Local legend tells that these hills served as a refuge for
pirates while history confirms the existence of soldiers from
the liberation army hiding from the Spanish colonizers during
the independence war.
With an extension of over 370 hectares, these rock formations
are a unique
symbol of the national geographic region.
The territory was controlled by very ancient indigenous people,
mainly found in the hills with 8 caves of which 4 have over 600
meters of galleries and places used for funerals for the
indigenous community.
Endemic flora and fauna found in the area are among the most
important in Villa Clara while the central part of Cuba is
highlighted for its landscape and archeological values, declared
a Protected Area and later Ecological Reserve.
There are over 420 species of plants, 48 endemic to the Cuban
archipelago.
Among them are the “palmita de Jumagua” and the “roble enamo”
and are only found in the northern side of several of the 8
mogotes (rock formations).
The fauna found in the region includes over 20 types of mollusks
and some 100 variety of birds among them the Perico Carey,
threatened family whose population is very limited.
There are also green and woodpeckers, Tocororo (Cuba’s national
bird) and other birds, 14 groups of reptiles and a same number
of bats.
This region is highlighted for its natural, scientific and
tourism values which are very useful for environmental education
and a landscape enjoyed by Cuban and foreign visitors.