Castillos de Guayana

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's there

• 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.

Practical notes

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.