Major city · Cuba
Soroa
Spend a half‑day (4–6 h) in Soroa: visit the orchid garden and waterfall, then hike the nearby hills.
Soroa is a small village in western Cuba, straddling a single road for 8 km. Its main attractions – the Orquideario (orchid garden) and Cascadas El Salto waterfall – are close together, making a half‑day visit realistic. Accommodations are casas particulares; a double room costs about US$25 per night.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CUP
- Best months
- Nov–Apr (dry season)
- avoid May–Oct (rainy season)
- Airport
- HAV
- Nights
- 0.5
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 8Several islands (Turks and Caicos above all, also the Bah…US State DepartmentUS citizens and US residents (US persons) may not travel …No cards
- Caribbean ↗Several islands (Turks and Caicos above all, also the Bahamas and Jamaica) jail visitors for a single stray bullet or cartridge in their luggage; empty every bag and pocket before you pack.
- Caribbean ↗From August to October keep a free last day before your flight home and check the national hurricane centre daily; airports close when a named storm approaches.
- Caribbean ↗Wearing camouflage clothing is illegal for civilians in several islands, including Barbados, Antigua, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent, Grenada, Dominica, Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica; leave it at home, children's clothes included.
- Cuba ↗US State Department: Level 2, exercise increased caution (in place since 2025; the US Embassy reported another island-wide blackout on 18 September 2026). UK FCDO: against all but essential travel (updated 25 September 2026). Canada: avoid non-essential travel (updated 28 September 2026). Australia: reconsider your need to travel. Read your own government's advice and check your insurance still covers Cuba before booking (checked 2026-09).
- Cuba ↗Check entry rules for your passport with the Cuban embassy or official sources; most visitors need an e-visa (formerly the tourist card) and the online D'Viajeros form, and requirements change.
- Cuba ↗US citizens and US residents (US persons) may not travel to Cuba as tourists. The trip must fit one of 12 OFAC general-licence categories: family visits; official government business; journalism; professional research and meetings; educational activities; religious activities; public performances, clinics, workshops, competitions and exhibitions; support for the Cuban people; humanitarian projects; private foundations and research institutes; information and informational materials; and certain export transactions. Most independent travellers use 'support for the Cuban people', which needs a full-time schedule of activities with Cuban people and private businesses (casas, paladares, private guides), and records kept for 5 years. US persons may not stay at properties on the State Department's Cuba Prohibited Accommodations List (11 more Havana hotels added 14 July 2025) or deal directly with entities on the Cuba Restricted List (GAESA and other military-linked businesses). Rules tightened in 2025–26; check OFAC before booking (checked 2026-09).
- Cuba ↗Medical insurance is compulsory for entry: carry proof of a policy valid in Cuba, or buy a Cuban (Asistur) policy on arrival. US-based insurers are generally not accepted in Cuba; flights from the US include a Cuban medical policy in the fare — keep the boarding pass as proof (check with your airline). Hospital bills are payable in cash only, so buy cover with medical evacuation as well (checked 2026-09).
- Cuba ↗No cards: US-issued debit and credit cards have never worked in Cuba because of the embargo, and since 6 June 2026 Visa and Mastercard cards from any country are no longer accepted (Cuban Central Bank, after a foreign processor dropped FINCIMEX under US Executive Order 14404). Bring enough US dollars or euros in cash for the whole stay plus an emergency reserve (checked 2026-09).
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Soroa106 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Soroa, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Cuban peso (CUP).Cuba-wide
- SIM or eSIMcheckETECSA is the only operator; tourist SIMs and eSIMs are sold with passport at the airport and ETECSA offices (check eSIM).Cuba-wide
- Tap waterDo not drink tap water; bottled water can be scarce, so bring a filter bottle or tablets.Cuba-wide
- TippingRestaurants: 10% in cash.Cuba-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B/C/L. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 110 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Cuba-wide
- SafetySoroa is low‑risk; typical precautions are keeping valuables hidden, using licensed taxis, and watching slippery trails after rain.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsOften without seats or paper; carry tissue and small coins for attendants.Cuba-wide
- Emergency numbers106 police · 104 ambulance · 105 fire (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysOpening hours shrink during fuel crises; banks and offices may close early.Cuba-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportHAV José Martí International Airport (Main gateway; 1.5 h drive from Soroa, arrange a taxi or collectivo in advance).
