Merida is located at the foot of the Venezuelan Andes and is only 15 km from the country’s highest point – Pico Bolivar, at 4,981 m (16,338 ft). It is the center for outdoor activities in Venezuela, including mountain biking, paragliding, white-water rafting, canyoning, and mountaineering. It is home to The Teleferico, the world’s longest and highest cable car. The city is also a major destination for students seeking to learn Spanish.