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Matanzas Industrial Port

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Port

Weather…

The Matanzas Industrial Port is located in the heart of the industrial zone of Puerto Ordaz, Ciudad Guayana, along the banks of the Orinoco River. It functions as the primary logistical gateway for the massive state-owned enterprises of the Corporación Venezolana de Guayana (CVG), including the SIDOR steel plant and aluminum producers VENALUM and ALCASA. The port was established in the 1960s as a cornerstone of the Guayana Development Plan, aimed at positioning Venezuela as a global exporter of metals. Matanzas features specialized docks for receiving raw materials like bauxite and coal, as well as for the shipment of finished products such as steel coils and aluminum ingots. Geographically, the port benefits from its proximity to the Guri Dam, which provides the vast amounts of hydroelectric power required for energy-intensive smelting. The port's infrastructure is directly integrated with a dedicated industrial railway system for moving heavy loads. Matanzas stands as a symbol of Venezuela's industrial ambition and remains a critical link in the nation's metallurgical value chain.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	27	28	29	30	29	28	27	27	28	28	28	27
Rain mm	42	21	21	37	87	160	154	141	90	94	92	74

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

The Matanzas industrial port in Venezuela is a heavy-duty port serving the massive steel and aluminum plants of Ciudad Guayana. It is a central transshipment point for raw materials and finished goods of heavy industry.

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Visiting

The port area is closed to the public for security reasons. From the nearby bridge over the Orinoco, cranes and cargo ships can be watched closely.

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Where to view it

An excellent viewpoint is the old bridge over the Orinoco near Ciudad Bolívar, offering a panoramic view of the port. The elevation in the Unare neighborhood also provides a good view.

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Local products

The port mainly exports steel, aluminum, and iron ore. The region also grows agricultural products like corn and beans, which are shipped as well.

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Active season

The port operates around the clock, seven days a week, with peaks during the shipment of steel products. It is most active during the dry season when rivers are navigable.

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Nearby

A visit to the port can be combined with the city of Ciudad Guayana and Angel Falls. Canaima National Park is also reachable from here.

Geography

Coordinates

8.29170, -62.83610

Facts

Matanzas is the most important river port for the Venezuelan steel industry.
The port is located downstream from where the Caroní joins the Orinoco.
The SIDOR plant at the port is among the largest steel complexes in Latin America.
Quay facilities are specifically reinforced for heavy metal cargo handling.
Bauxite is transported here by river barge from the Los Pijiguaos mines.
The port is situated approximately 180 nautical miles from the Atlantic Ocean.