Soroa travel guide

If travelling by car, you can make a detour to Soroa, a spa and resort in the Sierra del Rosario, 81 km southwest of the capital, either by continuing 18 km west then southeast from Moka through the Sierra del Rosario, or directly from the autopista, driving northwest from Candelaria. As you drive into the area from the south, a sign on the right indicates the Mirador de Venus and Baños Romanos. Past the baths is the Bar Edén (open till 1800), where you can park before walking up to the mirador (25 mins, free on foot, CUC$3 on a horse) . From the top you get fine views of the southern plains, the forest-covered Sierra and Soroa itself. There are lots of birds, butterflies, dragonflies and lizards around the path; many flowers in season and birdwatching is very popular here.

Further north is a Jardín Botánico Orchidarium (T48-522558, guided tours daily 0830-1140, 1340-1555, CUC$3, birdwatching, hiking and riding CUC$3 per hr) with over 700 species of which 250 are native to Cuba, as well as ferns and begonias (check if the orchids are in bloom before visiting). Alberto, at the desk, speaks good English and some French and there is also a restaurant, Castillo de las Nubes (1200-1900). There is an excursion to El Brujito, a village once owned by French landlords, where the third and fourth generations of slaves live. Across the road from the Orchidarium is a waterfall , worth a visit if you are in the area. You can do a day trip from Havana or stay overnight.