The natural side of Aruba: Arikok Park
Of the many activities in Aruba, a trip through the Park Arikok may be the most unique. From sand dunes and cactus in the desert interior of the park to the cliffs and hidden coves of limestone on the Caribbean coast, Arikok Park offers as much ecological diversity as any place that can find. Unique historic sites within the park boundaries Aruba shed light on agricultural and mining past. Arikok Park is also home to numerous unique species, with the support of the microclimate of the geography of the park. There are several types of snakes, lizards and native birds in the park are found nowhere else in the world. With almost 20% of the island devoted to this one-of-a-kind preserve, nature lovers will not be disappointed by this treasure in the Caribbean.
Park is Arikok easy to navigate as the trails are well marked with educational signs and displays are placed along many routes. For a little more direction, the office the park offers a very detailed guide to the value of your investment if you plan to spend much time here. Try to arrive early in the morning, like birds and animals are most active after dawn. It is also advisable to pack food, water, sunscreen and comfortable shoes.
Our first stop within the park is the property known Cunucu Arikok, an attraction that recalls the agricultural history of Aruba. Walking trails meander through the vegetation natural and wildlife – land formerly used to grow beans, corn and peanuts. The village of adobe has rarely seen, beams covered with cactus, cactus, coverage while still guard the land. In addition, several examples of Native American drawings on the rocks there over the farm.
The Plantation Prins was the site of a coconut farm until the 1960s. A walk along the paths of planting Prins, one comes upon a compelling ocean cove and lots fauna. For a little history on the cultivation of aloe in Aruba, visit the Masiduri, a unique garden complex with a lot of eucalyptus trees and briefings on the aloe industry. Miralamar, a group of abandoned gold mines and trenches, is another interesting place to explore.
Approaching the coastline, vegetation and landscape changes dramatically. On the beaches of the rocky coast in the north where the sea is stunning limestone formations, you can see crabs as darts through pristine stretches of sand and giant birds that float on water. The beach of Boca Prins is a popular place to go to the hatching of sea turtles baby, while Power has the cinematic grandeur of crashing waves. For picnics and sunbathing, Dos Playa is the best option within Arikok Park, although usually swimming is very dangerous. Here is also the only eating establishment within the park, with excellent local cuisine and fresh seafood.
Hide on the northwest coast of Playa Dos, natural pool – known to locals as Cura di Tortuga – is safe from the waves of the Caribbean rock formations. It is believed that the pool once held turtles waiting to be sold ('turtle' means turtle in the native language Papiamento.) Today, the pool serves as an exotic swimming hole of the lucky ones to be discovered.
Within walking distance of Boca Prins states Fontein Cave, the most visited cave on the north coast Aruba. The walls of this cave are covered with Native American designs and trademarks of the earliest European settlers. For interior caver, odd shaped stalagmites and stalactites is sure to impress. Just south of Fontein Cave is the Hofi Fontein, or Fountain Garden, home of the only freshwater spring in the northern coast of Aruba. The site also has a charming museum with plants and animal samples, treated by the guards environment.
With two cameras that are open to the Caribbean sky, Quadirikiri Cave allows visitors to explore its caves, without flashlights. Local myth has a strange explanation for the roof of the cave is said to daughter of fire of a prominent Indian chief was trapped in the cave with her lover scorned. In death, the spirits of the explosion of two young men at the top of the cave to heaven.
Also located on the north coast of Aruba, Sunu Canyon Cave, also known as the Tunnel of Love for your heart-shaped opening is rumored to have been a refuge for pirates and their treasures. Although the stories have not been validated, the cave certainly has an atmosphere of mystery and intrigue. Upon leaving the caves and Arikok Park, consider walk the promenade of San Nicolas, a charming town with plenty of new activities for you and your family.
About the Author
This article was written by Justin. Justin writes select pieces about
travel in Aruba
for the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino
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