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- Orquideario de Soroa (Orchid Garden) — A surprisingly lush, well-curated garden tucked into the hillside, home to a huge variety of native orchids and other tropical plants. It’s both beautiful and educational: good for photos, close-up plant lovers, and anyone who likes seeing conservation in action without trekking deep into the forest.
- Salto de Soroa (the waterfall) — A short trail leads to a dramatic drop and a cool plunge pool framed by dense green walls. It’s the classic Soroa image for a reason: refreshing swim, great contrast in photos, and an easy walk even if you’re low on time. (Personal favorite — nothing beats dunking under that fall after a hot morning walk.)
- The Mirador / lookout tower — A simple but rewarding climb up to a viewpoint that opens onto the Río Soroa valley
- Orquideario de Soroa (Orchid Garden) — A surprisingly lush, well-curated garden tucked into the hillside, home to a huge variety of native orchids and other tropical plants. It’s both beautiful and educational: good for photos, close-up plant lovers, and anyone who likes seeing conservation in action without trekking deep into the forest.
- Salto de Soroa (the waterfall) — A short trail leads to a dramatic drop and a cool plunge pool framed by dense green walls. It’s the classic Soroa image for a reason: refreshing swim, great contrast in photos, and an easy walk even if you’re low on time. (Personal favorite — nothing beats dunking under that fall after a hot morning walk.)
- The Mirador / lookout tower — A simple but rewarding climb up to a viewpoint that opens onto the Río Soroa valley and distant plains. Best at sunrise or late afternoon when the light flattens the ridges and you can see the patchwork of forests and farms below.
- Cloud-forest trails and birdwatching — Short, shady trails run through humid forest where hummingbirds, trogons and other endemics turn up if you go early. Bring binoculars and expect fragrant air and dense foliage rather than sweeping vistas.
- Part of the Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve — The whole area is protected, which is why the forests stay so rich and quiet. That status matters: you’re seeing ecosystems that are being actively conserved, with species and habitats that don’t exist everywhere else in Cuba.
- Rural culture and small farms — Soroa isn’t just nature; nearby farms and small villages give a look at montañero life—coffee, fruit trees, simple homestays and friendly locals. Easy to pair with a walk or the orchid garden for a fuller half-day.
- Hidden cascades and swimming spots off the main trail — Walk a little further and you’ll find quieter pools and tiny waterfalls where you can escape the main crowds. They’re perfect for a relaxed swim or a picnic, but wear shoes—rocks get slippery.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.