Puerto Ordaz was named for the Spanish explorer Diego de Ordaz. De Ordaz arrived in the area in 1531, while searching for gold. While he never found the treasure he was seeking, he stumbled upon an area that was rich in many other ways. The city lays near the confluence of two major rivers, the Caroni River and the Orinoco River. The river delta is full of greenery, the result of fertile, well-nourished land. The people of Puerto Ordaz have taken good care to preserve and savor the natural beauty around them. Three parks, Parque Cachamay, Parque Loefling, and Parque La Llovizna, showcase the area's flora and fauna.

Puerto Ordaz has enjoyed a tourism boom, and Venezuelans are moving here to take advantage of the burgeoning economic opportunities. There are plenty of tour organizers, retail shops, and upscale restaurants to cater to the influx of visitors. Some have argued that this commercialization has detracted from the charm of Puerto Ordaz. On the contrary; as the city grows and attracts more and more people, the diversity of the city and its people has become one of the highlights of Puerto Ordaz.