PUERTO ORDAZ

The cities of San Felix and Puerto Ordaz were officially joined under the name of Ciudad Guayana by presidential decree in 1961, to highlight the nucleus of industrial, mining and hydroelectric activities, the so-called basic industries, in southern Venezuela.

The cities of San Felix and Puerto Ordaz were officially joined under the name of Ciudad Guayana by presidential decree in 1961, to highlight the nucleus of industrial, mining and hydroelectric activities, the so-called basic industries, in southern Venezuela. However, the two cities are so distinct that everyone continues to identify them by their original names. Puerto Ordaz lies at the confluence of the Orinoco and Caroni Rivers. The city is named after conquistador Diego de Ordaz, the first European to navigate the Orinoco, in 1532. The Orinoco, meaning ‘the father of our land’ in the Warao Indian language, is South America’s second largest fluvial system, running for 2,063 kilometres (1,282 miles) in a large semicircle within Venezuela. Its water transfer of 18,000 cubic metres per second would be higher still, were it not because many kilometres upstream, the Orinoco loses most of its force to the Amazon River system, by virtue of a unique natural channel called Casiquiare that relieves it of water above a certain level and transfers it to the Rio Negro. The Orinoco recovers its strength as tributaries from Colombia, the Amazon state and Guayana massif in Venezuela, and the rivers formed in the Venezuelan Andes Mountains, run into it along its colossal 800,000 square-kilometre (308,800 square-mile) hydrographic drain area. The Orinoco has brown water, and by the time it reaches Puerto Ordaz is a wide and easy flowing river. The Caroni’s water is dark tea-coloured, from high tannic acid levels collected by its many tributaries on the Guayana massif. As it reaches its final destination into the big river, the Caroni drops dramatically. Our first visit (by coach) takes us to Llovizna Falls, to admire this last spectacular waterfall of the Caroni River. The word Llovizna means ‘drizzle’, aptly named by the locals because of the minute drops of water that form. Just up from the falls is the mammoth Macagua III Hydroelectric Plant. We shall visit the plant’s multi-level visitor centre and learn about the water rush, the natural advantages that the Guayana area offers for harvesting hydroelectric energy, as well as whatever current ecological exhibition has been set up during the time of our visit. We will then drive through the modern city of Puerto Ordaz and stop at Cachamay Park, where shady trees hug the expansive and impressive Cachamay Rapids, formed by the Caroni River on the opposite side of the Llovizna Falls; the last roar of a mighty river finally flowing into the Orinoco. After an eye-opening experience, we return to our ship.This tour involves walking to view the Llovizna Falls (where there are approximately 25 steps to reach the top viewpoint); around the hydroelectric plant’s visitor centre (where there are approximately 30 steps); and at Cachamay Park. The level of the waterfall depends on the season, with the highest flow during October and November, and the lowest during April and May, coinciding with the rainy and dry seasons. During the tour we will have the services of professional guides flown in especially from Caracas or Isla Margarita. Weather is likely to be hot and humid, so dress appropriately. Wear comfortable shoes. For reference, the first toilet facilities will be available after approximately 2 hours. Mineral water is available on the coaches.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2007 CARIBBEAN SEASON