It was established in 1963 on the site of the small village of Obando, at the time in the municipality of San Felipe.

[5] However, in the 1990s and 2000s, with increased exploitation of the area’s natural resources, efforts have been made to manage the local population.

The main economic activities in the municipality, aside from government, are agriculture, fishing[8] and cattle raising.

[9] Agriculture includes subsistence farming,[10] the production of fiber from the petioles of the young chiquichiqui palm (Bactris speciosa), used for rope, and the rattan known as "Yaré" used for furniture and baskets.

Tourists visit for several activities including fishing, canoeing, sightseeing and hiking.