Soroa

Soroa is a village belonging to the municipality of Candelaria in Artemisa Province, western Cuba. Nestled in the Sierra del Rosario mountain range, Soroa is associated with the Reserva de la Biosfera Sierra del Rosario National Park and is renowned for its orchid garden — the world's second-biggest, with over 700 species — and a stunning 35-metre waterfall.

The village stretches along a single road from the highway in the south to the mountains in the north for more than 8 km. The mountain region is prettier and calmer, providing easy access to the main sights, while the southern end near the highway junction is closer to Candelaria and transport links.

Tropical climate with slightly cooler mountain temperatures. The wet season runs from May to October, with the drier months (November–April) being more comfortable for hiking and outdoor activities.

By Plane

José Martí International Airport (HAV) in Havana is the nearest major airport, approximately 80 km east. A collectivo from Havana costs around US$15 per person (drivers can be found near the Viazul bus station; you may need to pay the full Viñales fare).

By Car / Road

No Viazul buses stop directly in Soroa, but since the village starts at the highway junction with an easy stop at the gas station, drivers may agree to drop you off (check first, then buy a ticket to Pinar del Río as the next stop). From Las Terrazas, a cab costs approximately US$15.

Soroa consists mainly of one long road. Since sights are at the northern end (about 200 m higher), getting around requires some effort.

• By taxi: Your casa can organize drivers for day trips. A one-way trip to Las Terrazas costs US$15.
• By bus: Local buses run between the mountains and Candelaria for a minimal fare.
• By bike: Mostly easy terrain, but the northern sights require climbing. Bike rental through your casa is around US$10 per day.

• Orquideario (until around 17:00) — the world's second-biggest orchid garden with 700 species. Well-kept and peaceful, with trails to a ruined mansion and valley views behind the garden. US$3 entry.

• Cascadas El Salto (Waterfall, until around 18:00) — a beautiful 35-metre waterfall with a paved trail from the parking lot to the top and base, where you can swim. In the dry season less water flows but the surroundings remain pretty. A state-run restaurant is at the entrance. US$3 entry.

• Hike in the mountains — trails start from the waterfall area, with a viewpoint accessible on foot. OpenStreetMap coverage of trails is basic.

• Swim at the waterfall base — refresh in the natural pool at the base of Cascadas El Salto.

• Explore the orchid garden — wander the extensive collection of orchid species in a lush forest setting.

A few paladares serve Creole food. Eating at your casa particular may be the better deal.

• Restaurant near highway junction — basic Creole food for around US$5.
• Local paladares — Creole home cooking at various locations along the village road.
• State-run restaurant at Cascadas El Salto — convenient for meals after visiting the waterfall.

Rum cocktails, Cristal and Bucanero beer are available at restaurants and casas. There is no internet available in Soroa and no ETECSA office.

Plenty of casas particulares are available throughout Soroa, concentrating along the lower village. The going rate is US$25 per night for a double room, US$4 per person for breakfast, and US$10 for dinner. Choose your location wisely — the mountain region is prettier and closer to sights but further from the highway.

• Budget: Casas particulares at US$25 per night.
• Mid-range: Hotel Villa Soroa — the main hotel option in the village.

There are no real shops in Soroa. A bakery and small fruit stand are near the highway junction, and the gas station stocks bare necessities. For a supermarket and fruit/vegetable market, head to Candelaria. There is no bank or Cadeca in Soroa (one is available in Candelaria).

• Las Terrazas — an eco-community with a lake and coffee plantation ruins, about 20 km east (25 min drive).
• Viñales — Cuba's famous valley with mogotes and tobacco farms, about 50 km west (1 hour drive).
• Candelaria — the nearest town for supplies and banking, about 10 km south (15 min drive).
• Parque Nacional La Güira — a national park with caves and hiking, about 40 km west (45 min drive).