you'll catch sight of Humboldt Glacier. The restaurant ($–$$) serves food worth going out of your way to sample; don't pass up the trout.

True Andean charm and rusticity merge at this family-run posada perched on the Trans-Andean highway. Crafts adorn nearly every available inch; an open-air courtyard lets the sun stream in come morning. Delicious breakfasts are enjoyed on the terrace or in the small restaurant filled with simple wooden chairs.

This tranquil refuge near Tabay is run by a Venezuelan-German couple who work hard to make you feel at home. Every detail is perfect, from the fresh flowers on the tables to the thick comforters piled on the beds. The two tile-roof cabins have handcrafted furnishings and fully equipped kitchens, making them perfect for an extended stay. The staff can arrange for horseback, fishing, and hiking tours. The place is popular, so reservations are necessary at both the hotel and the restaurant.