MaiquetÃÂa is a city located in the Central Region of Venezuela, in the state of Vargas. It is at approximately 19 m above sea level on a small shelf between the Caribbean and the mountains behind it. It is located approximately 37 km northwest of Caracas.
MaiquetÃÂa is mainly a commercial center. The historic center has many narrow streets lined with stores and a market. The main road in this part of the city is the Avenida Carlos Soublette. The recent geopolitical divisions in Vargas makes MaiquetÃÂa no longer include the Simón BolÃÂvar International Airport, the most important one in the country and the commercial airport serving Caracas. Even though the airport is now in the state of Vargas, it has kept the name MaiquetÃÂa International Airport. Conviasa, the Venezuelan flag carrier, is headquartered in the city.
The city forms a conurbation with La Guaira with which it is linked via Avenida Soublette. Given its proximity to Caracas and seafront location, it offers an optimal location for some hotels.
MaiquetÃÂa suffered the devastating effects of torrential rains and mudslides during the 1999 Vargas tragedy.
MaiquetÃÂa has a tropical savannah climate (Aw) with hot, humid days and warm nights year round.
The city is home to the basketball team Bucaneros de La Guaira. The team plays its home games at the Polideportivo José MarÃÂa Vargas.