How to Plan Your Aruba Arikok National Park Hiking Tour

If you are looking for an unforgettable outdoor adventure during your visit to Oranjestad, the Aruba Arikok National Park Hiking Tour is an excellent choice. This tour offers the opportunity to explore nearly 20% of Aruba’s designated national park, home to a diverse range of plant and animal species. Here is a guide on how to plan your visit to the Arikok National Park hiking tour.

Experience

The Aruba Arikok National Park Hiking Tour offers a unique opportunity to hike through the natural beauty of Aruba’s landscape while learning about the native and endemic flora and fauna from an expert Arikok National Park ranger. This hiking tour highlights fascinating historical sites, scenic natural wonders, and offers a glimpse into the Aruba of old.

Highlights

On the Arikok National Park Hiking Tour, you can expect to experience the following highlights:

• Explore the Arikok National Park, a natural wonder covering almost 20% of Aruba
• Discover Aruba’s endemic animal species such as the Aruban cat-eye snake, Aruban whiptail lizard, and endangered rattlesnake
• Hike alongside an expert Arikok National Park Ranger who will provide insight into the park’s flora and fauna as well as historical sites
• Visit the modern and sustainable Visitors’ Center, where an exhibit showcases Aruba’s indigenous animals
• Experience the island’s natural wonders, including caves, natural bridges, and scenic lookout points
• Learn about the Arawak Indian culture that once inhabited the island through various ruins and petroglyphs

Booking the Tour

To book the Aruba Arikok National Park Hiking Tour, follow this link. This is a third-party company that offers the tour, and they have a highly-rated reputation for providing guests with an exceptional experience.

The Full Description

The Aruba Arikok National Park Hiking Tour is a unique experience, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The tour entails exploring almost 20% of Aruba designated as a national park. The Arikok National Park is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species and natural wonders such as caves, natural bridges, and scenic lookout points.

Your adventure begins with the modern and sustainable Visitors’ Center, where an exhibit showcases various Aruba’s indigenous animals such as the Aruban whiptail lizard (cododo), Aruban cat eye snake (santanero), and the endangered rattlesnake (cascabel). You will be escorted on this hike by professional Arikok National Park rangers who will provide insightful commentary on the park’s flora and fauna as well as highlight interesting historical sites.

The Arikok National Park is home to priceless gems that are rare because they are indigenous to the island. The Aruban burrowing owl (Shoco), Aruban rattlesnake, Aruban whiptail lizard, and Aruban parakeet (Prikishi) can be spotted during the tour. You will learn about the Arawak Indian culture that once inhabited the island through various ruins and petroglyphs.

As you hike through the national park, you will be amazed by the rugged and dramatic landscapes while admiring the crystal-clear water that surrounds the area. At various viewpoints, take a moment to catch your breath and capture the perfect photo.

In conclusion, the Aruba Arikok National Park Hiking Tour is a must-do outdoor adventure for anyone visiting Oranjestad. The tour provides guests with a once-in-a-lifetime experience that showcases the natural beauty and history of the island. Book your tour today and make unforgettable memories.

A Local’s Guide to Aruba: Exploring Arikok National Park

Aruba, a small Dutch Caribbean island, is known for its sunny climate, crystal-clear waters, and pristine beaches. However, there’s more to the island than just its sandy shores. A visit to Aruba isn’t complete without exploring the island’s wild side at Arikok National Park, a protected expanse of rugged terrain, stunning geological formations, and diverse flora and fauna. Here’s a comprehensive guide to plan your Aruba Arikok National Park hiking tour.

Getting to Arikok National Park

Arikok National Park covers nearly 20% of the island, from the rugged eastern coastline to the serene western shore. The easiest way to get to the park is by car, either by renting one or hiring a taxi. The entrance fee to the park is $11 per person, and a guided tour can be booked for an additional $25.

Exploring Arikok National Park

Once you’re inside the park, there’s a plethora of trails and attractions to explore. The most popular hike is the Arikok trail, a 3.5-mile trek that takes you past natural landmarks such as the Guadirikiri Caves, the Fontein Cave, and the Natural Pool. Along the way, you’ll see indigenous plants and animals, such as the Aruban burrowing owl, the Aruban whiptail lizard, and the divi-divi tree.

Other must-see attractions within the park include the San Fuego and Quadiriki Caves, two limestone formations with pre-Columbian pictographs and impressive chambers. The Fontein Cave boasts stalactites and stalagmites, and the Natural Pool (also known as Conchi) is a picturesque swimming hole of azure water surrounded by rugged cliffs.

Local Dining Spots

After your day of hiking, you’re sure to be hungry. Don’t miss out on the local dining scene in the nearby town of Santa Cruz. Zeerovers is a favorite spot among locals, serving up fresh seafood straight off the boat. Smokey Joe’s Island Grill is another popular choice, offering smoked meats and Caribbean-inspired foods. For a more upscale experience, try the Flying Fishbone restaurant, which is situated right on the beach and offers stunning views of the sunset.

Experiencing Local Culture and History

Besides the national park, Aruba is also home to a rich cultural heritage that is worth exploring. The Casibari Rock Formations, for instance, are a natural landmark revered by the island’s indigenous people, and visitors can take guided tours to learn about their significance. Another notable cultural attraction is the Aruba Museum, which houses exhibits on the island’s history and traditions.

If you’re interested in learning about the island’s colonial past, visit the Alto Vista Chapel, Aruba’s oldest church, built by Spanish missionaries in 1750. It’s perched high on a hill, providing breathtaking views of the sea.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

For travelers who are looking to venture off the beaten path, there are several hidden gems worth discovering. The secret beach of Boca Prins is a secluded spot where you can swim and sunbathe in privacy. The abandoned gold mines of Bushiribana and Balashi are another interesting find, with crumbling ruins and tunnels that have been preserved from Aruba’s gold rush days.

Another off-the-beaten-path suggestion is to explore the eastern coastline of the island. Although it’s less developed than the western shore, it offers a glimpse of Aruba’s untamed nature. You can hike to the mouth of the natural Bridge, a rock formation that collapsed in 2005, or check out the rough-and-tumble surfer’s paradise of Boca Grandi.

Conclusion

Aruba may be known for its beaches, but a trip to Arikok National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the island’s wilder side. From the stunning geological formations to the diverse flora and fauna, there’s so much to explore within the park’s boundaries. Be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen, and wear sturdy shoes, and you’re ready for an unforgettable hiking tour.