The Cockpit Country is a region marked by rugged mountains in the western part of Jamaica. Geologically, it offers steep hills, ridges with extremely deep (390 feet!) sinkholes, and natural valleys. The valley bottoms have very fertile soil, but because the region was so hard to access, its forests were never cleared for farmland; therefore, it remains the largest contiguous rainforest on the island. This unique environment is home to species of birds, reptiles, insects, amphibians, and crustaceans that exist nowhere else. When the British invaded the island in 1665, slaves held by the Spanish landholders were released. Known as Maroons, the ex-slaves successfully attacked the British who couldn’t penetrate into the rough lands. They finally had to make peace with the Maroons in 1738, ceding the Cockpit Country the Maroons, who thus became a free and sovereign people despite the persistence of slavery on the island for another 100 years. The Maroons still hold control of the Cockpit Country to this day.

In case you missed any of the past “365 Things to Do, See and Eat in Jamaica“, here they are all together.

About 365 Things to Do, See and Eat in Jamaica
Jamaica has so many unique foods, places and events to offer. These things are often missed by visitors to Jamaica and even locals. Our goal is to have you try new things and see what Jamaica has to fully offer with something to do 365 days of the year. Please note that these are all our opinions and we are always open to suggestions.

Photo Source: Ancient