"Ciudad Bolivar" Top 5 Page for this destination Ciudad Bolívar by SallyM

Ciudad Bolívar Travel Guide: 56 reviews and 205 photos

Calle Bolivar, Ciudad Bolivar - Ciudad Bolívar

Colonial era city

Ciudad Bolivar was founded in 1764, at the narrowest point of the river Orinoco, and was originally called Santo Tomas de la Guayana de Angostura, as 'angostura' means 'narrows'.

In 1817, shortly after the town had been liberated from Spanish control, Simon Bolivar made it his base for the final stages of the War of Independence and in 1819 the Angostura Congress, which led to the creation of the unified republic of Gran Colombia, comprising Venezuela, Ecuador and Colombia, was held here.

Historic Centre

Street in historic centre of Ciudad Bolivar

The historic centre of the city is full of old houses painted in bright colours, and is the area of most interest to tourists.

At night it is quite deserted. Our hotel was based there and the staff advised us not to wander at night. One of them even took the trouble to come from the sister hotel where we had dinner to check that we had got back safely. I don't know how real the danger may have been - we certainly saw no one and the streets were lit.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Colourful historic centre
Cons:Historic centre deserted at night

Last visit to Ciudad Bolívar: Jan 2009
Intro Updated Feb 4, 2009
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Reviews (9)

Paseo Orinoco Things to Do (6)

This avenue separates the historic centre from the banks of the Orinoco river. The landward side is full of street... more travel advice

The public park area of the Jardin Botanico - Ciudad Bolívar

Jardin Botanico del Orinoco Things to Do (6)

The Jardin Botanico comprises both a public park and the botanical garden proper. The garden's functions are both... more travel advice

Cathedral, Ciudad Bolivar - Ciudad Bolívar

Cathedral Things to Do (6)

The cathedral is located on the eastern side of Plaza Bolivar. When a service is in progress, the doors are open, and... more travel advice

Casa Piar Things to Do (6)

This is the house where General Manuel Piar was imprisoned in October 1817 before being executed by firing squad. Piar... more travel advice

Hotels (1)
Old Colonial Style
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Comments (2)

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balhannah Dec 7, 2009 at 2:23 AM

Looks like they like plenty of colour in that city! Thanks for the tour
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Athensfilippos Sep 5, 2009 at 11:49 PM

Funny story! I've been there last week and they told us the same thing. It's 1000% safe in the historic center as u've seen with ur own eyes! Especially on August with the orinocco street fair