"Change of compass to the Soroa Orchid Garden, Pinar del Río, Cuba."

The morning began with an unexpected twist. Our original plan was to explore the famous mogotes of Viñales, but a last-minute change, prompted by the temporary closure of some routes due to recent rains, led us to redirect our compass toward a lesser-known but equally fascinating destination: the Soroa Orchid Garden. Although there was some initial resistance within the group, the decision turned out to be a stroke of luck that none of us will ever forget.

The journey to Soroa, located in the Sierra del Rosario, was an adventure in itself. The winding road offered us views of hills covered in intense green, with the fresh mountain air seeping through the car windows. Upon arrival, we were greeted by an almost magical silence, interrupted only by the songs of birds and the murmur of the Manantiales River. Soroa, known as the "Rainbow of Cuba," is a place that seems frozen in time, where nature and tradition intertwine in a unique way.

The Orchid Garden, founded in 1943 by Spanish lawyer Tomás Felipe Camacho, is a sanctuary for more than 700 species of orchids, many of them endemic to Cuba. As we walked along its paths, surrounded by exotic flowers and centuries-old trees, a local guide shared a legend that has been passed down through generations. According to the locals, Soroa was a sacred place for the Taíno people, who believed that orchids were gifts from the gods to purify the soul. Even today, some claim that on full moon nights, ancestral chants can be heard among the flowers.

After exploring the Orchid Garden, we headed to the Salto de Soroa, a 22-meter-high waterfall that plunges into a pool of crystal-clear water. The place, surrounded by lush vegetation, is perfect for a refreshing swim. While some ventured into the water, others preferred to sit on the rocks and enjoy the soothing sound of the waterfall. It was there that an elderly local shared a curious anecdote: decades ago, the farmers in the area believed that the waterfall's water had healing properties, and many traveled from afar to bathe in it and cure their ailments.

The day ended with a visit to the Soroa Lookout, which offers a panoramic view of the entire valley. The sun was beginning to set, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink, and at that moment, we all agreed that the change of plans had been a blessing in disguise. Soroa, although not the most popular destination in Pinar del Río, had gifted us an authentic and magical experience.

As we returned, loaded with photos and memories, we couldn't stop talking about how this place, far from the tourist crowds, had connected us with the purest essence of Cuba. Soroa is not just a destination; it is an experience that envelops you in its history, nature, and legends, leaving you eager to return.