Guaira (La), MAIQUETíA

Even though the heavier traffic to the coast is due to the beaches, they are not the area's only appeal. La Guaira is a town that plays a very important part in the history of Caracas, as it has been the capital's port since the creation of the city. This town, founded in 1589 by Diego de Osorio still has a lot of areas that have kept its colonial past intact. If you travel east, you'll find, on the right, a great building in Basque style. It is the Casa Guipuzcuana, which used to be the headquarters of the Basque Company that controlled customs in Venezuela and the commerce of cocoa for fifty years, starting in 1734. The building is now the headquarters of the local Ateneo, and has an art gallery (open from 8a-6p Tue-Sun). Other places of interest are the Museo de la Fundación Bulton (9.30am-6pm Mon-Fri; 9am-1pm Sat-Sun), located in back of the Casa Guipuzcuana and the catheral, built in 1812. Transport from Plaza Venezuela and Parque Central.