'''Ciudad Bolivar''' is in Bolivar state in Venezuela.

Understand

Ciudad Bolivar is located on the banks of the Orinoco River. It is named after Simon Bolivar, Venezuela's Independence hero. It is a frequent stopoff point on visit to Angel Falls and is a good place to find tour companies to take you there.

Get in

By plane

From Maiquetia there are regular flights with Rutaca [http://www.rutaca.com.ve/home.html]

By car

It's a long drive to Ciudad Bolivar but nonetheless the city is well-served by route 16 northeast to Anzoategui and a fast highway to Puerto Ordaz and Ciudad Guayana.

By bus

There are buses from several cities including Caracas, Maracay, and Barinas (11 hours).

Get around

If walking is not an option the best way to get around in the city is by taxi. Taxis are cheap in Venezuela. At night call for a taxi as it can be hard to find one on the streets.

See

  • A fairly decent colonial town center, worth a wander.
  • Casa San Isidro. This is the house where Simon Bolivar stayed during the Congress of Angostura. With a lush tropical garden. Entrance free.
  • The impressive colonial era '''Cathedral''' is on the northeastern side of Plaza Bolivar. The construction dates from 1771 but was not completed until 1840. The cathedral is now fully restored to its original glory.
  • Jesus Soto Modern Art Museum. venida Germania, Ciudad Bolivar. etween the old and new town centers. ue-Fri 9:30-5:30; Sa-Su and holidays 10AM-5PM, closed Mon. World-renowned Venezuelan plastic art sculptor Soto has some of his best works on display alongside other modern artists in a fine museum and garden setting laid out by Venezuela's top architect, Carlos Raul Villanueva, designer of the Central University in Caracas which is now a UN World Heritage Site.

    Do

    Work

    Buy

    Eat

    Budget

    Mid-range

    Splurge

    Drink

    After 7pm everthing closes down in the city center.

    Sleep

    Budget

  • Posada Amor Patrio. ehind the cathedral. s. 35,000 (11 US$) for a three person room. Five tastfully decorated rooms with fan, shared bathroom and shared kitchen. If the rooms are full you can grab a hammock upstairs with view on the Orinoco River.
  • Posada Don Carlos. alle Boyaca (con Amor Patrio). 058-285-6326017 (cel. 0058-414-8546616 or 0058-414-8569788). ttp://www.hosteltrail.com/posadadoncarlos/. double room is Bs. 40,000 (19 US$) and a hammock Bs. 25,000 (10 US$). oanatravel@gmx.de. Located in an old mansion. Shared kitchen.
  • Posada Dona Carol. alle Libertad 28, Casco Historico. 416 1298186. ttp://www.hosteltrail.com/posadadonacarol/. s. 40,000 (19 US$) for a double room and Bs. 10,000 (5 US$) for a hammock. A slightly more basic option but still with comfortable rooms.
  • Posada La Casita. 58-414-8545146. eservation@gekkotours-venezuela.de. ttp://www.gekkotours-venezuela.de/. rices in June 2007: single room Bs. 50,000; double Bs. 65,000; triple Bs. 75,000; cuadruple Bs. 85,000; tent Bs. 10,000 per person; hammock Bs. 18,000; breakfast Bs. 12000; dinner (meat/fish) Bs. 23,000. . They offer free shuttles from/to the city.

    Mid-range

  • Universo Gran Hotel. v Republica and Paseo Gaspari. ear the bus terminal. 285 6543732, 6543276.

    Splurge

  • Hotel Laja Real. ve Andres Bello, Con Calle Jesus Soti. ight opposite the airport. An upmarket option with a lovely swimming pool, but the rooms can be noisy, especially at weekends.

    Contact

    Stay safe

    After sunset the city center turns deserted. Try to avoid moving around after 8pm. The Paseo Orinoco is said to be infamous for muggings at night.

    Cope

    Get out

  • Ciudad Bolivar is the departure point for tours to Canaima and Angel Falls.
  • Tours up the '''Rio Caura''', a tributary of the Orinoco, can also be arranged from here, where you can see some impressive wildlife and waterfalls. A 5-day tour with Soana Travel (office at Calle Bolivar and Calle Dalla Costa) costs $300.
  • By bus

    If you want to go to Merida take a bus to either Maracay (Several a day) or Barinas (twice daily) and take a connection from there to Merida. Try to avoid the less safe terminal in Valencia.