La Guaira, Venezuela

La Guaira is the capital of the Venezuelan state of Vargas and the country's chief port. It was founded in 1577 as an outlet for Caracas, 30 km to the southeast. The town and the port were badly damaged during the December 1999 floods and mudslides that affected much of the region.

La Guaira, together with its varied maritime and commercial activities has preserved the atmosphere of the colonial period. The forts of El Vigía and La Pólvora provided defense against the attacks of pirates and buccaneers. Among the remains of the colonial period, La Guaira has preserved the following noteworthy monuments: Guipuzcoana house, Bolívar street, the San Carlos fort, the Guamacho and Muchinga gangways, the Pasaje Urrutia, and the Puente Jesús.

Things to See and Do

* Forts of El Vigía and La Pólvora
* Remains of colonial period - forts of El Vigía and La Pólvora

Cruise Season - Jan - Dec
Currency - Bolívar fuerte (VEF)
Language - Spanish
Population - 272,000 approx
Land Area -km²
Electricity - 2 perpendicular flat pins USA style
Time - GMT minus four and a half hours
International Country Telephone Code - + 58

Port Location -The port is located in La Guaira harbor, 20km's from the city of Caracas.

Transport Links - Simon Bolivar International Airport, Maiquetia: is located in Maiquetía, Venezuela, about 13 miles from Downtown Caracas, the capital of Venezuela.