The city is about 25 km southwest of Caracas, and 1,169 metres (3,835 ft) above mean sea level.

It lies in the Cordillera de la Costa, on the banks of the Río San Pedro.

At the time of the Spanish conquest the region of Los Teques was known for its gold mines, and was the home of Guaicaipuro.

In 1684 Miquilena sold the "lands of Los Altos" to Doña Melchora Ana Tovar y Bañez, widow of Captain Juan de Ascanio y Guerra.

In 1970, the National Institute of Science and Technology for the Petroleum Industry (INTEVEP) was established on land near Quebrada de la Virgen, and in 1971 the University College of the Capital Region became operational.