Its importance derives from its coffee production and the nearby commerce that exists with Colombia.

Venezuela's former president, Carlos Andrés Pérez, was also born in Rubio.

Rubio has beautiful natural tunnels called La Cueva de los Miagros.

Rubio is sometimes called "La Ciudad Pontalida" ("The City of Bridges") and housed Christiansen Academy, an international school.

The first exploitation of oil in Venezuela (1883) was in La Petrolia by the company "Compañia Nacional Minera Petrolía del Táchira" and the first well was called "Salvador" ("Savior").