If you’re looking for something to do in Aruba that isn’t just going to the beach, Arikok National Park is a good place to start. It covers a large part of the island and gives you a different view of Aruba. It’s quiet, open, and full of nature. Inside the park, you’ll find walking trails, caves, coastline, and native wildlife. This post will give you a better idea of what the park is like and why it’s worth visiting if you want to see more of the island.
Protecting Nature, Preserving History
Arikok National Park covers almost 20 percent of Aruba and is home to rugged desert landscapes, ancient caves with drawings, native wildlife, and hidden beaches. It is one of the best places to see Aruba’s natural beauty up close. There’s a small fee to enter Arikok National Park, and it helps keep the park clean, safe, and protected. It supports trail upkeep, wildlife and plant conservation, and preserves places like the caves with ancient drawings.
Inside Arikok, you can step into caves decorated with ancient drawings that date back hundreds of years, giving you a glimpse into Aruba’s history and culture. Walking through the park, you will come across open desert landscapes, tall cactus plants, and unusual rock formations. It feels completely different from the beach side of the island, almost like you have stepped into another world.
Fontein Cave sits quietly between the rocks, where a spring flows through clear, shallow water. You can dip your feet in and watch tiny fish swim around they will also nibble on your feet. Now and then, goats or donkeys wander past the the rocks looking for some shadow
A Look at the Hiking Trails Inside Arikok
Many people visit Arikok National Park to explore its hiking trails. The park offers a variety of paths, each with its own scenery, depending on what kind of walk you’re looking for.
One of the more popular trails is the Cunucu Arikok Trail. It’s about 3.1 miles long and takes roughly two hours to complete. This hike gives you a bit of everything. Along the way, you’ll see historical features like old-style houses and ancient cave paintings left behind by Aruba’s first inhabitants. It’s also a great trail for spotting native plants and animals, offering a mix of cultural and natural highlights.
For something shorter, there’s the Miralamar Trail. This one is 1.2 miles and takes about an hour and a half to walk. It is one of the park’s most well-known trails. The path runs above old mine shafts that were once part of Aruba’s gold mining history. The gold collected here was refined and then transported to Spaans Lagoen, where it was melted down. This trail has rockier terrain and is surrounded by local plants. On some days, you might see wild goats passing through.
If you’re looking for more context or want to learn along the way, you can also request to have a park ranger guide you. Rangers are available to lead hikes and can explain the history, nature, and culture connected to each trail.
Booking with Aruba Fantasy tours to enjoy a day at the Arikok park
If you’re interested in seeing Arikok National Park but don’t want to hike the trails, Aruba Fantasy Tours offers a private tour option that makes things easier. These tours are designed to take you to key spots around the park, like the Fontein Cave, and other scenic or cultural sites without the need to walk long distances.
You can pick the places you want to visit, and our team will handle the planning. There’s no need to figure out directions. Our guides know the park well and will take you straight to each location, explaining the history and background along the way.
It’s a great option for travelers who want to see more of the island without having to navigate the park on their own.
Fantasy Recommends: Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to explore Arikok. The ground can be uneven, especially when walking through the caves or along the rocky paths, and good footwear will make the experience easier and more enjoyable. A hat and sunscreen are also helpful since some parts of the park are open with little shade. With a private tour, you can take your time at each stop without feeling rushed, which makes it a great way to see the caves and explore the park at your own pace.