Overview:

is a small family-run orchid garden in Soroa, Pinar del Rio Province, in Cuba. Established in 1961, it occupies an area of over 40 acres, and has a great variety of orchids from Cuba and the rest of the world. The gardens include tropical and sub-tropical plants, rare species of orchid, and a waterfall. There is also a palm tree orchard, a medicinal plant garden, a herbarium, a butterfly garden, and a small lake surrounded by tropical fruit trees. Visitors can enjoy a guided tour of the gardens and a refreshing bath in the waterfall. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Cuba
Prominent Features:

1. Wide variety of native Cuban Orchid species: The gardens are home to more than 270 varieties of native Cuban orchid species, making it one of the most diverse collections of orchid species in the world. 2. Beautiful surroundings: Besides the stunning orchid displays, the garden is surrounded by lush subtropical forest that makes for beautiful picturesque views. 3. Educational and Research Facility: The gardens are also an important research and educational facility. Researchers from around the world come to the gardens to conduct studies on the different orchid species and to share information with other enthusiasts. 4. Attractive pathways and ponds: The gardens also feature attractive pathways and ponds that provide visitors with a peaceful and restful environment to enjoy. 5. Accessibility and services: The gardens are open to visitors from 8.00 am till 5.00 pm, and they provide services such as guided tours and souvenir selling. This national monument of Cuba portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Soroa Orchid Garden, also known as the Jardín Soroa, is a botanical garden located in Soroa, Pinar del Río, western Cuba. It was founded by Don Tomás Felipe Camacho in 1955 and covers roughly 32 acres. The garden is home to a variety of native Cuban species, including over 700 different orchid species, as well as bromeliads, ferns, palms, and other plants. Visitors to the garden can view the orchid species in bloom and wander among pathways lined with lush flora. There is also a thatched-roof ranchón on the grounds that is available for rent. The garden also features a small museum dedicated to Cuban plant life. The garden is named after its founder, Tomás Felipe Camacho. Tomás Felipe was a botanist and explorer. He traveled widely throughout Cuba researching plants and collecting specimens. During one of his trips to the province of Pinar del Río, he was enchanted by the natural beauty of the area and decided to settle there. In 1955, he purchased a piece of land and began planning a botanical garden. Over the years, Tomás Felipe worked to build the garden into what it is today. He began by setting up a small nursery to cultivate orchids and other plants. Later, he added a fountain, pergola, and other elements to make the garden more attractive. He also began to collect seeds and plants from other parts of Cuba to add variety to the garden. Today, the Soroa Orchid Garden is a popular destination for botanists and nature enthusiasts. It is also a popular site for weddings and other special occasions. The garden is open to the public and admission is free. The Soroa Orchid Garden is listed on the Cuban National Registry of Sites of Historical and Cultural Interest. In 2019, it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List and simultaneously included as a World Heritage site on the Tentative List. The garden is part of the efforts to preserve and protect the country’s flora and fauna. It represents “the Cuban passion for botany and commitment to preserving its biodiversity” and serves as “an emblem of the Cuban identity and culture”. You must visit one of these historical places in Cuba on your Cuba tour

Interesting facts:

1. Soroa Orchid Garden in Pinar del Rio, Cuba is the largest orchid garden in the Caribbean region. 2. It boasts more than 650 different species of orchids, a large number of them endemic to Cuba. 3. Spanning across 18 hectares, it contains several lush gardens dotted with waterfalls, fountains and streams. 4. The garden is home to the famous ‘Flower of Cuba’, which is an endemic orchid species with yellow-orange petals found only in the region. 5. During the rainy season, the garden is filled with butterflies encircling the colorful blossoms. 6. The grounds of Soroa Orchid Garden are also home to different species of birds, mammals, and reptiles. Visit one of the famous monuments of Cuba with your friends and family.