The town is mainly known for its Germanic characteristics, culture, and a dessert called "golfiado", which is very similar to a Cinnamon roll.

Founded in 1843 by German settlers, the city remained isolated from the rest of the country for decades, a factor that permitted the inhabitants to keep their culture and traditions.

Due to the cool climate and pleasant surrounding countryside, it is a popular week-end destination for many visitors from Caracas.

The surrounding cloud forests are protected by the Pico Codazzi Natural Monument, though some signs of deforestation are visible due to the high tourist demand from Caracas, and the extraction of tree fern, sold dry for growing orchids.

The town is situated on a steep hillside, making the street layout difficult and poorly suited to the heavy weekend traffic.