Ciudad Bolívar, Venezuela: travel guide
A colonial city on the Orinoco and the launch point for Angel Falls
A handsome colonial city strung along the mighty Orinoco River, the launch point for flights into Canaima and Angel Falls, with pastel riverfront houses and Bolívar-era history.
About Ciudad Bolívar
Ciudad Bolivar is a colonial city above the narrowest stretch of the Orinoco River, with pastel houses along the waterfront and a historic centre tied closely to Simon Bolivar and the independence period.
The Paseo Orinoco runs beside the river, and the Casa del Congreso de Angostura recalls the political meeting held here. The Angostura Bridge spans the water nearby. Most visitors also use the city as the gateway for flights to Canaima National Park and Angel Falls.
It suits history lovers and travellers on their way into the Gran Sabana or Canaima. The climate is hot, and the rainy season, roughly May to November, is when the waterfalls run strongest; the drier months are easier for travel.
- Country
- Venezuela
- Currency
- VES
- Time zone
- America/Caracas
- Nearest airport
- CBL
Last updated
Top places to visit in Ciudad Bolívar
Paseo Orinoco & Casco Histórico
Heritage · 4.0 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
The colourful colonial riverfront of Ciudad Bolívar lining the narrowest point of the Orinoco, with the Mirador Angostura and historic mansions.
Casa del Congreso de Angostura
Museum · 4.2 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
The hall where Bolívar delivered the 1819 Angostura Address and Gran Colombia was founded — a cornerstone of South American history.
Puente de Angostura
Viewpoint · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
The first bridge ever built across the Orinoco, a graceful 1.7 km suspension span just west of the city.
Day trips and tours
- Ciudad Bolívar Historic Riverfront Walk 4 h · from USD 25
Where to stay in Ciudad Bolívar
- Paseo Orinoco about VES 35 per night
Ciudad Bolívar's colonial riverfront, near posadas used by Angel Falls tour operators.
Hotels
- Posada Don Carlos 3-star · USD 30 to USD 55 per night
- Hotel Laja Real 3-star · USD 35 to USD 65 per night
Where to eat
- Mirador Angostura Venezuelan, Seafood · about USD 14 per person
Getting to Ciudad Bolívar
Airport: Ciudad Bolivar (CBL)
Getting around
- Bus
- Ride Hail
- Taxi
- Walking
More in Venezuela
Frequently asked questions about Ciudad Bolívar
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Ciudad Bolívar?
- The highest-rated places in our Ciudad Bolívar guide are Casa del Congreso de Angostura, Paseo Orinoco & Casco Histórico.
- Where should I stay in Ciudad Bolívar?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Ciudad Bolívar: Paseo Orinoco.
- How do I get around Ciudad Bolívar?
- Ways to get around Ciudad Bolívar covered in our guide: City bus, Ride-hailing app, Taxi, Walking.
- Which airport is nearest to Ciudad Bolívar?
- The nearest airport to Ciudad Bolívar has the code CBL.