Activities
Activities Become a rock star
Aruba Inside Out by Susan Campbell Take the road less traveled, or go off-road entirely to discover Aruba’s unique interior, offbeat activities, soul-soothing secret spots, phenomenal natural wonders, and topsy-turvy topography. Discover the “outback”
Though the beaches are world- renowned, you might be surprised to find Aruba’s interior is nothing like your typical tropical island. The desert-like cunucu (countryside) holds a stark, wild, and haunting beauty buoyed by an underlying current of hidden life that defies des cription. A good way to begin is to take a thrilling helicopter tour to get your bearings and afford you a whole new perspective of the island. Before heading out onto the land, there’s an important pit stop you should make. Opened in 2010, Arikok Park Visitor Center provides a glimpse of what’s to come and helps you decide where and
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how you want to explore the massive protected national park that covers over one-fifth of the island. Here you can find out all about the local flora and fauna, meet some of the indigenous animals you might encounter, and view entertaining movies about the park’s outstanding natural attractions. Everything about this center was designed with eco-preservation in mind – from the natural wind and water cooling system – to souvenirs made from recycled and biodegradable materials. There’s also a snack shop and free maps of the trails on-site. Arikok’s expert rangers can provide guided hiking adventures, or if you’d prefer to explore the park after dark, moonlight tours are also available.
Guadirikiri Caves
Go subterranean spelunking
Secreted along the windward coast are some cool caves beckoning explorers to experience the marvels of glistening stalagmites and stalactites. The Guadirikiri Caves are famous for their two sky-lit chambers imbued with legends of enduring love, and the Fontein Cave sparks the imagination to ponder what the island’s first inhabitants were trying to convey through their ancient hieroglyphics. Due to its heart shaped entrance, the Huliba Cave is known as the Tunnel of Love, and all three subterranean attractions are home to nests of harmless, friendly bats.
Background and top photos by Chris Pritchard. Right photo by Lara Rosenoff
The Flintstones would be right at home at the Bedrock-like boulder communities of Casibari and Ayo that seem to appear out of nowhere. Steps and walkways have been cut into and through the massive diorite rock formations for fun exploration. Or if you’re really in a climbing mode, try your legs on the 500-plus steps up to the top of Mount Hooiberg that locals call the haystack. More rocky wonders abound on the wild north coast where restless seas crash against craggy contours, and a more recent rocky phenomenon is a field of sculptures dubbed the “Wishing Garden” where people create small stone monuments in hopes that wishes made there will come true. E Mount Hooiberg
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