Although it is just an hour or so drive from Havana, the small mountain settlement of Soroa and the surrounding region has an entirely different vibe. Come here to escape the urban bustle and find peace amid the undulating Sierra del Rosario mountains.
Most visitors to Soroa make a beeline for the Orquideario botanical garden to marvel at the colorful collection of orchids and other plants. Set on a sloping hillside, the garden was originally built by Spanish lawyer Tomás Felipe Camacho in the 1940s as a tribute to his wife and daughter. Stroll among the gardens and inspect the incredible assortment of exotic plants, which includes more than 700 orchid species from all over the world. Guided tours of the grounds are available in Spanish and English.
Soroa’s other big attraction is the Arco Iris Waterfall, a wonderfully scenic 72-foot (22-meter) tall cascade. Follow paths leading to viewpoints both above and below the waterfall. Bring along a swimsuit to paddle in the pool below. The waterfall is at its best during the rainy season between May and October.
While in Soroa, take a side trip to the nearby Las Terrazas, an ecovillage and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Hurtle along zip lines, hike in the lush surrounds and visit studios where local artists paint, do woodwork and create pottery.
The natural area around the picturesque village is also popular bird-watching spot. Be on the lookout for various species of woodpeckers, as well as the multicolored Cuban tody and the red, white and blue tocororo, Cuba’s national bird. Listen as you look and you may even hear the strains of mockingbirds who are known to inhabit the area. For more cultural pursuits, head for Cafetal Buenavista. One of the country’s oldest coffee plantations, it was built in 1801 by French refugees from Haiti.
Soroa and the surrounding area experiences heavy rainfall, so be prepared for downpours.
Find Soroa just 52 miles (85 kilometers) southwest of Havana. Buses depart from the capital.
