Founded in 1567 as Santiago de León de Caracas by Diego Losada, plundered by English pirates, burned, torn by earthquakes, Caracas nevertheless has grown into the political, economic and cultural capital of Venezuela. Separated from the coastline by 7800 ft. Mt. Avila, the colonial city nestled in a long, green valley surrounded by lushly forested mountains. It has long since outgrown that small settlement, stretching the length of the valley, up the hillsides and into intersecting canyons.  Venezuela's largest city, Caracas, blends a modern cityscape with a lush, tropical feel. It's noisy as any large city with millions of inhabitants, with traffic jams, dangerous areas to avoid, slums, and a distinct contrast between the levels of society. Getting There and Getting Around: Most international visitors arrive in Caracas at the Aeropuerto Internacional de Maiquetía Simón Bolívar.  In Caracas, you can do as the caraqueños do, and get around the city by Metro. Cruise ships. commercial shipping and private boats stop in La Guaira, the port city for Caracas. Sourced with thanks from http://gosouthamerica.about.com