Maiquetía,city and port, northern Distrito Federal (Federal District), northern Venezuela, . It lies on the narrow strip of land between the coastal hills and the Caribbean Sea , just west of La Guaira. Founded in 1670 along the old supply road from La Guaira to Caracas, the city was home to most of the mule skinners (mule drivers) who operated the mule trains between the port and Caracas. It is a leading port of Venezuela and a popular beach resort. Industries include a glass factory, a brewery, and a caustic-soda plant. The city is accessible by highway and expressway from Caracas, 20 miles (30 km) to the south, and it is the site of the international jet airport that serves the capital. Pop. (1990 est.2001) 8367,367000.