- Getting aroundWalk or bike along the main road (8 km (5 mi)).Walk or bike along the main road (5 mi (8 km)).
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi to Las Terrazas$15 one‑way
- Museum or sight ticketOrquideario entry$3
- Mid-range bedDouble room in casa particular$25 per night
A day, not counting the bed: Budget CU$30–45 · Mid CU$45–70 · High CU$70+
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- HAV José Martí International Airport (Main gateway; 1.5 h drive from Soroa, arrange a taxi or collectivo in advance)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Feb
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Mar
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Apr
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
May
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Jun
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Jul
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Aug
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Sep
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Oct
Avoid
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Nov
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Dec
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Best: Nov–Apr. Avoid: May–Oct. Month by month →
Warmest Jun (31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)), coolest Jan (20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C) low), wettest Jul (10 rain days), driest Apr (4). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Soroa: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
6 rd
Feb
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
6 rd
Mar
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
5 rd
Apr
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
4 rd
May
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
7 rd
Jun
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
9 rd
Jul
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
10 rd
Aug
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
10 rd
Sep
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
8 rd
Oct
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
5 rd
Nov
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
5 rd
Dec
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
6 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Walk or bike along the main road (8 km). Taxis from the gas station cost US$15 to Las Terrazas. Local buses run free between Soroa and Candelaria. Bike rental about US$10/day (check with casa).
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Las Terrazas
goDoor to door: ≈30 min total
Taxi from Soroa gas station, about US$15 one‑way, 20 min drive
Visit the eco‑village and its forest trails.
Viñales
cautionDoor to door: ≈8 h round‑trip
Collectivo from Havana to Viñales (US$15), then arrange drop‑off in Soroa; total travel ≈4 h each way
Long travel; consider staying overnight in Viñales instead.
Candelaria
goDoor to door: ≈30 min total
Local free bus from Soroa to Candelaria (≈15 min)
Access supermarket, bank and additional eateries.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Casas particulares (lower village)
Most options near the highway; double room US$25/night, breakfast US$4, dinner US$10.
Casas particulares (mountain area)
Quieter, closer to hikes; same rates.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- CU$30–45 excl. bed
- Mid
- CU$45–70 excl. bed
- High
- CU$70+ excl. bed
Trip budget
Prices of common things
| Orquideario entry | $3 |
| Cascadas El Salto entry | $3 |
| Basic Creole meal at restaurant | $5 |
| Double room in casa particular | $25 per night |
| Taxi to Las Terrazas | $15 one‑way |
| Bike rental | $10 per day |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Viazul buses do not stop in Soroa; arrange drop‑off with the driver.
- Internet unavailable; plan offline maps.
- Waterfall trail can be slippery after rain.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 106
- Ambulance
- 104
- Fire
- 105
Pocket card
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SoroaSoroa
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police106
- Ambulance104
- Fire105
Embassy
US consulate in Havana; other nations have embassies in Havana.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Taxi Soroa → Las Terrazas: about $15 one‑way
- Bike rental per day: $10
Say or show
- Disculpe — Excuse me / Sorry (dis‑kul‑pe)
- Gracias — Thank you (gra‑see‑as)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (kwan‑to kwes‑ta)
- ¿Dónde está el baño? — Where is the bathroom? (don‑de es‑ta el ba‑nyo)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Soroa. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Nov–Apr (dry season) · avoid May–Oct (rainy season) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares
Sources
Ask about Soroa
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