This mountainous part belongs to the Yungas' (sub tropical mountain forests) geographical ambit. It is adjoining to the Salta province in the north, east and south. It has a surface calculated in 4,260 square kilometres. It has a damp and warm climate in the valleys and a bit cold in its heights.

In certain areas there blows a constant southbound wind. It rains frequently from December through March. Corn, alfalfa, sugarcane, wheat, barley, oranges, lemons, bananas, peaches, grapes and cherimoyas are grown in here. Important woods can be found in its forest and cattle, sheep and horses are breed in the area.

There is access from San Pedro de Jujuy, through the Ruta Nacional Nº 1 National Route (paved), and from Palma Sola (consolidated dirt road) to get to Villa Monte.

Due to its difficult access and its scarce population, the flora and fauna of this region remains almost intact; and its conservation is intended at the Portal de Piedra.

The area has a camping area with restrooms and kitchen, a shed in the middle of the forest or lodging at a family house.

Horse riding and trekking can be enjoyed in horse trails, on one or two day long excursions. There is bilingual personal attention.

FUERTE DE SANTA BARBARA FORT
At the outermost eastern part of the Jujuy province, and at 1,300 meters above sea level, between the Santa Barbara sierra, with a 2,500 meters altitude, and the Centinela hill, with 1,970 meters, an Spanish fort was built that was also known as the Presidio Santa Barbara prison.

It worked to contain the indigenous invasions, mostly mobs coming from El Chaco.

The ruins show double stone walls packed with rubble, standing in a rectangular shape with pikes which are extensions of the angles opposite to the road; it had a tile roof.

Different studies coincide in that the current geometrical trace of the town repeats that of an extensive village of the San Francisco culture.

It is, therefore, an important archaeological site. The place, of great beauty, is a location for raising cattle and exploiting woods. The access is precarious during the southern hemisphere's summer. It has 423 inhabitants.

THERMAL WATERS

Aguas Calientes:
Thermal baths also known as Fuente de la Quinta. Its waters are alkaline, with calcium and magnesium, and have excellent therapeutic properties with a temperature of about 53º Centigrade.

Palma Sola:
Its name comes from a well known orange cultivated in the area that bore the name. It is a valley of subtropical climate standing between to brooks of the Santa Rita stream. Agriculture is the most important economic activity. Fruit trees are notable.

Villa Monte:
Surrounded by sierras, it has a subtropical climate. The Los Rastrojos and Santa Rita streams can be seen in the vicinity.