'''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.