About Bolivar
Bolívar Province in central Ecuador offers travelers an authentic Andean experience away from the crowded tourist trails. Named after South American liberator Simón Bolívar, this mountainous region is characterized by dramatic landscapes, traditional highland culture, and charming colonial towns. The provincial capital Guaranda, known as 'the city of the seven hills,' provides a picturesque base with its colorful markets and panoramic views of Chimborazo volcano. Nature enthusiasts will find paradise in the Las Illinizas Ecological Reserve, home to twin volcanic peaks and unique páramo ecosystems. The province's agricultural heritage shines through in its dairy farms and cheese production, particularly in Salinas de Guaranda where community tourism initiatives offer insight into local life. Bolívar's festivals, especially Carnaval with its distinctive water and flour traditions, provide vibrant cultural immersion. From exploring pre-Inca archaeological sites to hiking through cloud forests, this province delivers genuine Ecuadorian hospitality and stunning natural beauty without the tourist crowds.
Major Hub
Things to do in Bolivar
Salar de Uyuni Tour 1 day with Sunset
From $95
5.0 (65)
Adelante Mujer Bolivian Cooking Workshops
From $29
5.0 (54)
Salar de Uyuni tours 1 day
From $106
5.0 (35)
Private Tasting of Award Winning Bolivian Wines
From $49
5.0 (28)
Bike Down the Road of Death
From $93
5.0 (25)
Ventanani Glacier Hike, Cordillera Real, Private Tour from La Paz
From $179
5.0 (24)
Discovering the Ajayu/Soul of La Paz
From $99.99
5.0 (19)
Private Uyuni Salt Flats Full-Day Circuit from Uyuni
From $255
5.0 (18)
3-Day Private Tour of Uyuni Salt Flats and Colored Lagoons Roundtrip from Uyuni
From $1,880
5.0 (18)
Learn Bolivian Cuisine/Cooking Class
From $40
5.0 (17)
Shared Full Day Tour Charquini Lagoon and Hiking
From $30
5.0 (15)
Uyuni Salt Flats and Lagoons, 3 day semi-private tour
From $950
5.0 (13)
Private 3 Days tour Uyuni Salt Flats and Colorful Lagoons from Uyuni
From $1,485
5.0 (12)
2-Days Uyuni Salt Flats including Laguna Colorada
From $1,303
5.0 (12)
Uyuni Salt Flats & Colored Lagoons – 3-Day Journey
From $1,468
5.0 (11)Places to visit in Bolivar
Hotel Jardín
Hotel Jardín, Avenida Alejandro Puga, Ciudad Bolivar 8002, Bolivar State, Venezuela
Parque Mirador G/D José Antonio Anzoátegui
Parque Mirador G/D José Antonio Anzoátegui, R-76, Soledad 8013, Anzoategui State, Venezuela
Hotel Edi
Hotel Edi, Avenida 17 De Diciembre, Ciudad Bolivar 8001, Bolivar State, Venezuela
Hotel laja city
Hotel laja city, Avenida Alejandro Puga, Ciudad Bolivar 8002, Bolivar State, Venezuela
Bolívar Gran Hotel
Bolívar Gran Hotel, Calle La Piscina, Ciudad Bolivar 8001, Bolivar State, Venezuela
Alejandro Home
Alejandro Home, Avenida 17 De Diciembre casa 5, Ciudad Bolivar 8001, Bolivar State, Venezuela
Paoca
Paoca, Avenida República HOTEL PAOCA, Ciudad Bolivar 8001, Bolivar State, Venezuela
Hotel Laja Real
Hotel Laja Real, Avenida Andres Bello, Ciudad Bolivar 8002, Bolivar State, Venezuela
Hotel Don Carlos
Don Carlos, Calle Amor Patrio, Ciudad Bolivar 8002, Bolivar State, Venezuela
Restaurant Da Gino
Restaurant Da Gino, Avenida Jesús Soto, Ciudad Bolivar 8001, Bolivar State, Venezuela
Hotel La Cumbre
Hotel La Cumbre, Avenida 5 de Julio, Ciudad Bolivar 8002, Bolivar State, Venezuela
Hotel Alí Baba
Hotel Alí Baba, Barrio el Eden (Buena Vista), Ciudad Bolivar 8002, Bolivar State, Venezuela
Travel Tips for Bolivar
Getting Around
Buses connect all major towns frequently and affordably. Taxis are available in urban centers - negotiate fares before entering. Car rentals are limited; better to hire a driver familiar with mountain roads. Colectivos (shared taxis/vans) operate on popular routes. Walking is pleasant in town centers. No ride-sharing apps operate in Bolívar. For remote areas, 4x4 vehicles are recommended during rainy season.
Best Time To Visit
June to September (dry season) for hiking and outdoor activities. February for Carnaval celebrations. December for Christmas festivals. Avoid October-November (heaviest rains). The weather is generally cool year-round due to high altitude.
Local Customs
Greet people with handshakes. Remove hats when entering churches. Dress modestly, especially in rural areas. Tipping: 10% in restaurants if service charge not included. Small tips for guides and drivers appreciated. Ask permission before photographing people. Punctuality is flexible ('Ecuadorian time'). Respect indigenous communities' traditions. During Carnaval, expect to get wet - locals play with water guns and flour.
Safety Information
Bolívar is generally safe but exercise normal precautions. Petty theft can occur in markets and bus stations. Avoid walking alone at night in urban areas. Road conditions can be challenging, especially during rainy season (October-May). Use registered taxis only. Be cautious during Carnaval celebrations as water and flour throwing can get rowdy. Political demonstrations occasionally occur - avoid large gatherings. Rural areas are very safe but inform someone of your travel plans when hiking. Scams are rare but beware of overcharging for services to tourists.
Health Information
Medical facilities in Bolívar are limited, with the best hospital in Guaranda (Hospital General de Guaranda). Travelers should have comprehensive travel insurance covering medical evacuation. Altitude sickness is a concern in highland areas (2,500-4,000 meters). Drink only bottled or purified water. Vaccinations recommended: routine vaccines plus Hepatitis A, Typhoid. Dengue fever occurs in lower elevations. Pharmacies are available in towns but may not stock specific medications. Carry any prescription medicines with original packaging.
Languages Spoken
SpanishKichwa
Quick Facts
Currency
United States Dollar (USD)
$
$
Timezone
America/Guayaquil -05:00 (GMT)
Calling Code
+593
Electricity
Driving Side
Right
Population
200,000
Area
3925 km²
Government
Provincial Government with elected prefect and provincial council
ISO Code
EC-B
Emergency Contacts
Also known as: EC-B, Bolívar, Las Naves