Castillos de Guayana
Two Spanish forts on a bluff above the lower Orinoco, built to close the river to raiders.
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Two forts stand on a bluff above the lower Orinoco at Los Castillos: San Francisco de Asís, the older and lower one begun in the seventeenth century, and San Diego de Alcalá above it, added later on the higher ground. They were built to stop Dutch, English and French vessels working up the river to the Guayana settlements, and they were attacked repeatedly. Walter Raleigh's expeditions came this way, and his son was killed in fighting near here in 1618.
What you actually see
- San Francisco de Asis - the lower and older of the two forts on the bluff.
- San Diego de Alcala - the upper fort commanding the river bend.
- The cannon positions - gun emplacements covering the channel below.
- The river view - the lower Orinoco seen from the bluff.
When to go
December to April is the dry season. Mornings are coolest for walking between the two forts. The site is open in daylight hours.
Honest expectations
The forts are partly restored and partly ruin, with limited interpretation. The site is remote from the city and transport needs arranging. There is little shade and it is very hot.
Nearby
Ciudad Guayana is west, and the Orinoco Delta is east.
What to pack for Castillos de Guayana
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.