Most people visit Aruba to spend time at the beach. And don’t get us wrong, we love beach time as much as everyone else. But those who don’t leave the beach miss out on the island’s unique geological, cultural, and historical sites. Hiking in Aruba is one of the best ways to discover the island’s natural beauty, from the rugged coastline to the desert landscape dotted with Candelabra cacti. Visitors will be rewarded with dozens of scenic hikes in Arikok National Park, and adventurers can hike the famous steps up Hooiberg Mountain. Let our team at Blue Aruba Rentals introduce you to the best hikes on the island.
Arikok National Park
Arikok National Park makes up almost 20% of the island and includes most of the island’s flora and fauna. The park also has a significant geological variety, such as lava formations, limestone rocks, several bays, and a natural pool. Here are some of the most popular hikes in Arikok National Park:
- Conchi Natural Pool: This unique natural pool is Aruba’s most famous natural attraction. The walk from the visitor center to the pools is around 3.5 miles.
- Miralamar Trail: This trail offers fantastic views of the ocean in addition to a historical site. You will find an abandoned mine shaft along the path that showcases the history of Aruba’s gold rush.
- Cunucu Arikok Hike: This is an excellent hike for families with flat paths, informative plaques, and plenty of local wildlife to spot along the way!
- Cave Trails: The park has two wonderful caves to explore, including Guadirikiri Cave, extending about 100 feet. The Fontein Cave is where you can see island history with drawings from the Arawak Indians on the cave ceilings.
Hooiberg Mountain
Hooiberg Mountain is Aruba’s most famous mountain and a popular hike on the island. The cone-shaped mountain is located at the island’s center and rises over 500 feet. The main attraction is the stairs that can take visitors to the top of the hill. The panoramic views from the top of the summit are breathtaking, and on clear days you’ll even be able to see Venezuela. Keep an eye out for the resident goats, parakeets, and lizards on the way up.
North Aruba Hiking
Since most of the hiking is done at Arikok National Park, the northern tip of the island offers a quiet respite for exploring nature away from crowds. The trails wind through dirt roads, rocky shorelines, sand dunes, cacti, and ocean views. You can also visit the California Lighthouse here, where you can see 360 views of the island and watch a beautiful sunset.
Stay at Our Aruba Luxury Condo Rentals
Hiking in Aruba is an excellent way to discover the unique diversity of our Caribbean Island. After your day of adventure, return to Blue Aruba Rentals and choose from one of our condo complexes across Eagle Beach. Browse our Blue Residences, Azure Beach Residences, Oceania Residences, and Harbour House to find the perfect beachfront condo for your Aruba vacation.
