CubaPLUS Magazine

Also known as the "Rainbow of Cuba" due to a unique optical phenomenon that occurs daily at its main waterfall, Soroa is a dream destination for nature lovers and ranks among Cuba’s most alluring vacation spots.

Nestled within the Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve, the village of Soroa is said to owe its name either to a Basque immigrant family that once settled in the area, or to the word soroche—a term referring to altitude-induced fatigue.

Here, two scenic viewpoints welcome visitors to a quintessential Cuban landscape surrounded by lush, vibrant vegetation. One natural terrace, known as El Mogote, rises 375 meters above sea level, while the Castillito de las Nubes (Little Castle in the Clouds) offers sweeping, panoramic views of the town of Candelaria nestled at the foot of the mountains.

Travelers can choose from a wide range of leisure activities, including horseback riding, hiking, mineral-rich thermal baths, and birdwatching, as the area boasts an abundant avian population. Exploring the banks of the iconic Manantiales River, highly regarded for its rich biodiversity, is another major highlight.

A climb up a 280-step staircase leads to a spectacular 22-meter-high waterfall, where the waters cascade down into the legendary Poza del Amor (Pool of Love)—a favorite spot for couples and romantics. It is at this very waterfall where visitors can witness the refraction of light at certain times of the day, a natural spectacle that earned Soroa its colorful moniker.

Soroa is also home to the internationally renowned Soroa Orchid Garden. Established in 1943, this botanical sanctuary features more than 500 species of these exquisite flowers. Additionally, the location serves as an excellent base for day trips to the sustainable rural community of Las Terrazas or the pristine shores of Cayo Levisa, located in the northern Los Colorados archipelago.

For those who cherish nature and tranquility, there is no place quite like Soroa—a true paradise of crisp mountain air and vibrant colors.