Soroa, a highly sought-after destination for nature lovers visiting Cuba, is one of those places that captivates through its natural wonders. Chief among them is the Orchidarium, a Botanical Garden of national significance located in the municipality of Candelaria, in the western province of Artemisa.
Arriving there is akin to stepping into paradise. As soon as you cross the threshold, you are greeted by vibrant orchids in hues of red, orange, yellow, pink, white, purple, and the rare, highly coveted blue variety. Spanning 35,000 square meters dedicated primarily to orchid cultivation, the garden’s cool, humid microclimate provides the perfect environment for these exotic plants to thrive.
The garden’s history began in 1943, spearheaded by Dr. Tomás Felipe Camacho, a lawyer from the Canary Islands and a member of the Cuban Orchid Society (affiliated with the American Orchid Society and the Eastern Orchid Congress). Over nine years, he transformed this fertile hillside into a magnificent garden, naming it "Rancho Pilila" in honor of his youngest daughter, who passed away at the age of 21. Following Dr. Camacho’s death in 1961, the garden was designated a National Heritage site.
The Soroa Orchidarium’s living collection features approximately 400 species, varieties, and hybrids—both naturally occurring and those resulting from crosses by Cuban and international specialists. This total includes nearly 130 endemic Cuban species, representing the island’s primary ecosystems with a particular focus on western Cuba. Managed by the University of Artemisa and part of the National Network of Botanical Gardens, it holds the largest orchid collection in the country.
Beyond its beauty, the Soroa Orchidarium serves as an experimental and teaching center for forestry specialists, administered by the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Environment (CITMA). Here, detailed studies are conducted on each specimen to accelerate their propagation, hybridization, and reintroduction into their natural habitats.
In the shaded house known as the Orquideograma, visitors can admire blooming orchids of unparalleled beauty. In addition to Cuban species, the display includes specimens from Asia, Central America, and South America.
For those who appreciate nature and the delicate beauty of flowers, a visit to Soroa is essential when traveling to the largest island of the Antilles. The fragrance of these exquisite blooms and the poignant history of the site promise an unforgettable experience.
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