Complete Guide to the  Natural Monuments of the  Guarico State

Natural Monument

Arístides Rojas * Morros de San Juan

* Location

Near San Juan de los Morros, in the area called Puerta de Los Llanos.

* How to get there

By land, following the road that goes from San Juan de los Morros to Villa de Cura.

* Surface

2.755 ha.

* Characteristics

Better known as Los Morros de San Juan, this was the second natural monument decreed in the country. Afterwards, 1,125 ha. were added to it to preserve all its limestone hills. It is located in the central sector of the Interior Sierra. From a distance they resemble castles in ruins. In reality, they are serrated hills that rise like high buttresses. They reach an altitude of 1,060 m. and are geologically formed by a limestone reef which evolved when an ancient sea covered the central part of the country, approximately 80 million years ago. The dominant vegetation is savanna and some montane forest in the hollow area of the natural drainage, and at the foot of the "morros". Fauna is scarce, and among mammals, red howler monkeys, foxes and rabbits can be seen. Bats are abundant, as well as cave-dwelling species. Because of their mysterious characteristics, these formations have a great sentimental value for the local people. There are very frequented thermal baths in the vicinity of San Juan de los Morros.

Natural Monument

Cerro Platillón

* Location

North of the state and west of San Juan de los Morros.

* How to get there

By rural roads from San Juan de los Morros.

* Surface

8.000 ha.

* Characteristics

A natural place between hills and savannas on the limits of the sierra and the Llano. Platillón is the highest elevation in the Interior Sierra, measuring 1,930 m. The landscape is mountainous and abrupt, with a forest mass where it is always cloudy. Important affluents of the Guárico river, which feed the dam of the region, have their headwaters here. This dam is vital for the important agricultural activity of the area. In the higher parts, there is a dense vegetation, always green, with narrow gallery forests which follow the course of streams and rivers. In the lower parts, there is savanna vegetation, with few trees. This area is a refuge for a varied fauna, among which we can mention the red howler monkey, foxes, rabbits, pacas, armadillos, as well as reptiles and amphibians. Temper-atures range between 15° C. and 23° C., with an annual rainfall of 1,200 mm. This natural monument was also baptized with the name of Juan Germán Roscio.

Natural Monument

Morros de Macaira

* Location

Southwest of Guatopo national park.

* How to get there

By road, following the route from Altagracia de Orituco to San Francisco de Macaira.

Area * Surface

99 ha.

* Characteristics

These "morros" stand out in the distance because of their abrupt relief. They are formed by limestone reef rocks which correspond to the early Cretaceous period. There are three massifs crossed by numerous caves where subterranean springs have their source. The annual average temperature is 23° 

Natural Monuments  - by State

Venezuela´s Eco Regions (15)